Convocation Kicks Off Baylor's 133rd Year

Veteran faculty member Kenneth Parks carried the convocation flag at the school's opening ceremony. 
 

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Baylor School's 2025-26 academic year began Wednesday, Aug. 13 with the traditional convocation ceremony taking place in the Field House, officially welcoming 1,114 students, including 240 boarding students from 18 countries and 19 states.  The event also marked the beginning of Baylor's 133rd school year.

Following the procession of students selected to represent their class as flagbearers, veteran faculty member Kenneth Parks carried the convocation flag, and Head of School Chris Angel '89 entered with the convocation banner.  Students carrying class flags were Carr Stowe '32, Elise Marx '31, Caroline Willoughby '30, Ryder Flaherty '29, Dylan Andrews '28, Smith Kibbe '27, and Kate Haney '26.

The invocation was delivered by Baylor senior Taryn Harris and the pledge of allegiance was led by eighth grader Braden Martell.  A special welcome was delivered by members of the school's international community with a greeting in their native language.  Honor Council Chair William Hubbard, a senior, delivered remarks explaining the significance of Baylor's Honor Code, which was followed by a keynote from Community Service Director Takisha Haynie.  Senior James McCorkle gave the benediction before the ceremony closed with the Baylor Concert Choir singing the Alma Mater under the direction of Vic Oakes. 

Watch the Convocation video livestream recording here.