Hope House Chronicles
Here is a little trip down memory lane …
We started the year off stongly by welcoming 24 amazing new Hopelings. After a quick round of our traditional (and awkward) rendition of speed dating with the Privett boys we proved ourselves with a convincing win at Fun & Games.
Welcoming back the returners, Hope finally felt full and I was excited to try my hand as House Captain. There was no doubt I was nervous. Afterall, there is really no guidebook to this role. Through my ups and downs, Hope House has been a constant. It has been a place that I can come back to and feel the love.
After settling into routines, the Hopelings showed what Hope does best: create an amazing community. From chats after prep while getting ready for bed, to playing ninja in the hallways, we quickly became a family. The culture in Hope is inimitable; with our diverse and dynamic group, we formed relationships that could have otherwise never existed.
Each student brings their own energy. The 9s are a tight-knit group sticking together through META and Strathcona who bring a life of energy into the house halls. They are a goofy group. Sometimes I think that we let them become too confident after telling them we actually missed them while they were away at Strathcona. Nonetheless, they keep us smiling and laughing.
The 10s have shown amazing growth throughout the year and, after watching them, I think they will be ready to take that step into having 15 extra minutes before bedtime. They have settled into their lives at Brentwood, and realized that a good use of prep is important - sometimes.
The 11s are a force to be reckoned with. Sometimes I think that they can't wait for us 12s to get out of here, but then I see them realize how much planning gets put into everything. My one tip for you guys is to work together and be organized. They love their extra bit of freedom from being a junior but are filled with nerves while they talk to the Grads about Leadership.
Lastly, the 12s. I have been especially lucky to work with an amazing group of Prefects, each enthusiastic and caring in their own way - those here from Grade 9 to those new this year, we have been able to work together. One Grade 12, in particular though, has been my constant, someone who may not get all the attention she deserves. Through my three years at Brentwood she has stood by me through it all - my amazing roommate Emily. Ms Hedquist likes to make a joke that if you ask someone to help with something Emily will be the first one running down the halls. And I can confirm that that is true. Emily, I will miss our room more than anything.
For the past three years Hope has been my home, and has contributed so much to the person I am today. Thank you to all the Hopelings for being so caring, and for making memories that will last forever. Keep being yourself; you are all amazing humans.
Ms Hedquist, thank you for putting up with all of us, celebrating our wins while comforting us during our losses, and for being our Hope Mom. To each of the duty staff, thank you for spending your nights with us, and keeping us focused during prep. To Myr Pasquale and Ms Curtis (our amazing BFAs), thank you for always making us laugh. And to Assistant Houseparent Mr DeSandoli, who has been an amazing member of Hope. I thank him for being fun, energetic, and above all, kind to each student.
For the past three years Hope has been my home, and has contributed so much to the person I am today. Thank you to all the Hopelings for being so caring, and for making memories that will last forever. Keep being yourself; you are all amazing humans.
With love, Tatum Lougheed, Hope House Captain ‘24