A co-educational private school for Preschool–Grade Eight

Far Hills Unveils Alumni Grove

Far Hills Unveils Alumni Grove

Last week, Far Hills Country Day School (Far Hills) unveiled Alumni Grove, a peaceful, picturesque corner of campus dedicated to the families who have sent multiple generations of children to the school. Starting with the four alumni families who entered for the 2021–22 school year, Alumni Grove will continue to grow each year as other alumni enroll their children at the same school they attended.  

Left to right: David Solimine ‘94 with parents Yvonne and Emil Solimine and son Lenox ‘30 (front) are pictured in front of the tree planted in their honor at Far Hills Country Day School’s newly unveiled Alumni Grove.

Jessica Melillo ‘98 (pictured right), her brother Anthony ‘99 (pictured left), and her sons (left to right) Donald ‘31, Sebastian, and Nicholas are pictured in front of the tree planted in their honor at Far Hills Country Day School’s newly unveiled Alumni Grove.

Amy (left) and Chapin ‘92 Durling with daughters (left to right) Vivian ‘26, Daisy ‘26 and Chloe ‘29 and Kip Durling ‘97 (right) with daughters Serena ‘30 and Brynn ‘32 (in front of him) are pictured in front of the tree planted in their honor at Far Hills Country Day School’s newly unveiled Alumni Grove.

Hayley ‘96 (center) and Brett Andrea (right) with daughters (left to right) Brymm ‘30 and Marawynn are pictured in front of the tree planted in their honor at Far Hills Country Day School’s newly unveiled Alumni Grove. (Not pictured: son, Hale.) Also present for the unveiling were Colette and Joe Andrea (far left) and Janice and Robert Pierce (middle).

“Often, when I’m meeting with prospective families or alumni, or even when someone just says ‘tell me about Far Hills,’ I talk a lot about it being a family school, a place that welcomes and embraces all members of a family—parents, grandparents, and children,” said Georgia Zaiser, Far Hills Head of School. “This holds especially true as we unveil Alumni Grove. The idea was born out of a desire to connect two things we are so very proud of: our history—our roots if you will—and our beautiful campus.”   

“Alumni Grove is our way of honoring the strong bonds we share with families across generations,” Zaiser continued. “We are so fortunate to have 54 acres here for our students to explore and learn from every day. From our pond to our Ropes Course, our fields, and playgrounds. And now, this lovely outdoor garden. It’s a wonderful way to connect our past with our present and future.”

As a Preschool–Grade 8 school, Far Hills provides children with their educational roots. This symbolism was not lost on the school as it explored ways to recognize its alumni families. 

“As a Preschool through Grade 8 school, our families are here with us for many years, longer than they will be anywhere else,” Linda Corcoran, Far Hills Director of Engagement and Philanthropy, remarked. “That gives us a tremendous opportunity to know them deeply and to watch their children grow and flourish over that time. Now we can do the same with our Alumni Grove.” 

The future of Alumni Grove includes honoring all current alumni families, as well as those who enter Far Hills in the future.