On April 5th, five Holderness students - and one teacher - traveled to Regis College in Massachusetts to connect with peers and exchange ideas at the High School Students of Color Conference.

The goal of the conference was to "lift up the voices and experiences of student identities often marginalized in independent schools and serve to build community, knowledge, and skills through workshops, keynotes, and student-to-student learning, sharing, and socializing," according to the Association of Independent Schools in New England, which runs the conference.

Here's what Holderness School's attendees had to say about this transformative and affirming event:

Rosie Gilkes ’26

This is my third time attending the AISNE conference, and each year, it becomes a more powerful experience. I get the chance to meet other students who have experiences similar to mine, and we’re able to form strong connections while talking about everything from serious topics to everyday life. One of the most important things I’ve taken away from the conference is the opportunity to speak openly about the challenges of being a student of color at a predominantly white institution (PWI). It creates a welcoming environment where I feel comfortable discussing issues that often go unspoken.

Genna Damato ’26

My experience at the Students of Color Conference was extremely positive as I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people with shared or similar experiences to my own, especially growing up Asian American. I learned many positive things and was introduced to a variety of topics I had never been made aware of. These include environmental racism, food deserts, and much more. The conference itself was filled with lots and lots of energy, as everybody was excited to be there and be in the moment. I felt accepted and appreciated. The end of the day was my favorite, as many different cultural dances and songs were performed by students from different schools. In conclusion, my experience was extremely positive, and I learned a lot about not only myself but also other cultures and how to appreciate them.

Zahra-Kadi Kegode ’27

This was my first time at the AISNE Students of Color Conference, and I had previously attended the Social Justice Leadership Institute (SJLI) at Phillips Andover. Both experiences transformed my understanding of race discussions, especially growing up in predominantly white communities.

AISNE's student-led workshops were particularly engaging, allowing me to explore relatable topics like social media and hair care while connecting with others who share similar backgrounds. I also talked to students about their clubs and events, which inspired some ideas to bring back to Holderness.

In school, it's tough to be fully authentic due to a lack of diversity, often leaving me feeling misunderstood. This conference created a space for conversations I can't have daily, making me feel heard and validated.

Dave Cosby - Director of Music

The High School Students of Color Conference by the Association of Independent Schools in New England was a wonderful opportunity for the students of Holderness to engage, interact, and be in community with other students of color from other independent schools. The keynote speaker, Jason Craige Harris, validated everyone and everyone’s story with this beautiful quote by Elana Aguilar, the founder and CEO of Bright Morning Consulting, an organization committed to helping individuals and organizations create the conditions for transformation.

“Tell stories to help others understand your beliefs and opinions. Offer your stories, not in the hope that they will change anyone else, but because they are your stories to tell and they deserve to live outside you. And when you are a listener, allow the stories of others to change you.” - Elana Aguilar

Aguilar's quote was a beautiful way to capsulate the entire experience that day where being heard, being seen, and telling one’s own story with authenticity were some of the main objectives of the event. Encouraging students to be unforgivingly themselves, and to have true, meaningful authentic relationships with others were some of the themes of the day.

I, as an adult of color, was very inspired by the speakers as well as the students who participated from the hosting school, The Cambridge School of Weston. Our Holderness contingent of students was also empowered and inspired by the event, as we had wonderful conversations about all that they had learned and participated in, as well as even having conversations about Holderness School hosting the High School Students of Color Conference (HSSCC) in the future.  It was a powerful and meaningful experience for all who were in attendance, and I am very grateful for our school’s administration for their support of our students attending this incredibly important transforming event.