We say the end depends upon the beginning. The journey we take at this school – and how we come out of it – depends on how we start. If these things are true, then new student orientation provides an interesting analogy to the Andover experience.

In one way or another, the Andover experience is encapsulated by the screaming Seniors at the corner of Salem and Main on new student move-in day. Although the students drove the spirit and the cheers and the overall sense of welcome which...