“The shortest distance between two people is a story,” author Patti Digh reminds us — a line often shared on campus by Director of Spiritual Life Bobby Fisher. That truth came alive in Clark Chapel when Pomfret’s new Head of School, Heather Willis Daly, delivered the Opening Chapel Talk. Following the Opening Sundial Ceremony and a delicious sit-down dinner, she offered her own story, setting the tone for the year and bringing the community closer together.

“This is actually my first time giving a Chapel Talk,” Daly admitted with a nervous smile as she began sharing how she came to arrive on the Hilltop.

Growing up in Wassaic, New York, as the eldest of four sisters, Daly was rarely seen without a stack of books in her arms. Despite her love of reading, she struggled in school — until a turning point in eighth grade. A bout of strep throat forced her to slow down, gather her scattered assignments, and study. That small moment of focus unlocked something larger: confidence in her own ability to succeed. It set her on a path to thrive in high school, attend Wellesley College, and ultimately discover her passion for education and community. She found her calling in boarding school admissions and community building, driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of inclusive, kind communities. Her lifelong love of books and learning continues to shape her work and her connection to Pomfret.

“Everyone here at Pomfret has a story, a journey in their lives that has had twists and turns and ultimately brought them to this Chapel today,” she said. “We have the opportunity to write this next chapter for Pomfret School. I’m excited to hear from you over the course of this year about your Pomfret stories.”

Her first Chapel Talk was not just the telling of a personal journey — it was an invitation: to listen deeply, share openly, and to help build a Pomfret defined by empathy, connection, and the stories that bring us closer together.

See more photos from the evening
 

See More Stories