Students, families, faculty and staff of Ware Academy gathered in the school’s gymnasium last Wednesday, Sept. 9, to officially begin the 2026-2027 academic year with its annual convocation program. Pastor Patrick Billups, former Ware Academy Director of Development and Assistant Head of School, opened the convocation with prayer before Head of School Dawn Fleet welcomed families. Board of Trustees Vice President Justin Reese encouraged students to embrace one of the most important parts of learning—making mistakes. He told them that mistakes are not something to fear but are opportunities to learn, grow and try again. His message centered on the importance of perseverance and continuing forward, even when things do not go as planned. Guest speaker was Ware alumna Callie Penick, who gave students an example of carrying the lessons learned at Ware beyond the classroom. Penick told the school how the character traits instilled during her years at Ware continued to shape her long after gr...