Foxy Blue Forever: Alex Northrup Reflects on His Time as Foxy Fellow
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Foxy Blue Forever: Alex Northrup Reflects on His Time as Foxy Fellow
Since 2017, Fox/Hound has been more than a date on the calendar; it has been central to my life at Foxcroft. Recently, after stepping down from my role as the ‘Foxy Fellow’ to focus on my health, I found myself in a rare position: standing on the sidelines. I had the opportunity to reflect on what these last eight years of songs, banners, and competition have truly taught me.
Spirit: More than cheers
I learned that spirit isn't just about who yells the loudest; it’s also about collective energy. There is an electricity in the air during Fox/Hound week that everyone feels - a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves.
Joy: The necessity of play
In a rigorous academic environment, Fox/Hound is a vital pressure valve. I realized that the fun that emerges from Fox/Hound is actually a form of wellness. Seeing students - and occasionally, myself - lose their inhibitions reminds us all that joy is not a distraction from our work, but a vital part of it.
Leadership: Student growth
I never knew how much work happens behind the scenes from every student involved in Fox/Hound, but particularly for the officers and mascots. Students learn to organize, to manage others, and to lead with empathy and intensity. The growth that I have witnessed in leadership skills is astonishing.
Connection: Foxy blue forever
I have really grown to appreciate that this tradition is a bridge to the past and to the future. Fox/Hound connects individual students to the collective history of the school. In an era where many feel disconnected from traditional institutions, Fox/Hound grounds our girls and gives them a sense of enduring belonging that they will carry with them into their future.
Though my vantage point has shifted, my belief in the power of this tradition has only deepened. I am honored to have played my part in this story, and I look forward to cheering on the next generations of Foxcroft girls — Foxes and Hounds.
From Director of The Innovation Lab and History Teacher Alex Northrup, Foxy Fellow 2017-2026
