On June 27, President Michael E. Hill opened Chautauqua Institution's 2021 Season with the annual "Three Taps of the Gavel" address. Hill delivered his remarks in person at the Amphitheater, something he was unable to do in 2020.

"So here we are, you and I, reclaiming our beloved Chautauqua grounds, and today I cannot help but think about all of those who planned and sacrificed, sweated and worried, created safety plans and kept our society moving, all so we could get to this day," said Hill. "It is only fitting that we hold up these heroes as we start our Summer Assembly together, because it took far more than a village to bring us back. Please allow me a moment to share some of the heroics we have witnessed since our last gathering."

After recognizing Chautauqua County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler, Hill acknowledged CLCS and Dr. Joshua Liddell, Superintendent, for all of the district's work to offer in-person instruction during the 2020-21 school year.

"From the start of the 2020-2021 school year, Chautauqua Lake Schools represented creativity and resilience — offering multiple pathways to the classroom experience," said Hill. "The district just completed a remarkable 186-day school year in which it provided in-person instruction every school day for 95% or more of the district’s population."

Read the entirety of Michael Hill's 2021 Three Taps of the Gavel address.