URBANA — The new school year began this morning with an opening-day assembly in Uni Gym. Some 300 students greeted the school's new director, Dr. Jeffrey Walkington, who takes over from the retired Steve Epperson.

Doc Walk, as he likes to be called, is a native of central Illinois and has worked in both private and public schools. His most recent stint was at the Chicago Latin School, where he was vice president of academic affairs.

At today's assembly, Assistant Director Sue Kovacs got things rolling with some introductory remarks, followed by Walkington's brief talk, which featured humorous anecdotes from his elementary school days to illustrate the point that students should relax and make the most of new experiences.

Also addressing the assembly were senior class president Nick Zukoski and Student Council executive president Rachel Harmon, who reminded everyone that Uni's first dance of the year — and the only free one — will be held Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. in the North Attic. See you at the Howdy Hop!