Nearly 80 years ago a stray dog made his way to a boy’s orphanage in Barrington.

The small brown terrier mix stole his way into the hearts of the children and faculty alike. Just as in any endearing adoption story, the dog and the orphans rescued each other from loneliness. From that unconditional love grew an unwavering bond. They christened their new friend Pal.

Today, St. Andrew’s School is honoring Pal as an ambassador of inclusivity and friendship as the school celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Pal’s story was lost for more than seven decades until a St. Andrew’s faculty member stumbled upon a Providence Journal article from May 1948 in the school archives. The story details the dog’s participation in the daily life of the then-orphanage. The article reports that Pal went everywhere with the boys. He ate with them in the dining hall and sat through services in the school’s chapel. He became family to boys who had none to call their own.

“The idea of Pal as symbol of inclusion is such a tribute to the legacy of St. Andrew’s," said St. Andrew's School Headmaster David Tinagero. "We truly benefit from an authentic multi-perspective environment, and we always will."

Founded on the principle of inclusion, St. Andrew’s has a long history of bringing together people from different backgrounds. 

“What we are most proud of is the vast diversity that exists in our student population. We pride ourselves in offering equal access to excellent education to a variety of learners,” Mr. Tinagero said.

Stephanie Morin, the assistant head of school, understood the value of Pal when she purchased a toy version of the dog. 

This year the toy “Pal” has made his way across the globe on experiential learning trips with students and admission fairs. Pal has visited Spain, China, Nigeria, and Prague. This spring he is heading to Catalina Island to study conservation with a group of biology students as well as Yosemite for the National Parks Class trip. 

For the school’s 125th celebration, students will have the opportunity to “Find Pal” across campus and earn prizes.