“Thank You For My Construction Hat”
Well, my hands hurt. There is so much to clap for as the first graduating class of the High School Division of Grace Church School throw off their hats and begin a new chapter.
The commencement started off with Mr. Mahabir telling all of the seniors to, “Remember this time, this place. Remember that we will never forget you.”
Next, Camille Ollivierre gave a speech for the Senior class. She began by describing the “honeymoon period” during the ninth grade when everyone was friends and then continued to explain her past fourteen years at grace, focusing on the past four. She expressed her gratitude for teachers who made her feel like she belonged, for being able to her express her voice, and most importantly for finding family.
Ava Thornton, Maddy Novak, and Ayanna Dublin gave us one last listen of “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” touching everyone in the audience.
Following, Winston Simone, President of the senior class, gave his speech recounting memories made in the past four years. From thinking Ms. Carpenter was a mom crying at orientation, to surviving Mr. Rossi’s math final, to the rejected plan of getting Muhammad during advisory, and to thinking Dante was Mr. Root’s wife. It started as a “little school house” as “one grade, one building, ten teachers.”. He ended by looking to Ms. Carpenter who was in tears and he knew that he did his job. Finally, he closed by saying, “Dear Grace Church, thank you for my construction hat.”
Next up was “Give Us Hope” by the Graduation Chorale, which got everyone clapping.
Mr. Davison gave his remarks about “year zero” and how it was only five people, including himself (Dana, Mr. Loverude, Mr. Grover, Ms. Campbell). He explained that it is, “Harder to be a creator than it is to be a follower.” But you, class of 2016, were creators.
New York Times Columnist David Brooks, GCS of 1975, gave a terrific commencement speech. He started off by saying that you guys are the, “best graduating class in history of this high school!” He also said that when you get your diploma, be sure to tip the head of school and the speaker. “High school is about discovering who you are.” He then explored 5 things that everyone should do in college.
- Don’t go overboard your first 3 weeks- you will have that reputation for the next four years.
- Don’t assume everyone is smarter than you, because every thinks they are the stupid one.
- Don’t worry about your major because many people have jobs that have nothing to do with their college major.
- DO over invest in friendships.
- DO fall in love
Then, there were prizes for various faculty and students:
Alumni Prize – Electra Carzis and Felix Ma
Class of 2016 Medal – All members of the Inaugural Senior Class, Mr. Mahabir, and Ms. Carpenter
Special Class of 2016 Medals were also given to:
- Former Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Doug Evans
- Former Trustee, Ms. Sally Hines,
- Head of High School Division, Mr. Hugo Mahabir
- Dean of the Class of 2016, Ms. MiChelle Carpenter
Finally, the presentation of diplomas. Students, parents, and faculty clapped and clapped as each student received their diploma. There was so much excitement in the audience; they finally did it! All 64 of them!
The commencement ended with “Amazing Grace,” sung by the entire community and the Graduation Chorale. The song had adapted stylings in African tradition. Just one more way Grace Church School doesn’t fit the mold, we create it.
Reverend Hummel gave one final blessing, and, before we knew it, the class of 2016 was running out of the doors and throwing off their caps. They did it.
Dear Grace Church School,
Thank you for my construction hat.
Love,
Class of 2016