With graduation officially underway, Seniors and faculty alike are growing sentimental as they reminisce about memories made.
Graduation activities began yesterday afternoon in the Chapel with a ceremony inducting members of the Senior class into the Cum Laude Society. Inductees celebrated afterwards with tea on the Tremaine patio.
Seniors then showcased their musical talents with a recital in Elfers Hall before enjoying dinner with their guests in Main Building. Diners were served by volunteers from the Lower Mid class. After dinner, the school celebrated the accomplishments of members of the class of 2019 at the Senior Awards ceremony in Elfers Hall. Seniors received major school prizes as well as honors from individual departments.
Later in the evening, Seniors met with Mr. Bradley, head of school, for the last time in the Student Center.
On May 31, Graduation day began with a sunrise snack for the class at the boathouse by the lake.
The day will continue with the Baccalaureate Ceremony in the Chapel, where Chaplain Jason Larson will address the Seniors.
The Commencement ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Harris House Lawn. Cheo Hodari Coker ’90, television writer and producer, will deliver this year’s commencement address to the Class of 2019. Coker is known for producing television series like Luke Cage, NCIS: Los Angeles, Southland, and Ray Donovan, and currently has a television development deal with Amazon Studios.
Although Seniors are excited to begin the next phase of their life, they are also sad to leave the community behind. Amanda Maia ’19 said, “What I’ll miss the most about Hotchkiss is how the rural location allows our community to bond. I have made lifelong friends here [who] I will have to say goodbye to. I have taken away so many amazing lessons, and I am so grateful that Hotchkiss allowed me to do that.”
Mr. Dittmer summarized the bittersweet feeling with a message of hope. He said, “Every end of something is the beginning of something else. Individually we are responsible for ensuring that that “something else” is fulfilling, rewarding, and maybe better.”
After reflecting on their experiences here, members of the class of 2019 have advice for the grades below them. Eric Chun ’19 said, “Live every single day here to the fullest, because you will miss every bit of it. Being with your friends and supporting them are two of the most important things in getting through your years here.”
Members of the class of 2019 will leave campus this afternoon.