New Adventures Await the Class of 2017

6/9/2017

Sunglasses were on full display at Collegiate School’s 102nd commencement ceremony this morning, which featured a multitude of warm feelings as the Class of 2017 bid a bittersweet farewell.

John O’Neill, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, welcomed families and friends who had assembled on the lawn in front of Flippen Hall.

Mr. O’Neill, whose daughter is a member of the graduating class, asked the seniors to stand and show their appreciation to parents and loved ones who helped them reach this milestone. He shared that what happens in Collegiate’s classrooms, art and music studios and on its athletic fields is not a consequence of randomness or serendipity.

“It is the product of deliberate and strategic planning, of concentrated effort, of devoted passion, that is brought to bear, every day, by our faculty, staff and administration,” he said. “I have found the work of our faculty, staff and administration in making it happen to be awe-inspiring.”

Mr. O’Neill closed with these words to the Class of 2017: “You are to be commended and thanked for your independence, grace, loyalty, commitment and spirit. In all respects, you represent the best of Collegiate’s values: community, respect, love of learning, excellence and honor.”

Steve Hickman, Head of School, thanked Mr. O’Neill, who, on June 30, will step down from his position as Chairman of the Board of Trustees after three years of service.

“John’s devotion to our School is extraordinary,” Mr. Hickman said. ”He has been available whenever and wherever we have needed him. Our school community has benefited greatly from his wisdom, his patience and his unwavering commitment to doing what is best for Collegiate’s young people.”

Mr. Hickman quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, Samuel Johnson, Pablo Casals and Martin Luther King, Jr., who each spoke of pursuing a life well-lived — one that includes courage and decency, as well as a tough mind but a tender heart.

“Have the courage to accept that life is messy,” Mr Hickman said. “Have the courage to be decent. Minds That Seek and Hearts That Serve. You know what decency and goodness are. Go spread that Cougar spirit. Our world needs it.”

Sarah Cook Martin '94, President of the Alumni Association Board, introduced the recipients of the 2017 Alumni Awards.

Steve Markel '66, Vice Chairman of Markel Corp., received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Tad Thompson '66, Director of Business Development at Canal Capital Management, received the Outstanding Service Award.

Before awarding diplomas to the 133 graduates who will enroll in 57 different colleges in 33 states, Canada, England and Scotland in the fall, Patrick Loach, Head of the Upper School, offered brief remarks to parents.

“Be thankful you sent them to an outstanding School that prepared them not only for college, but also for life,” he said. “Be proud of the fact that you have raised wonderful children who are truly ready for this next step. It is who they are as people, as a class, that has allowed them to accomplish such remarkable things.”

Honorees from the class of 2017 were:

E. Angus Powell Award: Excellence Perry

Rosemary Medal: Kate Surgner

Dr. Martha E. Kolbe Award: Michael Warker

Louise Mattern Coleman Award: Jane Fergusson

Charles F. Wiltshire Citizenship Award: Shaan Sharma

Johnel Tate Poffenberger Award: Matty Pahren

Each of the valedictorians, Georgia Beazley and Price Withers, received the Greenbaum Award and delivered a valedictory address. The following are excerpts from their speeches.

Georgia Beazley

“It has struck me that we are the beneficiaries of an amazing education. This education has taught us how to think on a higher level and how to be on a higher level and how to act in thoughtful and empathetic ways. We all have examples of how someone has reached out to make us feel better, but also how we felt after being the one to help. Kindness is something you give and receive . . . Here at Collegiate, we have lived in a community where empathy and kindness abound; but think about it: Should each one of us graduating today go forth in the next phase of our lives and continue to practice what we have learned here, we have the ability to create an incredible ripple effect of kindness. And so I challenge you and myself to try and incorporate acts of kindness into your daily lives. Be the best you that you can be and always remember to be kind.”

Price Withers

“I probably should impart some guidance for the next chapter of your life. So, here are my top two pieces of advice. Number one, objective truth exists. In a relativistic postmodern era, society tells us that truth is up to your interpretation. But after careful examination, one discovers the numerous flaws with this worldview. I believe that there are objective truths about the nature of reality and the existence of God and the origin of life. As universities become increasingly hostile to the free flow of ideas, it is our job to break out of this mold. Collegiate has taught us how to think; now use this information to discover what to think.

Secondly, the key to success in life is hard work. I truly believe that dedication can lead to success. If you are doing what God has intended for you to do, then trust that perseverance will take you places. I am excited for the future, and I hope that you are too. I know that every person behind me could name several teachers and students who have impacted their lives during their time at Collegiate. That’s why I’m proud to be a Cougar. Congratulations, one more time, to the class of 2017. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish.”

Also, as part of the 2017 graduation ceremonies, Alex Peavey, Upper School counselor and mindfulness teacher, gave an inspiring speech at Thursday evening’s Baccalaureate. Click here to read his powerful words.

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