Graduation 2016

CHERISHING THE PAST AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE

On June 5, 2016, College Preparatory School celebrated its 56th Commencement at the beautiful and historic Craneway Pavilion in Richmond. More than half a dozen speakers delivered inspired and moving talks to the graduates and their families.

The program opened with an Invocation from English teacher Jeffrey Peterson. Peterson spoke endearingly of his graduating daughter, Miriam, and quoted from Tony Kushner's play Angels in America: "Bye now. You are fabulous creatures, each and every one. And I bless you: More Life. The Great Work Begins."

The talented and exuberant Senior A Cappella Coalition performed a vocal medley that included "You've Got A Friend In Me" by Randy Newman and "That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)," by Panic! At the Disco.

Edward Smith-Lewis, class of '03, opened his remarks by quoting a poem from his own College Prep yearbook page -- "Dreams" by Langston Hughes:

"Hold onto dreams
For if dreams die
Life is like a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow."

Smith-Lewis went on to urge the class to use their place of privilege and success to help others who have not had the same privileges so they too can dream, closing with a call to action: "How many more people will you bring along to be amazing with you?"

After Assistant Head and Academic Dean Sharona Barzilay awarded The Mary Harley Jenks and Ruth Willis Founders Awards to Nikhil Pandit and Christina Chavarria, respectively, beloved History teacher Kathryn Jay addressed the class on behalf of the faculty. Quoting from David Bowie's "Changes (Turn and Face the Strange)," she urged: "Seek the truth even if the truth makes you uncomfortable. Be willing to change direction." Jay, who is leaving College Prep to attend seminary, used the writing of a term paper as a metaphor for life. She closed by explaining that "graduation speeches are our culture's imperfect way of saying, 'Good bye. We'll miss you. We love you.' "

The senior class elected graduating seniors Jacob Liss and Jeremy Yan to deliver remarks. Both reflected on their experience over the four years at College Prep. Jacob Liss entertained the audience with comments about the class of 2016, emphasizing friends, leadership, fun, confidence, and gratitude. Jeremy Yan spoke thoughtfully and poetically about the transition from College Prep applicant to College Prep graduate, with commentary like "No words. Just realization."

After awarding diplomas, Head of School Monique DeVane delivered closing remarks that were characteristically thoughtful and wise. She quoted Katherine Taylor, a progressive educator from the early 20th century, who advocated exposing children to poetry, because poetry represents "faith without dogma." Monique urged the graduates to thank their families for their support and ended by charging the class of 2016: "You are that faith. The faith to find your way in life. The faith to do good. The faith to make a difference. Find the poetry in all you do."