Saying “Goodbye” to our Class of 2018
At The Winchendon School, we build community as we share school events marking our coming and goings. Gathering together for a formal, all community dinner before we depart for major vacations is one example. Baccalaureate, senior dinner, and graduation are other examples which all help us transition and honor our graduating class.
This last week, the last week seniors are on campus, is filled with rituals. With practicing the graduation ceremony comes the realization time with friends and faculty is ending and the dreams for the next chapter are upon us. Over these past few weeks, we’ve spent time with our seniors reflecting on the young teen they were when they first stepped onto campus and the young adult they are now as they leave.
A common theme we’ve heard in these reflections is how TWS has helped our students discover themselves and allowed them to challenge themselves, academically, socially, and athletically. Here, they’ve told us, it’s safe to “lean into a challenge.”
“If I could go back and give the freshman me advice, I would tell myself to try everything.”
This week is when we recognize and embrace the Class of 2018. We begin as a community with a baccalaureate. In good weather, baccalaureate is held at the Cathedral of the Pines, an outdoor meeting space with a panoramic view of Mount Monadnock. After the ceremony, the School celebrates with a steak and lobster dinner.
The next evening, as families arrive to campus, we have an evening for our graduating class filled with remembrance and celebration for all members of the senior class.
Graduation day (Sunday, May 20), as always, is filled with promise, speeches, hugs, and many teary eyes. We’ll see you there (tissues in hand)!
