July 23, 2020 | SPECIAL COMMENCEMENT EDITION CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2020! A MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
Andrew Webster, Head of School, delivered a powerful Charge to the Class of 2020 during last Friday's 137th Commencement Ceremony. Below is an excerpt:
Though 2020 should give us perfect hindsight, today is not a day to look back, but to look forward. Today, it's not the waking, it's the rising, not about the crises but about the overcoming. The simple truth is that you have grown up, especially through your high school years, with conflicts, disasters, and diseases that are daunting. Today is a time to celebrate overcoming those things, learning about yourselves and the world, and stepping forward into a new, uncertain chapter that looks like it will try you anew. And you will have the opportunity again to choose how to respond and what kind of person you want to be.
A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION
Gerard Gonnella '89, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, passionately describes why W+H offers the best educational experience, now more than ever. Below is an excerpt from his recent blog post:
This current crisis continues to demonstrate the high quality of education, innovation, community, character, personalized attention and commitment our school provides. As an alumnus, as an educator, as a former coach, as the admission director and more importantly as a father of two W+H students, I say with absolute certainty that we provide all of those things and more! Now more than ever I am so happy to have W+H in my life and more importantly in the lives of my children.
SCHOOL NEWS CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATES IN PERSON AT 137TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY The Wardlaw+Hartridge School held its 137th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, July 17 on the large field at the front of campus to allow for proper social distancing. The graduates were previously honored virtually in June with a Senior Ovation ceremony. Wearing face coverings, the seniors followed the W+H faculty, administration and trustees in a single file procession to begin the ceremony, which marked the first time the school community joined together since March 12. The program began with the Star-Spangled Banner and a welcome from Dr. Bob Bowman, Upper School Head. Dr. Bowman's message included three wishes for the graduates – wisdom, patience and trust. Senior class president Ricardo Garces, Jr. '20 delivered an inspiring speech during which he addressed the many problems his generation is facing and encouraged his peers to make a difference in the world. Andrew Webster, Head of School, delivered his Charge to the Class of 2020 and Robert Rizzo '89, Board of Trustees President, provided greetings and best wishes during his remarks. Chris Teare, Director of College Counseling, announced the names of all 58 graduates. Each of the 48 seniors in attendance posed for a photo with Mr. Webster and after all received their diplomas, they tossed their caps in the air with jubilation.
PHOTO GALLERY - 2020 GRADUATES
PHOTO GALLERY - SENIOR CANDIDS
Read Ricardo Garces, Jr.'s Speech
Read Robert Rizzo's Remarks
W+H DEVELOPS FALL REOPENING PLAN The Wardlaw+Hartridge School continues to develop its reopening plan for the 2020-2021 academic year. The school's goals are: • to ensure safe and healthy conditions throughout the school • to provide a program of such flexibility that we are ready for any changes in local conditions that will affect school operations • to deliver programs in any mode – in-person, blended, or distance learning – of the highest quality and value An updated plan will be published by the end of July.
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