Filling the stage in their finest attire and glowing with happiness and pride, the class of 2016 celebrated their graduation in true Waldorf fashion—with a host of performances that reflected their style, both as individuals and as a tight-knit class. Bravo, Class of 2016! We cheered you then, and we cheer you now remembering that fine day.

Below is a compilation of photos and excerpts from our eloquent graduation speakers…thank you all for bringing grace, poetry, and wisdom to this special day for the class of 2016.
[Photo credit: Betsy Peck]

An excerpt from parent Nadia Puttini

Waldorf education has certainly planted in you that seed of curiosity, the love of exploration, the ability to hang out with the questions, for a bit, like you would with a late night friend. It takes courage to expose our unknowing to the raw winds of change…  It is bold to keep asking questions like “Who am I? What am I doing here in this life? Where am I going?”

Waldorf education has given you not only the courage to ask questions but also a thread to weave the tapestry of your life, a baseline to return to time and again, an inner guidebook to which you can refer in your upcoming travels. You will be able to recognize what is wholesome, real, and authentic because you have lived and embodied it all these years at school, with your peers and your teachers. May you always remember where you belong in your own heart.

I have seen you walk hand in hand in the Great Meadows, run for your life at the Michaelmas games, turn green on a rough whale watch, stand expectantly in front of the bus departing for Hawthorne Valley, dance around the Maypole, compete at the Olympics. I have witnessed you “Be true to your aspirations, be true to your family and obligations, be a good knight”, play a gorgeous Beethoven piece at the Middle School Arts Evening, sing “Don’t Stop Believing,” elegantly dance at the Viennese Ball, and confidently roar in the Lion King, radiating energy, strength, and talent.

What a fantastic, heartfelt, uplifting experience of aliveness this has been!

Nadia Puttini, P ’16, is a grateful mother who feels blessed that her daughter could get this quality education. She is also the owner of BareSole Yoga Studio in Carlisle and has been teaching yoga in the Boston area for the past eleven years.

Where They're Headed

Congratulations to the class of 2016 for the diverse number of excellent public and private high schools they will be attending in the fall:

• Bedford High School
• Belmont High School
• Boston College High School
• Cambridge Rindge & Latin
• Cambridge School of Weston
• Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall
• Concord Academy

• Concord-Carlisle High School
• Gann Academy
• Lexington High School
• Minuteman High School
• Montrose School
• Newton South High School

An Excerpt from
Viviana Aluia, '07

Eighth grade, it is a delight to stand up on this stage with you on the day of your graduation. I know that you’ve all worked very hard throughout the years to arrive at this moment in time, and whether you’re boldly anticipating the next chapter in your lives, or you’ve been dreading this upcoming transition, or even if you don’t really know how to feel in this moment and you’re just going with the flow, I think everyone here can acknowledge the significance of capping off eight formative years of your education. You have all accomplished something big, and we’re all gathered here to celebrate you, at what will likely be one of the most eccentric, creative, and intimate graduation ceremonies of your lives.

I graduated from college one year ago, and I remember basically nothing from the proceedings of that day, except that I was shrouded in black polyester in 90 degree weather. From my own Waldorf graduation, however, I have wonderful memories, and I can recall very clearly what performances my classmates gave, who went through a whole box of tissues, and even what some of them wore. My point is that today is special and weird and unique, much like most of your time at this school if we’re being honest, and not many people in their lifetimes will ever experience anything like this, so as we continue on throughout the day, let us take moments to pause and absorb what is happening around us, because we are surrounded by a special community, in a special space, and it’s not often that all of these aspects coincide.

address from Miriam Levine, class of 2016

Graduation is a bittersweet time of happy memories, sad goodbyes, and lots of hugging. Before we go, I am going to take a moment to practice the attitude of gratitude, and speak on behalf of my class to express how grateful we are for the chance to grow up at this school.

First I want to thank our wonderful teachers. Not only have you taught us how to sew pajamas, throw javelins, and play the winking game. You have also shown us what it means to be compassionate, respectful, confident, and creative. Even though some of us are now taller than you, we will always look up to you!

And now, the remarkable Ms. DeNatale. Ms. D, you are the ultimate butterfly, bright and powerful. You came into our lives, shaped us, watched us grow, kept your calm (for the most part) and helped us reach our full potential.

Since you have decided to take a break from teaching, I want to give you a suggestion for what your next career should be. I think you should be a superhero. You always seem to know what the class gossip is, who is about to get sick, and you can transport us through space and time with your awesome storytelling. You can stay in control of a room full of energetic adolescents (pretty impressive), you help us resolve conflicts with grace, and you make us feel loved. Whatever you decide to do in your life you will be great. And if you ever need letters of recommendation, I know at least 21 people who will be happy to help.

I also want to thank our parents who got us out the door to school every day. We literally would not be here without you. After the parent breakfast last week, the 8th graders and our parents shared memories from our years at Waldorf. I want to give a special thanks to Elijah’s Dad, Todd for what he said. He told us that even though school is ending, he would always be there for us if we ever needed anything. Hearing him say that reminded me how lucky I am to be part of this Waldorf family. Because even though we won’ t be together every day, we will always be a community.

I love you guys.

Remarks from Tara DeNatale, Class Teacher

The class of 2016 enjoyed a wonderful graduation celebration as the final flourish of a remarkable school journey. They received a broad based, extensive, classical education sure to support whatever path of study they choose to follow in high school and beyond. The deep bonds of friendship nurtured over many years will continue to support these graduates for years to come.

My heart is full of gratitude and real joy from simply basking in the upbeat, loving presence of these multi-talented students for so long. I miss them already and feel fortunate to have known each vibrant young person. I will be forever grateful to the generous and dedicated parent body. These families gave their children an opportunity to grow and transform into young ‘becoming adults’ by letting them savor an unhurried childhood... The gift of time, our most precious, limited resource.

Class of 2012

Finally, this summer we also celebrate our graduates from four years ago, who are heading off to the following fine colleges and universities:

• Bard College
• Clark University
• Emerson College
• Interlochen Center for the Arts
• Ithaca College
• Mt. Holyoke College

• Reed College
• Scripps College
• University of Michigan
• University of Technology, Sydney
• Wesleyan University