2020 Graduation Reflections
On Saturday, June 13th our graduates and their families gathered at safe distances around the horseshoe in front of the school. They were joined by their class teacher, Elizabeth Reading, for a short graduation program.
Elijah Wiesman, Class of 2016, the alumni speaker, spoke of the community, creativity and curiosity that was nurtured in each students' journey through the Waldorf School—and the incredible value of the relationships and skills built during those years. He encouraged the graduating class to "be deliberate in maintaining the connections that you have spent years building here." Elijah also advised the graduates to be confident about what they were bringing to their new school, wherever it might be—reminding them that they'd be the "most adaptable members of (their) future class." Read Elijah's full speech here.
Shannon Ames and Raluca Buttner spoke from the parents’ perspective and grounded their reflections in the Waldorf theme of Head, Heart and Hands. They spoke of the students innate abilities as well as those planted and nurtured at school. They reminded the graduates of their comfort in thinking creatively, their flexibility balancing confidence with humility and working in community or independently with equal comfort. Finally, they encouraged the graduates to endeavor to contribute to society while remembering to keep humanity at the center. Read Shannon and Raluca's full speech here.
Magnolia Rios, the College of Teachers Chair, and Russ Ayan, President of the Board of Trustees (and father of one of the graduates), presented the diplomas.
Thanks enormously for the support of Elizabeth Reading (8th grade class teacher), Tuija Voutilainen Lynch (Director of Advancement), Magnolia Rios (College of Teachers Chair), Julia King (School Counselor), the 8th grade parents and guardians, and many others for all the help behind the scenes. And, thanks also to the Town of Lexington for their support with these graduation plans.
We are so very proud of this graduating class and appreciate all of the obstacles and unexpected changes they've had to endure this year. We wish you all the very best and welcome you into our alumni community. View Full Program | View Photos
CLASS OF 2020 HIGH SCHOOL DESTINATIONS
Theodore Ames
Arlington High School
Madeleine Ayan
Concord Carlisle High School
Edgar Buttner
Cambridge School of Weston
Benjamin Canizares
The Middlesex School
Sienna DeBurro
Walnut Hill School of the Arts
Linnea Dickson
Arlington High School
Ethan Friedlaender
Somerville High School
Arvaneh Jamil
BB&N
Anička Liška
Belmont High School
Clara Lorusso
Concord Carlisle High School
Callahan MacClary
Concord Carlisle High School
Finn McVeigh
Waltham High School
Ivana Milkó
Lawrence Academy
Rachel Pinstein
Newton South High School
Sofia Vienna
Cambridge School of Weston
Benjamin Yawoga
St. Joseph Preparatory High School