2021 Graduation Reflections

On Saturday, June 19th our graduates and their families gathered together with Lauren Smith, their class teacher; school leadership, and other faculty and staff as well as those joining via zoom, for a graduation ceremony in the school auditorium. Due to ongoing Covid restrictions, the in-person attendees were limited but the atmosphere was joyous and heart-filled.

The alumni speaker, Devin McNamara, Class of 2012, gave the graduates a glimpse of the territory that they would be exploring in the future and offered reassurance that the education that they received at WSL provides more than enough skills to master the challenges they will face. He spoke of the fear many students have of entering a world of standardized tests.  He said, “What I have come to realize after going through high school and college is that learning is not about how well you can memorize information, spew it back, and then move on. Learning is about engaging the material, asking relevant questions, and collaborating with your peers in order to deepen your understanding of a given topic.”

“Are you a hard worker? Are you motivated? Are you a team player? Are you adaptable? Are you able to relate to others? Are you willing to ask questions? These are the things that matter not only in school, but also in life. And these are the qualities that Waldorf promotes.”

Jack Ryan and Lily Vohlken took on the role of host to introduce student performances. Emerson Bruce gave a warm and humorous class speech. Several graduates contributed moving musical performances, including string ensembles, Orff instrumentals and vocal numbers. 

Lauren Smith, the graduates’ class teacher for these past eight years, shared heartfelt words about Waldorf Education being rooted in Freedom.  “Knowing yourself and how to express yourself is a big part of claiming your freedom. It’s what keeps you free when other forces try to enslave you. There are always temptations that try to enslave you, greed, ideologies, addictions; but when you know yourself, and you have people who know and love you, you will live your freedom. She spoke of the relevance of the graduation ceremony being held on June 19th, the newly recognized national holiday of Juneteenth. And finally, she spoke of her confidence in her students, in their readiness to step into the next part of their journey.

Magnolia Rios, Chair of the College of Teachers, and Alison Ryan, President of the Board of Trustees and mother of one of the graduates), presented the diplomas.

Thanks enormously for the support of Lauren Smith, Julia King (Community Life, Equity and Inclusion Manager),  Magnolia Rios (College of Teachers Chair), the eighth grade parents and guardians, and many others for all the help behind the scenes. 

We are so very proud of this graduating class and appreciate all of the obstacles and unexpected changes they've had to endure through these last two years. We wish you all the very best and welcome you into our alumni community. View Full Program | View Photos

Class of 2021 High School Destinations

Emerson Charlotte Bruce
Beaver Country Day School

Ana Francesca Danzoll
Winchester High School

Eliza Sears Lodge
Concord Academy

Sofia Pansera Marino
Cambridge School of Weston

Sola Minotti
Cambridge Rindge & Latin

Paulina Marie Moody
Gould Academy

Toby Shai Pruskin
Northampton High School

Anna Theresa Rand
To Be Determined

Jack Ryan
Groton School

Lily Adria Sarah Vohlken
Ardsley High School, N.Y.

Lindsey Anne Wright
Lexington High School