Although Saturday, June 17th was gray and cloudy with thunderstorms and heavy rain, the mood in the Auditorium for the graduation ceremony was warm and bright. The Class of 2023 gathered with their class teacher, Elizabeth Reading, beloved faculty, family and friends to celebrate this special transition.

Nicolas Karnath was the Student Host and the program included members of the class speaking of some of their dearest and fondest memories of the years spent here at WSL. There were also student performances, both solo and ensemble, selected by the students.

Keefer Glenshaw ’18 was the alumni speaker. Looking back from a short distance—from the other side of High School and through his first year at Berklee School of Music—he shared insight and gratitude for the many gifts he received during his time as a WSL student. He spoke of kindness and community and encouraged the graduates to treasure their classmates and continue to delve into the lessons from these years. He assured them that with a little distance gratitude and understanding of this indescribable education would grow.

Sara Hyson, the parent speaker spoke of the years of growth and the class community. She referred to the transitions this class faced with changing teachers and the reforming and embracing a new teacher and new classmates.

Elizabeth Reading, the class teacher, joined this class three years ago, having seen them from her previous role as the class teacher for the Class of 2020. She talked about taking on the class and facing this group of Middle School students, meeting them where they were and helping to guide them forward while learning herself.

The subject teachers presented the poem A Personal Quest by Patricia A. Fleming, a beautiful and meaningful poem offering tools of self awareness and self compassion.

Lauren Smith, Interim School Director, and Alison Ryan, President of the Board of Trustees, presented the diplomas.

Thanks enormously for the support of Elizabeth Reading, Kim Ayan, Lauren Smith, Alison Ryan, Paul Menz, Betsy Peck, faculty and student musicians, the eighth grade parents and guardians, parent volunteers, and many others for all the help behind the scenes.

We are so very proud of this graduating class. We wish you all the very best and welcome you into our alumni community.