It’s impossible to put into words the emotions we may be feeling as this year comes to an end. There were challenges and rewards, hard work and late nights, laughter and fun. There are classes that we finish with relief, cheerfully knowing we won’t ever have to walk back into that classroom again. There are teachers and classmates that cause tears on the last day of class, as we know that the memories from that room will remain with us for years to come. There’s excitement for summer and the future, while at the same time knowing we will miss waving at people in the hallways and sitting on the quad at lunch.
The Baccalaureate ceremony captured the essence of mixed feelings. Mr. Follet opened the ceremony with reflective words to the senior class and their families, remarking on students’ accomplishments in terms of connections they have formed and experiences they have shared. His speech was followed by Mr. Bell, who used metaphors and philosophy to talk about thinking, feeling, and doing. He passed the microphone to seniors in the audience to talk about everything from how to turn a car to hearing about Travis’ tennis match.
JR Cobb followed Mr. Bell’s speech. He used a Rubik’s cube to represent high school and the different paths and opportunities that are available. He described the class’s four years of high school with anecdotes and examples, including listing some of their achievements- and did a fairly convincing job at proving that there is no other graduating class “that is as dominant as this one in as many disciplines.” Afterwards, Jack Denny gave a heartwarming speech about the influence of faculty and parents. He led the senior class to reflect on the love and support that they have received throughout their time here and how that will continue throughout the rest of their lives.
As student speeches came to a close, Ms. Lisa Kadis provided a parent perspective. She reflected on the influence of kids over their parents, through the “wild goose chase” of life. She then transitioned to talking about the joy and celebration that the seniors deserve as they graduate, using the metaphor of balloons… and then turning that metaphor into reality as every senior received a balloon placed under their chair (and they all immediately ducked simultaneously to search for it). She concluded by remarking that, “as parents, we let you go, knowing you will soar.”
The parents who were starting to get teary-eyed (and maybe the siblings, too) only got more emotional as the senior slideshow began. The various photos caused collective laughter, groans, and “aww”s. The slideshow was wrapped up by videos with students, teachers, coaches, and underclassmen.
Finally, Dr. Ehrhardt brought the ceremony to a close with a numerical reflection, recounting the seniors’ Upper School experience through hours. This ranged from weekly Membean practice to COVID health forms to college applications. He ended with stating that while the seniors may not feel ready for the next step, they are certainly prepared for whatever is to come.
Saying goodbye is difficult. But there is truly a good part of goodbye: new opportunities, independence, and new memories. So goodbye to our seniors, and thank you for everything you have brought to Cary Academy.