COMMENCEMENT | 2023

Keynote Speaker

LAUREL J. RICHIE, MARKETING INDUSTRY LEGEND AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE WNBA

Laurel J. Richie told the assembled graduates:

“Brewster Class of 2023: You are prepared. You are ready. And the world is ready… for you to discover your passions and to transform your passions into a life of meaning, purpose, and impact,” she ended with force. “So go out there and make your mark…in any and every way you see fit. There is so much good yet to be done, and my generation is counting on your generation!”

Commencement 2023 began, as it has in many previous years, with the peals of a bagpiper playing as the graduates processed from the Smith Center to Brown Field. Head of School Kristy Kerin invited all in attendance to enjoy the day’s special moments, remember all the hard work and dedication that led to graduation day, and feel gratitude for the deep, lasting friendships formed at Brewster. She then recognized VIP guests who joined the festivities on the field, including Trustee Emeriti Dan and Kathy Mudge, who have been devoted to Brewster for more than 26 years; Sheila Smith, an influential former director of admission, and David Smith, Brewster’s longest-serving head of school.

Just The Facts

WEATHER REPORT: Glorious!

GRADUATES

MUSICAL MOMENT:

VALEDICTORIAN: Lam Kellye Nguyen Using a Vietnamese proverb that translates “Each hand-span of road brings back a basket full of wisdom” as a metaphor for the journey the class had made, and will make, together, Nguyen said, “...At this momentous point of intersection, I urge you, fellow travelers, to allow yourself a moment of rest. And as you do so, I want you to think about the places you’ve walked on, ran through, crawled by, both physically and mentally, that have gotten you here. Cherish them, and know that it is enough. You are enough.”

SALUTATORIAN: Hannah Yang

POSTGRADUATE AWARD: Seth Suangburanakul

MILITARY APPOINTMENTS: Meghan Shippos, The United States Merchant Marine Academy

AS IS TRADITION…The Winnipesaukean dedicatee and reader of the graduates’ names was Waterfront Coordinator Kyle Williams!

EXTRA-SPECIAL MOMENT: As Commencement took place during Memorial Day Weekend, Kerin invited all military personnel on the field—active duty and retired—to stand and be recognized and appreciated with an extended round of applause.

THAI FRIENDS: Each year, representatives from the Office of Educational Affairs with the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. travel to Wolfeboro to celebrate Brewster’s graduating Royal Thai Scholars. They honor us by reading those students’ names as they cross the Commencement stage. This year, we welcomed Pajita Diskul Na Ayudhya and Korn Thepnorarat.

FINAL MESSAGE: Quoting favorite author Lucy Maud Montgomery, Kerin said, “There’s something so mystical about lakes, almost like they’re gateways to another world. You can stand on the shore and look out at the water, and it feels like anything is possible.” She then said, “As you leave here today, remember the power of shared experiences. During your time on campus, you have seen firsthand how moments of shared joy can lift us up, bring us closer together, and help us navigate the ups and downs of life. Take all that you have learned on these shores, stay connected with one another, and show us what is possible through your individual and collective actions. And when you need a dose of this special community, come visit. We’ll be waiting to see you.”