Other suggested items to pack for the journey ahead include: • Self-confidence – “Although some may confuse selfconfidence for arrogance, I assure you, they are fathoms apart. Humility is the key when making this distinction, and make sure you keep it within arm’s reach.” • Courage – “This is not some lofty ideal or filler for banners and patches: Courage is something real and, too often, in short supply in our world. In the future, you may be called upon to use your courage in unimaginable ways.” • Honor – “Honor is one of the few things we can possess that takes a lifetime to maintain and only an instant to lose. In your most trying hour, it may be one of the few comforts you have. Don’t trade it for anything.” • Grit and determination – “Bring them for the long haul. There is still no substitute for good, old-fashioned hard work.” • Sense of humor – “For God’s sake, bring one. You will need it because if you can’t laugh, you miss out on one of life’s greatest gifts. Make sure you can laugh, and more importantly, make sure you can laugh at yourself.” • Hope – “You are the living progression of an ancestral dream and potentially the voice for the world’s silent majority. On your journey, you might be carrying the hopes and dreams of millions.”
“Finally,” Mr. Withstandley continued, “don’t forget to bring along your memories. In fact bubble-wrap them, fellas.As you sit here for the last time as a Senior class, notice that the guy next to you, whether your best friend or not, shares connections, experiences, and memories that will become increasingly valuable over time. We share a certain bond with those who are with us in our formative years. Who else can understand the shorthand of our lives? Our memories are the fragments that make us whole. May the common bond be that you are all guided by the simple message of Courage, Honor, Truth.” The Class of 2008 distinguished itself with nine “Lifers;” an identical set of twins (Andrew and Will Reed) and a fraternal set of twins (David and Michael Levy); Jamie Biondi, 2008 Presidential Scholar; and four second-generation Brunswick grads: John Curry (son of John T. Curry ’74); Garrett Long (son of Brett D. Long ’77); Nick Pinto (son of James J. Pinto ’69) and Bud Vallely (son of Mark J. Vallely ’75), as well as Drew Tunney, grandson of Walter F. Burke ’40. Headmaster Philip handed a diploma of graduation to his son Nick, and Bob Benjamin, Upper School English teacher, handed a diploma to this son, Bobby. It was also the first time in many years that we honored ten Seniors with Gold Three-Sport Varsity Athlete Awards. To these facts and feats, our Brunswick School Headmaster Philip proudly proclaimed to the Class of 2008, “Thank you, gentlemen. Well done.”
Summer 2008
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