Commencement 2021

Grace Ankrom accepts her diploma from Head of School Mr. Christopher Jones

Anna Galloway and Riley Glasgow manage a laugh as they process to the Green.

Now presenting— the CLASS OF 2021! Valedictorian Jonah Presser addresses the crowd. Even though the wind briefly blew away his speech, he recovered quite nicely! All smiles from the graduates!

On May 28, 2021, the 114 members of the graduating CLASS OF 2021 walked across the stage on Bryant Central Green to accept their diplomas and head on to the next chapter in their lives . After a most unusual year-and-a-half, it was a great relief to return to a more customary (yet slightly modified) GRADUATION CEREMONY— which this year, included hugs!

EVERYBODY IN!

Robert Burlington III catches his family’s eye during the ceremony.

Elijah Ormiston, Marques Walker, and Deuce Rolle show off grins—and BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP rings from their back-to-back wins!

A lotta love! Alivia Calabrase and Ashley Harrison share a hug.

Frances Bragg gets a hug from Board Chair Benton— who happens to be her dad!

The Class of 2021

The Class of 2021 went out in a BIG way—at 114 students, they were the largest graduating class in Cannon School history! Along the way, they learned a lot about themselves, both as learners and people. On the next two pages, hear what they had to say about some important lessons they learned at Cannon School.

Mrs. Jenny Weakland models a homemade t-shirt she designed with the names of every college her advisees are attending.

“The most valuable lesson I learned at Cannon is the meaning of family. Whether on the baseball field, in the swimming pool, or in the classroom, it is really important to have a close relationship with your teammates and classmates. Having people who have your back will help create success in all aspects of life.” – Hayes Leatherman

“It got really difficult at times to balance and manage all of my commitments and a few times I felt so overwhelmed with what I had to do. I was hesitant to speak up about my stress until finally I reached my breaking point and decided it was time to ask for help, and I'm so glad I did! My teachers were super understanding of my busy schedule, and they offered many ways for me to better manage my time and prioritize.”

– Sydney Wood

“The most valuable lesson I learned was how to communicate with my teachers and be responsible.”

– Reilly Kungl

“Seize every opportunity that Cannon gives you. Throughout my years here, there have been so many things that I have learned and experienced that simply would not have happened if I didn't go to Cannon. So, say yes to things and get outside your comfort zone as often as you can! Time goes by so fast at Cannon!”

– Molly Morrison

Izzie Gosling and Molly Morrison

“Time management! Learning how to balance work and fun in school is key to making high school as enjoyable as possible.” – Anna Dumond

“The relationships you form with teachers at Cannon is unlike any other school.

The staff continue to surprise me with their love and support for their students, and it enables the environment in the classroom to be focused and lighthearted at the same time.” – Lauren Skolaris

“Mr. Tim Aldridge supported each of us to get us to this point and look ahead to our next journey with a level of preparedness only he could have offered. He held us to a high standard, and we rose to the occasion. We are forever grateful for your unwavering support.” – Jack McDermott

Ms. Natalie Legra shares a hug with some of her advisees.

To Our Advisors, With Gratitude

Cannon’s Upper School Student Life program pairs students with one advisory—and therefore one advisor—for all four years. Over this time, advisors become trusted confidants, helping with everything from class selection to life advice. “We’re a relational school, so the advisor-advisee relationship is hugely important. Having the student and the family have one person who is their umbilical cord to Cannon is essential,” said Mr. Tom Booker, Dean of Students.

So it came as no surprise that, when asked who had been a major influence during their time at Cannon, many seniors noted their advisor. We’ve featured words from them here.

“Advisory time was priceless. Ms. (Natalie) Legra, I can speak on behalf of the whole loco Legra advisory—we love you. Thank you for being our second mom.”

– Alivia Calabrase

“The person I'd like to thank the most is my advisor Mrs.

Jenny Weakland.

She has been so supportive of me for all four years that she has known me. She has helped me gain so much of the confidence that I have today, and she helped me see my potential for things

I didn't think I was capable of.”

– Heidi Coppa

“There’s not much more our advisory could ask for than a mentor like Mr. Brandon Herder himself. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with him and although he may not want to admit yet, we’re sure he has too! He has helped us grow from young, timid freshmen in high school to graduates, about to be college students.” – Kunal Handa

“Although there are plenty of teachers who have made a profound impact on my experience at Cannon, I cannot thank my advisor, Mrs. Erin Ross, enough for being my biggest cheerleader through the past four years. It's rare to find a teacher who can go from teaching you about cellular respiration to giving advice about whatever you're worried about in a matter of minutes, yet Mrs. Ross does this with ease, and has throughout my whole high school experience. She is the epitome of everything I strive to be, and I feel lucky to have had her as both a biology teacher and advisor.”

– Emerson Evans

“Mama (Becca) Eury is always there to support us, and she has truly changed the course of our senior year for the better.

No one else could have stepped in and showed us unwavering love and support like she has. She is a light in each of our lives and this advisory wouldn’t be complete without her.” – Anna Dumond

“Mr. Richard Smith is an incredible man who transformed and bettered the lives of fourteen young men. He pushed me into leadership roles I was too nervous to apply for, and he helped us achieve goals we thought were out of our reach. I will truly miss him and thank him for being a great advisor and even better friend.”

– Evan Essex

“I would like to thank Ms. Sherry Harley for always believing in me; taking in a random freshman and instilling in him the confidence to be himself and show who he really is.”

– Deuce Rolle

Ms. Sherry Harley poses with her advisory at the Senior Breakfast.

Thanks, JoeTro!

Dean Joe Trojan, affectionately known as “JoeTro,” acted as the Class of 2021’s dean and guided them through the four years of Upper School. Along the way, he helped each student grow as a person and a leader—evidenced below.

“JoeTro is the kind of educator who values each and every one of his individual relationships with students which is one of the many reasons why he’s such an amazing dean. From the start of freshman year he welcomed me into the Upper School with open arms and our relationship grew stronger throughout our four years together. Anytime I received news or just felt like chatting I knew I could go to him and leave his office with the best advice. He’s truly one of kind and has played and will continue to play such a huge role in my life.”

– Kendyl Lauher

“I would like to thank JoeTro for being the most supportive, relatable, and personable teacher and dean that I have ever had.”

– Ali Dulin

Dean Joe Trojan gives Abby Hill a hug at Commencement.

Teachers— We Couldn’t Do It Without Them!

The Class of 2021 also called out dozens of other faculty and staff members for helping pave their way to graduation!

“I would like to thank all of my teachers for their support and their genuine care for my success. One thing that I think is different about Cannon is that all of the teachers are very student focused and success focused and want to help you and see you do well and I am so thankful for that support and positive, driven mindset.” – Olivia Harper

“I would like to thank all my teachers from the past twelve years for supporting me and pushing me to do my best. My experiences in the classroom have sparked my love for learning and interest in all subjects.”

– Kat Calcagno

Class of 2021

MATRICULATIONS

The CLASS OF 2021 will attend the following colleges and universities this fall.

Appalachian State University Arizona State University Auburn University Bates College Baylor University Clemson University College of Charleston Colorado College Colorado School of Mines

Concordia College at St. Paul's

Davidson College Denison University Duke University East Carolina University Elon University Furman University Gardner-Webb University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology High Point University Howard University Istituto Marangoni Miami McGill University Middlebury College New York University North Carolina State University Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte

Rochester Institute of Technology Sewanee: The University of the South

Skidmore College Southern Methodist University Spelman College Stanford University Suffolk University Syracuse University The University of Alabama The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee Tulane University of Louisiana

University of Georgia University of Maryland University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of North Carolina at Asheville

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of North Carolina Wilmington University of Notre Dame University of Southern California

University of Virginia Vanderbilt University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Wellesley College Western New England University William and Mary Wofford College