Commencement Returns in 2021
O
ne year ago, there were no pre-Commencement nervous jitters, no flowers, no processional, no audience, no choir, no speeches. In the middle of the pandemic, the Class of 2020 celebrated its Commencement with an enthusiastic, but socially distanced, Diploma Parade. A year later, there were still some concessions to social distancing, with multiple stages and pods of families filling Firman Field; but the mood of the day was pure joy, as Seniors, parents, grandparents, friends, and faculty came together to celebrate the resilience of the Class of 2021. Upper School Principal Dr. Jon Vogels delivered his final Commencement speech and had the honor of congratulating a graduate in the family, his son Henry Chesley-Vogels ’21. Head of School Dr. Mike Davis paid tribute to Vogels, who is stepping down as Upper School Principal after 18 years, but who will continue at CA as an English teacher and Advisor to the Speech and Debate program. Davis also had some final thoughts for the Class of 2021. “You have proven that you are resilient and can muster the strength and creativity to come out better than when we started,” Davis said. “You will handle what life brings to you with the same kind of courage and kindness that have defined how so many of you interact in your daily lives. As you leave CA, know that you are prepared for anything.” On behalf of the Class of 2021, Colby Lish ’21, the student-elected speaker, thanked CA. “As we go off into the world, remember that we are all leaders—though we will each present it in our own unique way. We have received the priceless gift of education,
10
Colorado Academy Journal
and now it is our duty to take charge of the world that we are stepping into with the intent to better it for the next generation.” Until last year, sitting through Commencement was an experience students and families took for granted.
After a year when so many things seemed not quite normal, Commencement represented the return of beloved traditions for the Colorado Academy community—and the community celebrated with smiles, hugs, and a standing ovation for the Class of 2021. n
