FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

MATT WALSH FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

In capturing the special spirit of the Class of 2022, it is no surprise that this issue also clearly conveys so many of the core qualities that make GCS such an amazing place. As you may know, the senior car parade started in 2020 when were unable to have a traditional Commencement ceremony. We continue this event because it brings our community together in a special and less formal way to celebrate our seniors. All of our students and faculty across the divisions come out and line the parade route, sending up cheers, congratulations, and well wishes.

This year’s parade is a bit of a metaphor for this wonderful class, the challenges they have encountered, and all they have overcome. Despite the rain, seniors and their families just kept rolling and kept smiling! It was really something to see. In his Commencement speech, Daniyel Coy ’22 said one big lesson he and this class have learned at GCS is that life “entails the weathering of many storms” and that “staying hopeful in the face of adversity” is critically important. As I listened to Daniyel’s remarks, I thought about how this class epitomizes the idea of weathering the storm and staying positive as they encountered so many COVID-related disruptions during their time here.

Students did not overcome challenges in a vacuum, and we are grateful to parents for their partnership and support. Our outstanding faculty and staff were not only incredibly supportive of students, but also set a great example of how to adapt, innovate, and carry on in difficult times. I thank them for their efforts on behalf of the Class of 2022. While not surprising, it was striking how many of the senior reflections touched on the strong relationships that they had with our teachers and how they simultaneously felt supported and challenged to learn and to grow.

A school’s traditions are a window into its values and culture, and our approach to graduation is a perfect example. Allowing an opportunity for each student’s perspective on their GCS experience is what we are all about. Independent thought is prized here, and our rich diversity of views makes all of us better. It was stirring to hear the ways in which students have both strengthened our community and have been forever touched by it.

While the accomplishments and college acceptances of these seniors are certainly outstanding, this class will always stand out in our memories for the special way in which they came together and for how well they handled the vicissitudes of the last couple of years. They are, in many ways, heading off to college with the advantage of having already learned a number of life’s important lessons. Class of 2022, we are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see how your special gifts will make our world a better place.