Around The Quads
Commencement dignitaries and prize winners gather after the ceremony: (standing) Trustee John Bussel ’87, Trustee Andrew Carter ’58, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Christopher Norton ’76, Head of School Sheila Culbert, Xin Wen, Commencement Speaker Diana Farrell ’83, Trustee Peter Seigle ’65, and Trustee Reginald Paige Sr.; (seated) Cameron Nelson, Keara Jenkins, Garrett Esper, Kassidi Jones, Reinaldo Maristany, Nana Minder, Rohin Bhargava, and Claire Kim. Photos: John Groo
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It is tempting to go out into this imperfect, chaotic world full of halftruths and unknowns and seek to ascribe order to it all. But some of the most important things in life are not rational or predictable … .
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— Class Speaker Nicholas Aldridge
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economic team from 2009 to 2011, she recalled the difficult decisions facing the president in response to the recession, including the decision to bail out General Motors. “That was five years ago,” she said. “Today, as most of you head to college, our economy has truly stabilized. We’ve had 50 consecutive months of job growth, housing prices are rising, and confidence is growing. But we are still a long way from a robust and thriving economy that is sustainable and benefits everyone.” Although she cautioned that rebuilding the economy to its previous strength will be difficult and still in the distant future, she expressed a hopeful outlook. “I am optimistic about the future and about you, especially today as I look at all of you, the next generation, eager to embrace what lies ahead and ready to make a difference in the world,” she said. “May you do so boldly and wisely.” Nick emphasized in his address the importance of not only quantifiable successes, such as achieving a high score on an exam, learning a symphony, or scoring a winning goal, but also immeasurable achieve-
ments, such as happiness, passion, and ingenuity. “It is tempting to go out into this imperfect, chaotic world full of halftruths and unknowns and seek to ascribe order to it all,” he said. “But some of the most important things in life are not rational or predictable, but rather abstract and elusive. Some of the most important things in life are not governed by the logic of desire and action. So don’t try to catch everything because sometimes the most important things are the things you find when you turn over a stone in the forest, jump into the ocean in the summer, and watch the sunrise with someone that you love. In these moments, you realize that the quantifiable stuff doesn’t really matter all that much.” Nicholas noted that high school is a time of change and growth, which can cause individuals to question what they believe in and who they are. “Me, I’m a member of the Loomis Chaffee graduating Class of 2014, and I believe in seeing an incomprehensible world and slowing down to find the beauty in the chaos,” he concluded.
Commencement culminated with the presentation of diplomas. As Head of School Sheila Culbert handed diplomas to the graduates, each individual in return handed her a small silver heart. The hearts will be placed in pelican figures being created for the school’s upcoming Centennial Celebration. In closing remarks, Sheila and Chris Norton congratulated the graduates, wished them well, and reminded them that they always will remain part of the Loomis community. “Our alumni are leaders in this nation and around the world, as you too shall be,” Sheila said. “Remember, wherever you go and wherever you may be, that you always have a home here, and know we follow each and every one of you on your special paths.” To read the full text of Diana’s and Nicholas’ speeches and citations for each of the prize winners, go to www.loomischaffee.org/magazine.