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All of them are truly invested in our education. Doctor Molowa spent hours with me and my gargantuan AP Chemistry book after class, trying to explain the concepts of general chemistry from redox to equilibrium and everything in between. He wanted me to succeed, and I did. Mr. Brescher cheered me through AP Calculus, even though he
per due date. I know, I know, I am what I am. With your support, I made it here, and I thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart. We’re here in suits and dresses to get our diplomas and finally graduate, but that’s only the beginning. We each have our own goals in life – doctor, lawyer, CEO, legislator, artist, engineer – and I
’11
wasn’t my teacher for that class. We may not value enough that our teachers wanted to see us do well not for their benefit, but for our own. And now we’ve got to do them proud. My family and friends have put up with me and my ridiculous nature to over-react on the eve every test and pa-
ic to ria
We’re here in suits and dresses to get our diplomas and finally graduate, but that’s only the beginning. We each have our own goals in life – doctor, lawyer, CEO, legislator, artist, engineer – and I know we’ve worked hard to get this far. I’d like to thank all of you gathered on Senior Circle for celebrating with us. For us, it’s seemed like an eternity to get from last September to now; crossing months, weeks, even days off our calendars. For everyone else, we only started kindergarten a few years ago. On September 4th, 1997, I ran out the door with my 101 Dalmatians backpack, ready to take over the world. Sometimes, I think about returning to that day I started kindergarten. It wasn’t such a bad gig - snacktime, naptime, what more could you ask for? I mistakenly posed this question to a friend who quickly provided a very colorful list of
when I returned, my teachers we’re glad not only that I was back, that I was back and healthy. When I came to campus to re-enroll, finally done being the patient, Doc Cooper shook my hand, smiled a wide smile, and said, “Glad you’re well.” I’m not an alumna; I’m a part of the family here.
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Emily Price
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advantages to not being in kindergarten. The most poignant being, “the furniture is tiny.” We’re adults. I’m not sure if that’s scarier for us or our parents. My mom must be thinking, I’m not old enough to have an adult as a daughter. She’s nodding. I’m sure I didn’t start MorristownBeard as an adult; I was a freshman in my brand-new polo shirt, ironed khakis, looking around this campus in awe. I was just a kid. The people that sit beside me today helped me get to this podium. My classmates, you found a place for me
in this class, and I am proud to graduate among you. Before I confuse everyone, I must admit that I am an adopted member of the class of 2011. I spent what should have been my junior year on what I called “medical sabbatical,” and returned in the fall of 2009, older, maybe wiser, and with less intestine. But, I found friends here again - welcoming me with either a hello or, in the case of Nicolas Strunc, a humongous bear hug. When I returned to campus, I knew the fabulous cast of characters that are the Morristown-Beard faculty would be here, ready to challenge me. Each one of them embraces us as members of the family—
Senior Gift Dedication
mACKENZIE kECK, ’11
know we’ve worked hard to get this far. We have college, grad school, internships, and whatever else necessary to reach the goals we want to reach. And I have no doubt that all of us will get there in some shape or form, maybe in 4 years, maybe in 6, maybe in a university filled with like-minded people, maybe abroad. But while we’re getting there, think about the people around you and help them when you can. Our teachers, our parents, our friends – all did it for us. Pay it forward. The Golden Rule. Guys, take all that we’ve learned here and run. Find the best pair of Nikes you’ve got, and go. The only place to go is forward. Remember all that we’ve accomplished and the people who got us there. Do them proud – it’s time to become an adult. It’s scary, it’s mindboggling, it’s unknown, it might be messy, but it’s life. Live it. If we try to go back, we’ll break the tiny furniture. Congrats Class of 2011, let’s take this show on the road. Thank you. Emily Price ’11
On behalf of the class of 2011, I would like to present the Morristown-Beard School community with a gift. This year, a Crimson Maple Tree will be planted right here, on Senior Circle, in honor of the class of 2011. Upon considering Morristown-Beard’s commitment to sustainable living, it is apparent that the Crimson Maple is an excellent way to honor our school and remember our class. While some gifts may fade out of style or wear down, the Crimson Maple, part of the red maple family of trees, has a lifespan of about 150 years. They reach maturity around 70-80 years into their lifetimes. This means that classes for the next 4-5 generations of students will be able to appreciate the growth of this tree that will probably outlive all of us here. The Crimson Maple radiates some of the most vibrant shades of crimson I’ve ever seen. When the new freshmen class and returning students arrive in the fall, they will be greeted with the radiant glow of crimson leaves against the crisp white of Beard Hall. We look forward to being able to watch the tree’s progress as we return to campus throughout the years. A tree is a gift that keeps on giving, providing shade from the hot sun, holding together the soil beneath our feet, and continually flying the colors we have honored in our time at MBS. 9