Salmagundy - Graduation 2024

SALMAGUNDY

The Official Student Newpaper of Miss Porter’s School

Graduation 2024

The Class of 2024: Guinea Pigs, or Trailblazers?

By Jaimie Ng ‘24

As the 2023-24 school year draws to a close, and Spring traditions are in full swing— students cross their right arm over left and sing Moonbeams, New Girls start rehearsing their German, and Daisy Chain practice begins— Seniors begin to reminisce about their time at Porter’s. While it has been a tumultuous four years for the Class of 2024, it is undeniable that the past four years have been extremely memorable, and have molded us into the graduates we are today. Though a lot of change has occurred in that time— hence the nickname “guinea-pig grade”— a lot of that change has created unique, engaging experiences for our class, enriching our perspectives as ‘informed, bold, resourceful and ethical global citizens’ while simultaneously challenging us, ultimately shaping us into better people. Perhaps, being the grade to experience everything first was a blessing in disguise.

We were the first grade to start freshman year with a twoweek quarantine in our freshman-only dorms, having to eat meals either in our rooms or outside, six feet apart. When day students returned to campus, they spent their time sitting in squash courts— also six feet apart. Despite the obvious challenge that Covid-19 posed to forming friendships, we made it work. Many friendships formed in freshman year are still going strong today, and continue as we head off to college.

We were also the first grade to never have taken any Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Instead, we were able to take AIS classes, which are equal to or beyond the tradi-

tional AP level. For those who wish they were offered AP classes instead, as someone who attempted to self-study AP Calculus BC— you don’t.

Perhaps most notably, we were the first grade to participate in the AIS Global Experience program, where students traveled to Costa Rica, France, and Germany as part of a trimester-long class. Though those trips did not come without their challenges, it is without a doubt that students returned to the classroom with a changed perspective on the world and how we should travel.

Finally, we were also the first grade to participate in a mandatory AIS Professional Experience program, which has prepared us for life beyond Porter’s. From setting up our LinkedIn profiles, practicing our handshakes, and participating in mock job fairs (and many, many more), we are leaving high school with essential skills for success later in life. What other high schooler knows how to do their taxes?

So, as we walk with the Daisy Chain, jump in the fountain, and smile through our tears at graduation, let’s remind ourselves of the amazing memories we have made as a class, and perhaps, start making plans to meet up with each other in the future. The past four years, though rocky at times, have shaped us all into who we are today— hopefully, ‘informed, bold, resourceful, and ethical global’ guinea pigs or trailblazers, whichever you prefer.

Class of 2024. Photo from Miss Porter’s School

GRADUATION

MPS Crossword Puzzle

Across

3. This place is filled with Porter’s students during community times and y-blocks.

5. These assessments for real!

6. Porter’s power couple, half of whom is responsible for the grading system...

7. Flowery dresses, nice jeans, and whatever else Porter’s students wear to sit-down and traditions.

8. Check here for your grades (it might take a while for them to show up)

10. Don’t end up on their list...

11. Largest dorm on campus

Down

1. Porter’s Boba supplier and fan favorite song

2. The building no tours or prospective families are allowed in.

4. Catch the freshmen there every weekend.

8. The default form of transportation at Porter’s, unfortunately.

9. Respektiere alle alten Mädchen

Senior Reflection

By Laila Carter ‘24

Fear. That was the only word that came to mind when I was told that I would be moving schools as a senior. The moment reminded me of a scene from a movie; the words being spoken started to blur as my mind started to scramble. Leading up to the move, I was more nervous than I’d been in a long time. What should I expect? How will people view me?

Looking back now, about to graduate from Miss Porter’s School, I wonder why I was ever nervous at all. This year has been so fulfilling - I have learned so much about myself and who I want to be. Porter’s has given me the outlet and opportunity to learn and grow amongst confident, strong, kind women. I have gained friendships, life lessons, and new experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, which is something I would not trade for the world. I have found my voice - and attributing part of that to only being at Miss Porter’s for 10 months is truly remarkable.

In reflecting on my time here, one of the most important lessons I have learned and will take with me is to be kind and speak up for those who can’t speak up for themselves. Having moved schools so late in the game, I know from experience what it feels like to be surrounded by so many people but simultaneously feel alone. But I also know how fast that experience can be turned around with a smile and a kind word. The kind of community that Porter’s fosters makes a difference in the lives of others, and that difference can be shared. My friends and teachers have shown me that fear can be changed to anticipation - which is another positive change in my life that was unexpected.

Laila Carter recieving her ring with friends. Image from Laila

Varsity Volleyball Seniors. Image from Laila

What is One Word, Phrase, or Sentence that Sums Up Your Porter’s Experience?

By Jianing (Jenn) Lin ’24

“I went to Starbucks once, and then four hundred more times.” - Laurel Benson

“Porter’s is opportunity, growth and familiarity.” - Leeah Han

“I’ve never had a sister but I met the closest I’ll ever get to sisters here.” - Lily Legere “10/10.” - Karen Fang

“Not what I expected.” - Savannah Smith “Bazinga!” - Emma Andrews

“Awesome Sauce!” - Nyla Liburd “Surprising.” - Ella Babigian “Entertaining.” - Vicoria Reale

“There’s been a lot of growth.” - Ella Koster “Full of Laughter.” - Audrey Harrell

“Friendship.” - Eh Wah Wah

“I just bit into a rock.” - Fiona Suslak “Celsius Addiction.” - Helen Sharp

“A lot of putting mysef out there.” - Angel Shi

“I am putting so much pressure on myself to think, and I can’t think any thoughts.” - Savannah Cox

“A rollercoaster.” - Mia Vasson

“I would describe this year as empowering and insightful. It has shown me how to learn and grow instead of backing down in the face of fear. Porter’s has brought so much laughter and fun into my life, and provided clarity on who I am and how much I can accomplish when I know myself, who I want to be, and how I can accomplish what I put my mind to.” - Laila Carter

Growing up

By Savannah Cox

Perceptive child—

Simple is that journey in the spaceship. The world is the oyster

As the oyster is the world.

Persistent child—

To what degree does heartbreak break

Selflessly gifting ‘no’ to the world—

Refusing confinement to either exception or expectation—

No one can dampen your unspoken word.

Ambitious child—

When there is time to travel time

Accessibility has no definition.

Eon-bearer out of crayons—-

Sketching the world with a flourish and a dot—

Nothing short of masterful creation—

Wild child—

To teeter on your mother’s edge,

As your own edge awaits its future. Where time lingers in the ether— taming the dragons is done in a day’s work.

Pullulation of eternal wonders— the only feasible prophecy.

Exuberant child—

When growing a garden needed nothing more than that aureate touch.

When off with their head! Needed nothing more than a vision.

Who could rule over you?

Laughter by manner mild—

Nothing in mind ever too wild—

The spacious mind of the perceptive child.

2023-2024 Keepers of Tradition. Image from Miss Porter’s School

2023-2024 Heads of Keepers of Tradition. Image from Jianing (Jenn) Lin and Savannah Smith

GRADUATION

SALMAGUNDY

Guess the Senior

By Lily Legere

Minecraft Enthusiast _______________

Thick curly hair _______________

Always wearing sunglasses _______________

Always seen drinking a Celcius _______________

Gossip lover _______________

Always tanning _______________

Loves cats _______________

Always pulls up (late) in a green Subaru _______________

Loves singing (musical theater) and Starbucks! _________

Morning Meeting’s saving grace _______________

Always with Corri _______________

#puravida _______________

Vsocc’s favorite perilhette _______________

Always seen in the Wean _______________

Speediest senior _______________

Softball shortstop star _______________

Physical embodiment of the state of Vermont __________

Boyfriend dance’s star prisoner _______________ ‘24s youngest member _______________

Summative

Quinns 7. LittleD 8. Across -

Teacherease, DownToaster 9. German

10. Keepers 11. Ward

Guess the Senior Answer

Key: Ella Babigian, Duaa Chishti,

Laurel Benson, Helen Sharp,

Ivana

Rodal Fernandez, Fiona

Suslak, Pippa Neupert, Shreya

Sudarshan, Laila Carter, Anna Parker, Piper Hunt, Oscar -Rol

lan, Audrey Harrell, Jinandi

Herath, Sara Babigian, Corri

Howard, Nina Carvalho, Nyla

Liburd, Yaya Familusi

Crossword

Moonbeams

Jones

Old Farms

2023-2024 Nova Nine. Image from Miss Porter’s School

2023-2024 Perilhettes. Image from Perilhettes