The Class of 2007 Graduates in the Chapel
Shawna Trujillo, Middle School Dean, and Laura Hahnsbeen, Valedictorian, lead the Class of ’07 from the Chapel following the graduation exercises.
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hirty-seven eighth graders followed their gowned faculty in formal procession into the Woodside Priory School chapel for graduation ceremonies at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 5. As is tradition, the girls carried a flower and the boys wore boutonnieres pinned on their jackets by Dean of the Faculty Nancy Newman (also a seventh grade science teacher) and Middle School Dean Shawna Trujillo (also an eighth grade health teacher). Headmaster Tim Molak urged the students not to underestimate what they have accomplished in reaching Middle School graduation—a big job involving physical, emotional, social and academic growth. Laura Hohnsbeen, class valedictorian, talked about the help she’s had from her classmates and teachers along the way. Describing a climb up a very scary mountain during outdoor education, Laura said she had already failed once and was wondering whether she would be too embarrassed to try again when Ms. Trujillo helped her decide by giving up her own place in line. With everybody cheering and telling her where the handholds and footholds were, Laura made it to the top despite fear that had her shaking furiously with every move, she said.
Nancy Newman, Dean of the Faculty, pins a flower on Brian Yam’s jacket.
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In the same spirit, she was cheered through scary math, embarrassing drama, perplexing science and surprising art, she reported. The students asked Tom Carter, their drama teacher and head of the performing arts department, to be their commencement speaker. After many funny recollections of the students, Mr. Carter left the class with the advice that “Wherever you are, whatever you do, do it with an open mind, an open heart, and always treat each other as you have this last year—with love, support, sensitivity and kindness.” Katie Lampert and Anna Taylor sang a song to the class, “Time of Your Life”—especially appropriate because this is the first year the entire Priory Middle School is studying choral music. Ms. Trujillo presented the following awards: Scholar Athlete to Laura Kruberg and Mark Simons; academic achievement (for demonstrated joy in learning and academic excellence) to Kim Nguyen; leadership award to Alicia Kriewall; the St. Cecilia music award to Ian Brent; and the St. Benedict award (the school’s highest honor) to Bennett Holland.
