of deep thought. From Multivariable Calculus to AP English to Visual Arts, he is patient and careful, and he takes all assignments seriously, completing them thoroughly and thoughtfully. John displays confidence and determination in the application of his considerable intellect, all the while handling himself with great dignity and treating those around him with generosity and kindness. Indeed, John Larkin ’scatters joy’ and reflects optimism while striving to challenge himself and his classmates.” Tina Groom Andrew Ligeralde (11) “Your teachers describe you as amazing, insightful, naturally gifted, tireless and sensational. I could go on and on. In the classroom you are an energy source, raising the level of discussions and probing for a greater comprehension of the material being studied. You personally do not shy away from intellectual challenges and at the same time you also encourage others to move beyond their comfort zone. In fact, the term class leader is consistently used to describe you. For your consistency and willingness to go beyond what is required, we welcome you into Cum Laude.” Barbara Scarr Kyle Patel (12) “You take your learning seriously because, after all, there are important questions to ponder in history and English, problems to solve in science and math, and knowledge to pursue in everything. You do this eagerly, often with an impish smile, which displays your wonderful gift of finding humor and joy throughout the learning process. I am not the only person who notices. Your other teachers write about the same dedication to learning, enthusiasm, natural curiosity, and healthy skepticism you bring to your work in literature, mathematics, history, science, and journalism. You enjoy tackling a difficult problem and trying to find a viable solution. Of equal importance, you willingly share the knowledge, the solutions, and the joy with the class. In short, you help make the classroom a good place and a fun place for learning.” Lowell Wenger John Rowe (12) “Whatever the subject, whatever the task or level of difficulty, your approach is consistent, serious and thorough. You do not let obstacles get in your way. In fact you relish a challenge. You have been described by your teachers as having a sharp mind that probes, absorbs and implements new material. While you are on your personal path of discovery, you also help your peers to comprehend and tackle tougher concepts. You do not just want the answers and the grades, you relish the journey and approach it cheerfully.” Barbara Scarr page 3
Katie Shen (12) “Flannery O’Connor gave this advice to young writers: ‘In most good stories, it is the character’s personality that creates the action of the story. If you start with a real personality, a real character, then something is bound to happen.’ Katie, you are a real character. You make things happen. In the classroom your enthusiasm and prior knowledge about a variety of topics enrich the learning experience. What’s most extraordinary about the extent of your knowledge is that it spans topics as wide and diverse as the philosophies of Hobbes and Locke to the strengths and weaknesses of Manchester United’s roster. You are known and admired—not simply for your academic prowess but for your unwavering goodwill and optimism. Your most important and enduring achievement is that in light of all you have accomplished, you remain a study in humility and grace. You are a dynamic character in our shared story.” Tricia Hoar Gregory Sun (11) “More than just a number cruncher, Gregory, you are a savvy mathematical thinker. It is fun to see you ponder how numbers work in the world around us, be they in the stock market or in the local casino. Your teachers appreciate how you carry into all of your studies a similar level of curiosity and enthusiasm, as you delve into complicated science problems and ponder different topics in history and French. That you cherish having ‘free time’ to explore the topics you encounter in different courses as much as you want says a lot about your love of learning. You are a respected member of whatever class you are in, sharing the workload fairly in group projects and providing good insights during class discussions that elevate the thinking of the class.” Anne Ramsay Rachel White (12) “The kindness and gentleness of spirit that you exude are just two of the many wonderful aspects of who you are as a person. As a student, you invest yourself fully in the learning process here and do much to contribute to the intellectual tone of the classroom. You are a master at perceiving what a group of students needs and then filling a role that helps that group to be successful, be it as an effective collaborator, a community builder, an encouraging classmate, or an organizer of ideas. We’ve seen you fill those roles in different ways here at Seven Hills, by working with classmates on group history projects and by sharing your environmental science knowledge with Lotspeich students, for instance. You are well-respected by both your peers and by the Seven Hills faculty.” Anne Ramsay