C S t.
Margaret’s
ommencement
2013
Episcopal
School
Blake A. Akers Julia E. Alvarez Timon Amirani Regan E. Anderson Yasmeen L. Antone Amy C. Berchtold Madeleine I. Bidmead Austin P. Birch Stefanie R. Brunswick Margaret A. Brynjolfsson Joseph H. Carpenter Max I. Carr Gianni G. Carson Micayla O. Chade Emily S. Chin Madisen K. Clanton Brandon M. Clements Catherine L. Connelly Savanna L. Cope Garrett J. Corwin Evan D. Daboub Macey G. Davis Shelby M. Deck Tori J. Deckard Robert S. Deng Chandler P. Desforges Shounat A. Dhillon Olivia L. Dolan Mitchell R. Donahue Dorian D. Drislane Tara C. Eddo Ashley A. Eichenauer Austin P. Foley David B. Freed Alexandra S. Frost Kathryn N. Garcia Jason N. Goldberg Iliana V. Guadalupe Pattinson Hayton IV Jennifer A. Jung Alexander G. Kaliannan Burton R. Karger Maddi B. Larsen Victoria M. Lee Alexis A. Leon Sebastian A. Luna Arreanna Marko McKenna L. Marmelstein Hunter L. Matthews Chase H. McClure Scott P. McGowan Mary J. McGraw Grant S. Meadows Arin L. Melkonian Mattingly R. Messina Brandon M. Miura Gabriela G. Morally Sager T. A. Moritzky Emily R. Morton Hannah V. Narvaez Oliver C. O’Donnell Zoe O. Oedekerk Melisa G. Osborne Carly G. Page James S. Parker Kelsey N. Patch SymonÊ D. Pinedo Riley C. Pok Brandon E. Price Laura E. Pusey Monique Ragheb Brenden N. Ramirez Mary M. Raymund Daniel D. Reardon Justin L. Ren Savanna R. Riley Winston H. Robinson Alexandra R. Rodriguez Samuel P. Rubenacker Austin K. Russell Daniella Salazar Olivia C. Santora Raffaele S. Saposhnik William L. Schmall Elliott A. Schwartz David C. Sparks Ryan L. Stueber Brandon S. Suchand Megan J. Sweeney Narumi Takagi Shivani T. Tarsadia Karly A. Thomas Andrew S. Torok Ashley S. Torok Emily M. Venable Alexander J. Waller David A. Walters Jr. John L. Warren Timothy L. Warren Katherine L. Wechsler Harrison White Chase H. Williams James R. Yorke
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is pleased to present this commemorative publication focusing on the Class of 2013 Commencement ceremony. For additional articles and photograph galleries highlighting the Class of 2013, including the Bishop’s Spirituality Award winner and events such as the Upper School Awards, Senior Breakfast, Senior BBQ and more, visit http://commencement.smesnews.org.
C
ommencement 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
15
Commencement 2013 offers a compilation of speeches presented during ceremonies and services honoring the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Class of 2013. Speeches have been edited for publication.
Commencement Ceremony The Class of 2013 Commencement Ceremony featured addresses by Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut, the Associated Student Body President and the Valedictorian.
B a c c a l a u r e at e S e rv ic e At this evening service, the community gathered to hear the Salutatorian Address and to give thanks for the graduating students, their families and the commitment of the school’s teachers and staff.
Editor Nicole Peddy Editorial Board Jeannine Clarke, Anne Dahlem, Dr. Jeneen Graham, Nicole Peddy Please send comments or questions to the Marketing and Communications Department St. Margaret’s Episcopal School 31641 La Novia San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2752 communications@smes.org www.smes.org For additional articles and photograph galleries highlighting the Class of 2013, including the Bishop’s Spirituality Award and events such as the Upper School Awards, Senior Breakfast, Senior BBQ and more, visit http://commencement.smesnews.org. St. Margaret’s publishes responsibly. This publication is printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, using soy-based inks made from renewable resources such as natural pigments and vegetable oils.
22
25 30
Candlelighting Ceremony The Upper School student body passed the “light of leadership” from the senior to junior class, inspired by addresses from the Upper School Principal, 2013 Associated Student Body President, as well as the 2014 Associated Student Body President.
Senior Banquet Graduating seniors and their families shared a meal outdoors, together with the St. Margaret’s community, listening to student, alumni and faculty addresses.
College Choices Learn where these recent graduates are headed in their academic careers.
C
ommencement Ceremony
T
he St. Margaret’s community gathered on June 8 to witness the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2013. Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut addressed those gathered, welcomed the guests, presented the Class of 2013 and gave the closing remarks.
“Good evening and welcome to the 28th Commencement at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Thank you for joining us on this beautiful late spring evening in this truly magnificent setting as we gather for one last time to celebrate the Class of 2013. This class has distinguished itself in so many ways, not the least of which has been through extraordinary musical talent – awesome job Austin, Harrison and Melissa today and all year long. You will be dearly missed! “I would like to welcome and offer special thanks for joining us tonight to the Mayor of the City of San Juan Capistrano, the Honorable John Taylor, and City Council Member Larry Kramer. “Special thanks also to any and all St. Margaret‘s alumni who are with us this evening. We had a truly magical evening together a week ago as we gathered for our first-ever alumni review in the Performing Arts Center. I look forward to coming back for the next one.
1
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“It is a long-standing tradition at St. Margaret’s for the president of the Associated Student Body, the student body president, to offer a few words at this time. Please welcome Mrs. Lora Allison to introduce our ASB president.” After the Headmaster’s welcome, Director of Community Life Lora Allison introduced the Associated Student Body President Emily Chin: “This year’s ASB president is undeniably extroverted. She finds opportunity and fun in just about everything that she does. When she talks about ASB, and her four years of service to the student body, she usually speaks with a smile and holds her hand in the shape of a heart – but then again many things get this gesture; her friends, her family, and almost anything St. Margaret’s. Emily Chin is a Tartan. She has grown here, and she is safe here. “Safe, but not complacent. According to Mrs. Kemp, her Kindergarten teacher, she worked hard, and was a ‘great little artist.’ In sixth grade, Mrs. Otto sensed leadership potential in her future saying that her ‘enthusiasm for everything draws others toward her,’ and so her high school journey has been one of wholehearted involvement. Emily’s service to the student body has been particularly impressive because she cares deeply about people, and helping others understand how valuable and vital the relationships at St. Margaret’s are to the experience.
Chapman University next fall. Please welcome this year’s ASB President Emily Chin.” Associated Student Body President Emily Chin arrived at the podium with her greeting: “Good afternoon and welcome, family, friends, faculty, staff, and of course, the Class of 2013. I cannot believe this day has finally arrived. After all those all-nighters cramming for tests or projects, our favorite Tuesday long blocks, and those endless 20-minute tutorials every Friday afternoon, it is hard to believe we are actually up here in our caps and gowns graduating. “About a year ago, we received news that our Senior Retreat would be at a familiar place, Camp Stevens. But after horrific experiences having to do with an overwhelming number of turkeys, organic food and mosquitos during our sixth grade retreat, many seniors, including myself, felt reluctant on taking the two-hour bus ride there for our Senior Retreat last August. But after an amazing three days of bonding, ridiculous weather, and those unforgettable senior skits – it is hard to believe we had such harsh feelings towards this place.
“I have also come to know Emily as a risk taker. She brushed up on her piccolo skills to perform a solo at a recent community-wide orchestra concert. She is a wonderful artist and has been generous with her time and talents creating logos for efforts of school-wide service. And finally, in what was probably the biggest surprise to her friends, and even her parents, she debuted her vocal mastery at our recent Senior Banquet with a soulful rendition of “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons. As we sat captivated, Emily sang the powerful lyrics, ‘It’s time to begin, isn’t it? I get a little bit bigger, but then I’ll admit I’m just the same as I was Now don’t you understand That I'm never changing who I am’ “For the last 13 years Emily Chin has remained true to herself, and now “It’s Time” to share this gem with
Emily S. Chin Associated Student Body President Commencement 2013
2
“What really stood out at this retreat was the high ropes course, a series of obstacle courses high up within the trees. These courses challenged all of us, as a class and individuals, through teamwork, quick thinking skills, and pushing past our fears. A team supports you through ropes and harnesses, while you make your way through the course. Classmates and teachers would cheer you on for encouragement from 30 feet below, but in the end it was really up to you to keep moving forward. As scared as we were of falling off the course at that moment, in the end those helping you from the ground always supported you. “Similar to the fears we faced on the high ropes course, all of us had fears of our own here at St. Margaret’s. I have to admit I was terrified last Friday at Senior Banquet before my performance and I have been dreading this speech, because I have been worried about messing up, speaking to fast, and not being seen behind the podium. But instead of listing out my own fears, I asked some fellow seniors what they feared the most throughout their St. Margaret’s career: “Maddy Bidmead said she was terrified of Mr. Parker’s first Advanced Placement human geography test sophomore year – but she pretty much destroyed every history AP she took, and earned the History Department Book Award. “Timon Amirani told me he was not looking forward to his AP computer science class because he was scared of Mr. Wie, but he passed his AP, and is now best friends with him. “And finally, Mitchell Donahue said he was scared of having the video game Super Smash Brother’s taken away in the Tartan Center – but he overcame this fear by always finding a new place to play it anyways. “We have these fears, and every time, we all overcome them. From Preschool and Kindergarten to first grade, we faced the transition from our comfort zone of the toddler playground to the big kid playground without tricycles, dress up, and Mrs. Tacquard’s art room. In Lower School, we faced “the Bench,” and the scariest supervisor of them all… Mrs. Garcia. In Middle School, there was Mr. House’s science tests, swing dancing and Mrs. Swoope. Finally, in Upper School there were AP tests, getting caught with a cell phone, and running late and having to explain a reason why to Ms. Comas Bardot. We all feared these things, but we survived.
3
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
A l m a M at e r Hail to St. Margaret’s, gladly we praise you, Thy namesake from Scotland, a legend of love. Home of friendship, school of our learning, Trusting in God who guides from above. Thy halls and courtyards, church and highlands Source of knowledge, wisdom, and truth; Though we may travel the world with its treasures We’ll cherish these memories of our youth. Refrain: So give me the school of the Tartan and the cross, The valley and the river. To God sing thanks and praise, We shall serve you all our days, St. Margaret’s of Scotland forever. Hail to St. Margaret’s, birthplace of scholars, Seeking the good in all women and men. Proud of the crimson and blue of our colors, A banner of courage and peace o’er the glen. As swallows return to San Juan Capistrano, Their history inscribed on the parchment of fame, We hold a light to a noble example, That others might follow and honor God’s name. Refrain: So give me the school of the Tartan and the cross, The valley and the river. To God sing thanks and praise, We shall serve you all our days, St. Margaret’s of Scotland forever. Music adapted from a traditional Scottish melody. Lyrics by 1982 faculty and staff.
“We would never have gotten to this point without the help of our support team of teachers, faculty and parents. The attention we have received from everyone around us here at St. Margaret’s has given us the confidence to take on the real world without hesitation. Our teachers have guided us every step of the way through their lessons, and of course, side tangents and life stories. And, we are all so fortunate that our parents sent us to this amazing place and put the endless hours to help us study for our classes, drive us to places, and just listen to us when we needed someone to talk to. “The challenges we faced with the high ropes course at our senior retreat reflect the fears we will be facing in our future. We will be the ones climbing up the obstacles, balancing, or jumping off things. It is up to us to keep moving forward past these obstacles, but even if we fail there will always be our own personal support group there to catch us. As we move on from St. Margaret’s, we are going to be somewhere completely new and different from here. Whether you are an hour drive away, or a fivehour flight away, it will not be the same place you have been at the past four or 15 years of your life. Some of us cannot even wait to finally go to college, and some of us cannot imagine school outside of this place. Somewhere deep down, there has to be a hint of fear of what the future holds, but as scared as we may be, I know we, as a senior class will make it. We made it through these past few years together; nothing will be able to hold us down in the future. “The Class of 2013 is known for its perseverance, confidence and spirit. That is why fear is never permanent to us – it is never an obstacle. It is just another reminder to step it up and do the job. Even though we have so many memories here with each other, it is time to be the invincible leaders we are known to be at a new place. Good luck to the Class of 2013 on your future high ropes course. Thank you!” Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut took to the podium to introduce the Valedictory speaker Emily M. Venable: “Emily Venable began her St. Margaret’s career as a sixth grader. As the valedictorian of her class, Emily is by definition, wicked smart! Her academic record in her seven years is truly extraordinary. In Middle School it was
all A’s, 54 of them in fact, with one lone A- in algebra in the seventh grade. In her Upper School career, she has taken six courses every semester since her freshman year and earned A’s in all but two of them. She has consistently taken the most demanding courses available as illustrated by her selection this year: four AP’s in English literature and composition, physics, world history and art history, plus a course she herself was instrumental in creating, multi-variable calculus. And, what were those two courses where she didn’t get an A? Last year she elected to take engineering on a pass/fail basis. And, guess what? She passed! “Emily is accomplished in so many areas and she has impacted our school in ways that will last long beyond her graduation today. The multi-variable calculus experience is especially compelling as it illustrates one of Emily’s truly exceptional qualities. This was not a course listed in our curriculum guide, but it was definitely a course she and several other students wanted to take. Not sure where this all came from – it is tough enough to pronounce let alone take! “In only the way that Emily can, she persevered and after several meetings with Mr. Jordan and Mr. Sherman among others, multi-variable calculus returned to St. Margaret’s this year and is yet again one of the many classes in which Emily has earned an A. That in itself is amazing, but that is not what stands out for me. What I find especially commendable is the manner in which she went about getting all of this done. Emily is an activist and a change agent, and to be truthful, she does not take no easily. Now this may not sound all that great, but in fact, for me, this is what I admire the most about her. She has a very special quality that allows her to get difficult and challenging things done and like her course selection, she never shies away from the tough ones. Change in schools is not always easily or readily embraced, and sadly, those advocating change frequently do so in an adversarial manner that often alienates and divides. Not so with Emily! She goes about the business of change with grace and kindness, always looking for the good in every situation and honoring the goodness of those involved. From multivariable calculus to The Alliance, Emily has changed the landscape forever, and she has done so in a way that has made us stronger and even more untied as a school community. She has taught us all many valuable lessons and we are decidedly the better school for her presence.
Commencement 2013
4
number of interims sent home third quarter. Some may say that since we are such a diverse group that our grade does not seem very integrated with each other. However, as I reflect on my seven years as a part of this group, one thing comes to mind that has always united us: music. For the Class of 2013, music has played an integral role in our time spent at St. Margaret’s. It has allowed this group of individuals, each singing their own tune, to come together and bond.
Emily M. Venable Valedictorian
“Now it is off to take a few tough courses and make some changes at Harvard. If anyone can do it, Emily can. Please welcome the Valedictorian of the Class of 2013, Emily Marie Venable.” Emily M. Venable approached the podium and presented the Valedictory Address: “Thank you, Mr. Hurlbut for your kind words. I feel quite honored to be the final student introduced by you and, on behalf of the Class of 2013, we feel quite honored to share this final Commencement with you. You have fearlessly and courageously led the school for the past decade. But, what stands out the most about you is how personable and accessible you are to us. To the Class of 2013, you were a headmaster, a teacher, a sports fan, a guitar player, a country-singer, a role model and a friend. As we grow as people, we will all strive to match your leadership and character. “And, thank you to everyone here for joining the Class of 2013 in our graduation from St. Margaret’s. When I look to my class, I see a very eclectic group of young adults. Each individual brings a unique personality and perspective, which has created a very lively senior year. Highlights of the year included being the first class to perform in the Performing Arts Center, leading many sports teams to CIF titles, decorating the Upper School like a castle for spirit week, and of course, destroying the senior class record for
5
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“For instance, our class boasts two bands: Afro Haven and Back from Blue, who have performed for us on many Friday “Lunch on the Lawns.” We have enjoyed the voices of gifted singers including Melisa Osborne and Harrison White leading us at Chapel, Alex Kaliannan accompanied by his guitar, on rare occasion Carly Page and Tara Eddo, and the recently discovered Megan Sweeney and Emily Chin. School dances would not have been the same without Austin and Chandler DJing and shuffling all night. And, those who do not create music have shown appreciation through the many concerts and music festivals we have attended. Even Hunter Matthews remarked in his beautiful homily how he is a music fan, and went on to quote Swedish House Mafia, in Chapel. “The way we express music has not always been conventional. Whether it was Jason jamming on his ukulele sophomore year or the short lived “Freestyle Fridays,” which I can only describe as boys in polo shirts and khaki shorts having rap battles, the creativity of the Class of 2013 is endless. And, ever since Austin Russell installed a TV in the Tartan Center, the background music of Mario Super Smash Brothers has become the theme song of second semester. At our last Convocation of the year, our collective singing of “Lean on Me” led by Winston truly brought together how the Class of 2013 has bonded over a love for music. As stated before, each of my classmates beside me sings a unique tune that all come together to create the soul of the Class of 2013. “However, these individual tunes were not created on our own. They have been highly influenced by both our teachers and parents. When recently asked what I will miss the most about high school, I did not hesitate when I responded with my teachers. Having taken a very decent amount of courses in my time here, I feel justified in saying that our instructors are such intelligent, respectable, caring, involved, and dedicated role models who truly love
their jobs. St. Margaret’s is unique in that we as students can form close bonds with the adults on campus. I have been fortunate to have classes with six, four, and even three students total, and have been able to find mentors and friends in my teachers. Each of you has truly inspired me, and for those teachers that I personally have not had, I am sure there is someone sitting beside me that you have touched. “Like our teachers, our parents have very much contributed to the people we are today. Just as everyone will at some point take a moment to thank their parents for sacrificing so much to send them to this school, I would like to take a moment to thank mine. To give an idea of what my parents dealt with raising me, a family trip to a neighborhood pool 16 years ago paints an accurate picture. Even though when we arrived I was fully dressed and had no idea how to swim, apparently upon catching sight of the water I bolted towards the pool and plunged into the deep end. This then caused my dad to as well jump in fully clothed and retrieve me. While I claim no memory of this event, it reflects upon my challenging personality of someone who throws herself fully into everything that she does. So, mom and dad, I would like to thank you for always giving me your full support in all of my endeavors, and I would like to especially thank you for being there when I was unprepared for life and in over my head, both when I was two years old and today. And just as I was, I am sure that we have all been in similar situations when our parents have been there to save us, but as we go to our next step, that life buoy will not be as accessible. “So, Class of 2013, let’s be real. We live in one of the most beautiful places, we go to a school where we have unlimited access to information and knowledge, we are constantly surrounded by people who care deeply for us, and we can even leave bags containing wallets, cell phones, and car keys in the quad for hours knowing that nothing will be stolen. Except for the one time, when the lockers were broken into, the quad turned into a CSI scene, and a laptop went missing. But other than that, we are in quite the safe environment. It is my hope that as we take our next step forward in life, that we will not waste the gifts and support that have encouraged us to this point and made us the accomplished people we are today. “As I began this speech discussing how music played an integral role in our journey at St. Margaret’s, I feel that it
is only proper to end on a musical note. The lyrics of one of my favorite songs really capture this moment for us. The song “Starlight,” by Muse begins: ‘Far away, this ship is taking me far away, far away from the memories of the people who care if I live or die.’ In a sense, each of us is about to board a ship. Whether it is up the road to University of Southern California or across the country to New York University, we will all be taken away to a foreign place. “And to be blunt, the people that are here before us today, our family, teachers and friends, are the ones who truly care if we live or die. They have supported us and cared for us the past 18 years, and now it is time for us to embark on our journey away. “Just as the chorus of the song goes: ‘Hold you in my arms, I just wanted to hold you in my arms,’ I imagine that in our last moments on this campus and with each other tonight, many of us are feeling this desire to cling to the fading past of St. Margaret’s. But, now is the time to move forward to the next step in our lives, and it is my deepest hope that we realize what a privilege it has been to attend this school and how much more we will be able to accomplish in our lives because of it. “Though we will all go our separate ways, our experience here at St. Margaret’s will, quote, ‘never fade away.’ Thank you.” After the Highlander Chorale, and special guests, performed “Home” as a tribute to Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut, Board of Trustees President Michael J. Berchtold introduced Mr. Hurlbut as the Commencement speaker: “Good evening and welcome! As president of the St. Margaret’s Board of Trustees, I now have the honor – and challenge – of introducing the one man among us who needs no introduction. In fact, this man has been the public face of St. Margaret’s for the last decade and the epitome of what it means to be a Tartan. “When Marcus D. Hurlbut traveled out West with his wife Pat in 2003 to become our school’s third headmaster, he was already one of the country’s leaders within the independent school world. He came to us with degrees from Union College and Dartmouth College and with 35
Commencement 2013
6
years’ worth of experience as a teacher and administrator – including 20 years as a school headmaster. “With all that background and expertise, Marc took the helm of our very good, young school and brought us to a level of greatness. In the academic arena, Marc built an outstanding team of teachers and administrators, and he led from the front as one of our most sought after teachers in the Upper School. In athletics, Marc built a winning culture at St. Margaret’s that is evidenced by the countless CIF trophies and banners. In the arts, Marc was a powerful supporter and driving force behind the creation of the Performing Arts Center and the development of our world-class arts program. Also, Marc worked tirelessly to expand and modernize our campus with significant moves every year. Importantly, Marc’s commitment to greatness was totally driven by his desire to better serve our student body. “Indeed, for Marc, it really is all about our students. Early on, Marc told me that St. Margaret’s can do many things for our families, but at the core, our school must ensure that every child is known, every child is valued, and every child is loved. Beyond that, Marc has held true to our school’s Episcopal identity and instilled a commitment to diversity and inclusivity that flows from our Mission and Core Values. He has been a champion for increasing the economic and social diversity at St. Margaret’s. Marc’s compassion and commitment to our surrounding community recently was recognized when Marc was presented with San Juan Capistrano’s Arts and Culture Award.
7
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“Marc has set the tone for our school and our students – including the Class of 2013. Marc has long championed the notion of the multi-dimensional student and served as a role model in that regard. Beyond his work in the classroom and as our headmaster, Marc is a great athlete and aspiring performer. He played college lacrosse, has run marathons, and plays competitive tennis. He is also a musician willing to take the stage with his guitar in hand to sing for an audience. He is a true Renaissance man. This same spirit can be seen across the Class of 2013 in so many students who have stretched themselves to try new challenges outside of their natural comfort zones. I must admit that my daughter Amy, a member of the Class of 2013, may have taken this idea of moving outside of her comfort zone a bit too far when she, all 5 foot 4 and 102 pounds of her, decided to go out for the shot put team! I love you Amy, and the Misfits too! “Marc has truly given his heart and his soul to St. Margaret’s over the last 10 years. He has clearly made our school a better place for all that he has done – but more importantly, for all of us that he has touched – parent, faculty and student alike – we are better people for having known Marc. “So, on this final day of your time here at St. Margaret’s before you retire as our headmaster, we say farewell and thank you. You will be greatly missed, but your legacy is strong, and you will remain close to us in our hearts. “With that – I give you Marcus D. Hurlbut – beloved headmaster of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School of Scotland and member of the graduating Class of 2013.”
Accepting the microphone, Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut delivered his comments to the community, especially to the parents and graduates gathered: “This is a slightly different role for me this year as I have always had the honor of introducing the keynote speaker at Commencement and then the pleasure of sitting back and just listening. But this year’s Commencement is different for me and it is of course, by definition, different and special for the Class of 2013 as we come together one last time before heading off in our separate ways. It is a little daunting to follow Emily and live up to the very high bar she has set on so many levels in her St. Margaret’s career. Thank you Emily for the many gifts you have given us. “When members of the Class of 2013 were born, some 18 years ago, our country and our school looked a little different than they do today. There was no Gateway Building, the Upper School was housed in the newly acquired Highland Hall, there was no Stoddard Humanities Building, DeYoung Math and Science Center, Pasternack Field House or Tartan Field, the Library was in a small room off the Fountain Courtyard, Mark Campaigne was headmaster, David Boyle was Middle School principal, and Jeannine Clarke had recently returned to her alma mater after four years at Wellesley College and was teaching sixth grade science and ancient civilization. “Bill Clinton was president, O.J. Simpson was arrested and subsequently found not guilty, Nelson Mandela was elected in South Africa, the tragedy in Rwanda had escalated, the Oklahoma City bombings dominated the headlines, Israel and Palestine signed a hopeful accord but Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was subsequently killed, a major earthquake rocked Los Angeles, Schindler’s List won the Oscar, the White House launched its first web page, Richard Nixon and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis passed away, the World Series was cancelled, Dallas beat Buffalo in the Super Bowl (where oh where were my Patriots), Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia” was the best song, and the United States Supreme Court led by William Rehnquist made key decisions on flag burning, school prayer, privacy and affirmative action. As always, there was a lot going on!
“Clearly, in your relatively short lifetimes, our school and our world have navigated interesting and challenging waters where each step along the way decisions were made and lives were impacted. The decision for you to come to St. Margaret’s I am sure was a big one for your family. It was a choice, a fork in the road, a moment in time when you could have gone in a variety of directions but the decision was made to come here, to this school. “Some years ago as I was doing one of my very favorite things – greeting Lower School students as they arrived at school in the morning – I overheard a mother saying goodbye to her son who, it was very clear, really was not all that interested in what his mother had to say. School was starting, he was ready to go and he barely looked back over his shoulder when she said, ‘I love you! Make good choices!’ This admonition has repeated itself over and over again in one way or another in the daily life of school, as decisions and choices are a regular part of the fabric of growing up. Of course, some choices are more important than others and my guess is that this woman, this young mother, was not so concerned that day with the courses her son would select or the college he would choose to attend. Rather, my sense is that she was concerned with the small decisions of the day that had the potential to become big and life changing – the friends he could make, the way he would treat others, the way others would treat him. “When I was a little boy and in the process of figuring out just who I was, my father shared several poems with
Commencement 2013
8
“This is a simple poem with a clear message about making choices. We live today in an imperfect world and you, members of the Class of 2013, will be called upon to make decisions and choices that will not only impact your lives, but the lives of others as well. Each of you will approach these decisions in your own way guided by principles and values you have learned at home, here at school and in the course of living your life, each and every day.
me, some of which made immediate sense and others which seemed a little too vague or abstract. One such poem in the latter category was The Bridge Builder by a little known author named Will Allen Dromgoole. Some of you may be familiar with this poem – I certainly was not at the time and I have not heard it referred to very often since. But as time has passed, I have come to value more and more the meaning of the poem, and I want to share it with you this evening as you move on to the next chapter in your lives. It goes like this: An old man, going a lone highway, Came, at the evening, cold and gray, To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim; But he turned, when safe on the other side, And built a bridge to span the tide. “Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim, near, “You are wasting your time with building here; Your journey will end with the closing day; You never again will pass this way; You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide. Why build you the bridge at the even tide?” The builder lifted his old gray head. “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said, There followeth after me today A youth, whose feet must pass this way. This stream that has been naught to me. To the fair-headed youth might a pitfall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.”
9
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“Some years ago when we crafted our current mission statement emphasizing learning, leadership and service, we were guided by the notion that from those to whom much has been given, much is expected. We hoped then and still hope today that you and your fellow Tartans would move on from St. Margaret’s committed to making our world a better place. “This sounds so basic and perhaps even trite, but the manner in which you approach your lives and the way you define success will have a huge impact on the difference you make. For some, success means secession or withdrawal – gathering enough resources to live a life insulated from the challenges of everyday life, far removed from the pain and suffering of those in need. For others, like the bridge builder, success means something different. It means remembering where you came from and a willingness to share the lessons you have learned with those who follow in your footsteps. “My hope is that as you walk through the journeys of our lives, you will be highly successful in navigating the inevitable challenges and troubled waters that lie ahead and that once safely on the other side, you, like the bridge builder, will make the choice to share your wisdom and your knowledge with those coming behind. “J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame said it this way: ‘If you choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; if you choose to identify not only with the powerful, but with the powerless; if you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages, then it will not only be your proud families who celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped transform for the better. We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.’ This is very heady stuff!
“Today and in the days to come, many will offer their advice and perspectives on how best to live your life, just as I am doing right now. This is something of a prerogative for parents and grandparents, teachers and friends, and retiring headmasters. Most of us know, however, that in the end, you will live your lives guided by the choices you make and the feelings behind those choices at the time they are made. I have been truly blessed by a choice I made more than four decades ago when I made the simple and not carefully thought-out decision to give teaching a try and spend my life in schools with young people. What a gift it has been. “Whatever you do and wherever your travels take you, I hope you will use the light that shines in each of you to light the path for others less fortunate and use your voice in all its many forms to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice. “Listen to your heart, light the way, remember where you came from, build a bridge, make a difference! There is a world out there that needs you.You can take it from here!” Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut went on to present the Class of 2013: “We now come to the moment in the program you have all been waiting for, some of you for 15 years. For any number of reasons, the Class of 2013 is special not the least of which is that of the 103 members, 30 have been at St. Margaret’s since Kindergarten and 19 of those 30 began in our Preschool with Mrs. Andrews who is here this evening to present the diplomas to this group of “lifers.”
“While today’s Commencement is a time to send the Class of 2013 off to new and exciting chapters in their lives, it is also a time to honor and express our heartfelt gratitude to the parents of our seniors who have been so integral to the success of this class and to the school overall. All of you have invested enormous amounts of your time and vast sums of hard earned resources to support your children’s education, and we are deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your belief in us and your willingness to entrust your children to our care. “We offer our special thanks to those of you who are here this evening at the graduation of your youngest child. Although many of you have been here for a long time, my guess is that you are sitting out there wondering how all this happened so fast. Believe me, I know how you feel! “Even though you, too, are officially bringing your St. Margaret’s Episcopal School career to a conclusion, it is my hope that you will return often and stay in touch. “But now we are here to honor and bid farewell to the Class of 2013, and to share this wonderful moment with you. “You have made an enormous impact and left a deep legacy as a class and as talented individuals. There is no aspect of school life you have not touched, and you have seen and been integral to the continued growth and success of our school. You have charted new waters and we have watched in wonder as you have distinguished yourselves in so many new and unprecedented ways including: • A first-ever robotics team that placed 19th in the world championships and fabricated many of their own parts on the 3D printer in the EDGE Lab. • Participation in a university-level engineering research program at University of California, Irvine where you explored in topics ranging from generation and decay of high-intensity wind turbulence to high-concentration photovoltaic systems. Yikes! • Participation in the largest Model United Nations Club in school history and the hosting of a model UN conference on our campus for the first time. “You have won academic distinction at the very highest level and even been witness to one of your classmates
Commencement 2013
10
“You have been impactful leaders through your service to ASB, the Honor Committee, Peer Counselors, Admission Ambassadors, Breakthrough and Special Camp. You took the lead in reaching out to the victims of Hurricane Sandy and created an effort that impacted far more than the five of you who went on this memorable trip. “You have been willing to speak out about challenging issues and you have courageously stepped forward on several occasions to school-wide discussions on issues of diversity, equity and inclusivity. You have broadened our perspectives through the passion of your voice and the strength of your convictions, and our mission as an Episcopal school has been greatly advanced by your presence.
having patents pending on technologies ranging from remote wireless power transfer to a computer projector that makes a screen obsolete because it projects directly on to your retinas. What fun! “You have dazzled us with your musical, acting and dancing talents in Convocation, in Chapel, at athletic events, 24-hour playwriting festivals, at the M.A.C.Y.s, and at the CAPPIES. You have been instrumental in the successful launching of our new Performing Arts Center through your memorable performances in The Sound of Music, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the Coffee House Cabaret, choral and instrumental concerts, and dance recitals. You readily and willingly jumped into the Tartan Jam and made it one of the great highlights of the year. And, you have been entertained often by two of your own musical groups, Afro Haven and Back From Blue. “In athletics, more Tartans have been named to the OC Register’s all-county teams this year than ever before, and over the course of your Upper School career, you have brought great honor and distinction to yourselves and the school by being integral to two State Championships, 12 CIF Championships and three CIF runner-up honors, one Southern Section Championship, and 47 league titles. This year you were part of CIF Championships in girls’ volleyball and boys’ cross country and our boys’ lacrosse team went as far as it could go in winning the Southern Section Championship. Our 2013 boy’s golf team went farther than it ever has, and many of you will meaningfully contribute to your college athletic programs next year.
11
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity you have shown me this year. I will always cherish our time together, your thoughtful and heartfelt comments in my yearbook, the tunnel you helped create last Wednesday, the guitar you gave me and your special tribute today. It has been quite a year for all of us. And now it is time to get on with it. “Mr. President, I am honored to present to you the Class of 2013.”
After delivering diplomas to the Class of 2013, Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut delivered his closing remarks to the community: “So here we are, at the end of the line in this important chapter of your lives and in our lives together. Congratulations to you and your families for many years of hard work and dedication. “As you head off to 60 colleges and universities in 17 states, and the District of Columbia – my hope is that like the bridge builder you will use your talents to serve others and extend a welcoming hand to those in need. Because of your many gifts and the gifts you have been given, you have it within your powers to touch the lives of others in profound and meaningful ways. You have been part of something good and you have definitely left something good behind.
“And so my dear friends of the Class of 2013, it is now our season and our time to move on to the next chapter. I will confess – I have wanted with all my heart to slow all of this down, but as we know only too well, time waits for no one and inexorably, the hands on the clock tower above us keep moving forward. “In a few minutes you will stand and sing the alma mater, one last time and with a heavy dose of gusto please, walk down the center aisle, gather for your final photograph on the steps of the Performing Arts Center, toss your caps in the air and like those caps, scatter in 103 different directions. “But for one last time, let’s take a moment of silence together – soak in the surroundings and cherish these memories of our youth. “Safe travels and Godspeed.”
“But, ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.’
Commencement 2013
12
B
ACCALAUREATE sERVICE
A
t the Baccalaureate service, Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut welcomed the congregation: “The Right Reverend Bruno, The Reverend Canon Edwards, members of the St. Margaret’s Board of Trustees, parents, relatives, alumni and friends, distinguished members of the faculty, and members of the Class of 2013, welcome to the 28th Baccalaureate service at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. “It is an honor to welcome you this evening at this special time of the school year. These Baccalaureate services are part of a long tradition in schools like ours where we join together for one last time in this sanctuary to share a spiritual moment together. “For many of you, this will be your last official gathering in this Church – a place where an important component of your St. Margaret’s education has taken place. “It was here where many of you first wore your red sweaters. It was here where you celebrated your birthdays – remember – ‘watch over your children, oh Lord, as their days increase.’ “It was here where many of you stood on the altar as Tartans of the Month. “It was here where a few of you sang ‘we wish you a Merry Christmas’ in the Preschool Christmas concert. 15
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“It was here where you participated in Lower School Lessons and Carols – our oldest tradition. “It was here where you received your fifth and your eighth grade certificates. “It was here where you listened to, were inspired by and even offered a homily. “It was here where we came together for lectures, performances and presentations. “It was here where yearbooks were dedicated. “It was here where we have sought comfort in moments of grief and sorrow. “It was here where we have honored and sustained the memory of those in our school community who have passed away. And, it was here where we have come together regularly to sing, reflect, worship and pray. “As you move on to new and exciting challenges following tomorrow’s Commencement, it would be my hope that you would look back with fond feelings and meaningful memories about your time in this Church. I know I will. “Tomorrow’s Commencement is truly a new beginning for all of you – a little scary and daunting for some, invigorating and inspiring for others. No one can accurately predict what will happen in the coming chapters of your
lives, but we do know one thing for sure – after tomorrow your lives will be different, and I deeply hope better. Your parents, your teachers and your friends have brought you to this exciting time when you stand on the edge of a great adventure, and you are ready.” After readings from the Old and New Testament, Upper School Principal Tony Jordan introduced the Class of 2013 Salutatorian David B. Freed: “Wikipedia describes salutatorian as an academic title given to one of the highest graduates of the class. This honor is traditionally based on grade point average, and/ or number of credits taken. We fully understand this achievement cannot be understated as it reflects a tremendous dedication, work ethic and discipline. Our salutatorian this year is a young man of accomplishment, achievement and intense intellectual curiosity. Superlatives fly when speaking of David Freed and I would ask that David join me at the podium. “It is easy to define David as a successful student: eight honors courses, 11 Advanced Placement courses and a GPA of 4.5. That record of achievement and success speaks not only to his intellectual curiosity, but also to a strong work ethic, exceptional time management and perseverance. David approaches all things with vigor and his academics are no exception. He entered the Upper School with three Upper School credits and never slowed down! “First, David is an interesting conversation…not only does he know a lot about a lot of things, he has this great, nearly forgotten, skill of maintaining eye contact so you feel as though he is really interested in what you have to say and is “all in” with the conversation. I suspect that has something to do with his mom and dad and their influence and I know, first hand, everyone appreciates it. “He is the strongest debater in the school and, for many years, organized and led the debate program at St. Margaret’s. This was David’s third year as captain of the debate team. He has become so accomplished that he is frequently asked to judge rather than compete in the tournaments. Of course, I think his prowess also contributed to that “suspiciously altruistic” request from opposing coaches.
Tony Jordan Upper School Principal Commencement 2013
16
Benjamin were my paternal great-grandfathers. They are a part of me, and their memories live on through my name.
David B. Freed Salutatorian
“As a clear example of this modern day Renaissance man, he is also an accomplished and expert golfer. He was elected to the position of golf team captain as a junior and has been a driving influence on this year’s championship golf squad even while apparently overcoming an obsessive concern with his spine angle while putting. “David is quick minded and quick spoken, desirable traits for a forensic debater, but, possibly uniquely, those traits are embedded and wrapped within a thoughtful and wise temperament, underscored foundationally by a strong moral sense. This combination of enviable characteristics was quickly recognized by his peers who elected him to serve on our Upper School Honor Committee. “It is an honor to recognize David for his competitiveness, his tenacity, his gifted mind, his range of talents and his commitment to excellence. Please welcome our Salutatorian David Freed.” Salutatorian David B. Freed approached the podium and addressed those congregated in the Church: “Shakespeare said that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. True, but isn’t the name itself also important? What is really in a name? A name conveys not only images and other sensory information, but also experience, endearment, significance and reputation. “What kinds of names are there? There are given names, and there are nicknames. David Benjamin Freed. That is the name I was born with. That is the name I will die with. It is my unique, three-word identifier. David and
17
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“What about nicknames? Sometimes they are thoughtless or simply lazy. Take the case of Quvenzhane Wallis, for example. She is a phenomenal, nine-year-old actor from “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” who was the youngest person ever to be nominated for an Oscar. That is a large accomplishment. At the Oscars this year, however, Ryan Seacrest decided to nickname her “Little Q.” He tossed out that nickname out of a fear of butchering her real name. But that nickname implied that she was not important enough for Seacrest to learn how to pronounce her real name. And, calling her "little" made her huge accomplishment seem less important. “Other nicknames are downright nasty. They certainly cannot be repeated in Chapel. Most are terms of endearment from friends and family. Let’s take mine for example; I have had plenty over the years. I know where they came from, but I do not really know what they mean: there is Daughvid, Dovahkin, the Bird. Sometimes they make sense, like when my Dad calls me Sleeping Beauty if I wake up after 12. The golf team, on the other hand, calls me DJ Moishe. I have no idea what this means. I am no DJ, and do not intend to be one. “When we hear certain nicknames of people that we all know and love, we get a certain picture in our head. Let’s try a few. Uncle Stevie J. Sherman grinning in an armchair, sarcastically complaining that he does not know the answer because ‘I dunno… I just work here.’ JARR four guys trying to flex as much as possible in their buttondown shirts for an Instagram photo. Dwayne Le Rock Parker, a 20-year Marine veteran jumping into a lake at the Marbella Golf Course after the golf team advanced to the state regionals. “People's names convey their reputation. For example, in debate, there were postings that would tell you who your opponent was. The name printed across from yours was going to be your destiny for the next 45 minutes. If you recognized the name, you immediately knew that you would have a tough time. That was because the person had created a reputation as a top debater, which followed their name. It is the same thing in academics. If Emily Venable is in your AP class, the curve just went out the window.
“But how do you build this reputation? Let’s look at some around the school. Robbie Thunder Deng is our golf god. Austin Russell is some kind of genius that none of us can fathom. He redefined time using entropy–What?? I do not even know what that means, and I thought I did pretty well in physics. Andrew Torok can kill you in a wrestling ring… and just about anywhere else. Kati Weschler and Shawn Dhillon can dance circles around everyone. Mary Raymund can jump a horse over a few people. Mattingly Messina can fix everyone’s hair while simultaneously dozing off and picking out a new pair of sunglasses. These reputations are built by years of development. “We all have our own unique skill set that we use to develop our reputations. But our reputations do not just come from skill sets. Mainly, they come from character. The reputation you want to develop as you go out into the world involves honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, intelligence and thoughtfulness. It probably does not hurt to be good-looking too. “Heading off to college, we are going to start forming new reputations, on our own. Up until now we have had a lot of support – from our parents at home and from our teachers here at school. I think frequently of the advice and encouragement that we have received from Tony Jordan (Dr. J). As Magic Johnson said, ‘When greatness meets class, that’s what God created in Dr. J.’We are taking
off our training wheels, heading to different parts of the country and starting from scratch. We are going to meet new people. No doubt we will get new nicknames too. We have the opportunity to make new names and reputations, and, if we want, to leave behind the ones we carried in the past. “Now, step back in time and picture an old memory. Remember the person you were four years ago when you walked into the high school for the first time. Who were your friends? Who were your rivals? What was your reputation when you walked into school? What did people see and think when they heard your name? Most of us were nobody’s; just another freshman walking around the school filing in and out of classes to fill desks. “Now look at where you are today. Those same adversaries that you had may have become your best friends. Mine did. Look at how much change you accomplished. People look up to you on a daily basis instead of just passing you by. You are a part of memories that people will never forget as long as they live. Your name has meant something special over the past four years. Just imagine what you can do over the next four, and the rest of your life. “Good luck everyone. Thank you.” As the Salutatorian Address was completed, Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut introduced Baccalaureate speaker The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno, Chairman Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles: “I am honored to welcome back to St. Margaret’s for the first time since 2010, The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno, Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Chairman of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School’s Board of Trustees.
The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno
“Bishop Bruno’s path to his current position is probably not the stereotypical path taken by an aspiring priest. The holder of a Masters of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from California State University, Los Angeles, Bishop Bruno was initially headed in a direction somewhat different from the priesthood. In his early professional life, he was a teacher and then a police officer in the city of Burbank and also a professional football player with the Denver Broncos for a brief period of time before injuries cut short his career. Commencement 2013
18
“Please join me in welcoming back to St. Margaret’s the Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Chairman of the St. Margaret’s Board of Trustees, The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno.” The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno addressed those gathered:
“Bishop Bruno was ordained to the priesthood in 1978 and was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles in 2002, the first native Angelino to be so elected since the diocese was established in 1895. The Diocese of Los Angeles unites some 85,000 Episcopalians in 148 congregations in the Los Angeles area including 40 Episcopal schools. The diocese is part of the 70-million member worldwide Anglican community. “Bishop Bruno serves many organizations in addition to our school. Under his leadership, the diocese has instituted Hands in Healing, a program for preventing violence; The Kaleidoscope Project, which facilitates ministry in multicultural settings; and The Diocesan Reconciliation Project, which works with people of diverse backgrounds and opinions, helping them find ways to understand each other and work together. “As most of you know, several years ago, significant tensions strained the fabric of the Episcopal church not only here in California, but across the country and around the world. Standing firm at the center of some of these tensions has stood Bishop Bruno, and as time has passed, thanks to his courage and commitment to justice and equality, the tensions have lessened and the path for the future of the church has been clarified. “In so many ways, Bishop Bruno personifies the mission of St. Margaret’s through his commitment to learning, leadership and service. His leadership is obvious, but behind his strong and vibrant personality lies a deep and passionate commitment to serving youth and families, to working actively to attend to the needs of the poor and the underserved, and to champion the rights of all human kind. “Today, Bishop Bruno and his wife, Mary, live in Pasadena and enjoy spending time with their three adult children and seven grandchildren.
19
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“I was born and raised in the inner city and against all odds, because I had wonderful and great parents, I was able to capture a great education. I was an early admit to Cal Tech and then I decided to go to Los Angeles State. Now if that’s not confusing, I don’t know what is. I worked so hard in science before I got out of college that I thought ‘now that’s what I want to do.’ But, then something intervened in my life. What intervened in my life is the near loss of my father; a great guy. Joe Bruno was one of the neatest men I have ever known in my life, but I did not realize that until I was about 26. “Over and over again he said, ‘You need to do this.’ I know one time that I really was ticked at him because when I got my bonus, which was much bigger in those days than the salary you got from playing football, he gave me a check and told me to go buy whatever I wanted. I said, ‘Where is the rest of the money?’ He said, ‘You are not 21 yet and I had to sign that contract and I am going to make sure you don’t blow it.’ So I really made him proud and I went out and immediately bought a Ram Charger and an El Dorado Cadillac; a Sunday car and one to really play. In doing that, I learned really quickly that when I fell short of having the money I wanted, I could have sold those cars, but I was so stubborn and clinged to them, especially to the Ram Charger. It made me feel confident. It made me feel strong. It made me feel a lot of things that I never imagined I would ever feel. It is hard to believe but that incident was one of the great growth points of my life. It made it possible for me to say, ‘Maybe my father was right.’ Maybe he had something that he could add to my life if I was willing to listen. I am sure it never happens to any of you that you don’t listen to what your parents say, but I bet you never let them know that you are doing it. That you look at them and you may say, ‘Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh, yes.’ And then when you hit the door you go out and close it behind you and go do exactly what you want to do. “I grew up in a very unique family. I had the ethnicity of most of the people in this room all in one package. I was
a person who was raised up by an Italian grandfather and an Ethiopian grandmother and raised up by a German grandfather and a French grandmother. Talk about strict. Every time I wanted to go out and do something they always had something to say about it. They did not hold back anything. “When I was growing up and I was about 13 years old I wanted to go to pre-seminary for the Roman Catholic Church and become a Roman priest. My parents tried to talk me out of it. They said it was more important for me to have grandkids and a good education. Now that I am a grandfather of seven, ranging in age from 23 to 11 months, I know exactly what they meant. It is the sculpting of those young people’s lives that is my greatest joy today. It is my greatest joy because I get to laugh, to play with them and then their parents have to straighten them out again. I get to spoil them rotten. Last night we were out to dinner and my soon-to-be six-year-old grandson, after he had already had one malt, said to the waiter, ‘I’d like another malt, please; a chocolate one.’ And his mother and father immediately intervened and said, ‘One’s enough.’ And I said, “Waiter, bring him another chocolate malt.” I didn’t have much power there except the fact that I was paying the bill. One of the things we need to realize about our parents is they sacrifice greatly so that we can have great educations and wonderful things in this world. I have more than those three children; I have about 35 young people that I have been successful with throughout my life training and helping people grow. “Yesterday I spoke at another school and the man who introduced me was a football player from Burbank High School whose coach was my student when I was coaching high school. What he said about me was: ‘You may not like what he says, but you can always trust that he is
telling you the truth.’ I say that to all of you because I want you to be in a place that you walk to college and you have a good time. Party hardy! Enjoy everything that is there, but never be afraid to bring your grades home. Know that the gift you have been given is a gift that will help you have a foundation of strength beyond all belief. It will help you to grow and be a credit for the society in which you live. It may be as a professional dancer, it might be as a politician. It may be as a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher, who gives of themselves in such ways that they transform your life. I know a lot of these teachers and I have to tell you, none of them is paid enough, I don’t care who they are because they are giving you a gift that they have a vocation to share with you the things that you know to be productive and powerful resources. How do I know that? I just gave an award to my high school football coach who was also my history teacher, for 40 years of service, for coaching and teaching young people. His son is one of the editors of the Los Angeles Times. I knew him when he was five years old. Now, it made me aware of everything I should do. He taught me how to be an ethical and loving man in this world. Even though I was called “a bear” and was a jock of the first order playing football, basketball, baseball, shot putting and wrestling, he taught me lessons that I take away from my life every day. He taught me to be loyal and true. He taught me to stand up for the disenfranchised and the poor. He taught me to clarify my theological thinking because he took me through an understanding of history and who people are and what they deserve. “All of those lessons this last year came to a head; there was all of a sudden a convergence and in April of last year I was diagnosed with AML5 (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). I remember the doctor walking into the room and saying, ‘You have a one percent chance of living.’ I was comfortable with that fact. I was comfortable because I preach what I believe: that the community will uphold me and be with me and give me strength that I need to get by. I learned a couple of other things during that period of time: I learned that my wife and kids have a lot more power than I thought they did. They arrived three days later in my room with my hematologist and said, ‘You’re not getting away this easy.’ Because I said I wasn’t going to have chemotherapy. I said to them that I was ready to go, our family trust was in order and everything was fine. And they said to me, ‘You owe us at least seven weeks.’ In that seven weeks I have never been brutalized so much in my
Commencement 2013
20
entire life. I have been shot as a policeman, I have been stabbed while on duty, I have been hit in the head more times than I can count on the football field, I have had my helmet broken off from my head, and never have I been that brutalized. The people in this room who are cancer survivors realize that. Well, I said no, I don’t want to do that, and my wife who is five foot one and a half inches tall took her finger, stuck it in my face and said, ‘You don’t have a choice.’ Our son, our oldest one, who is six foot two and a professional bicycle racer, our daughter who is 46 years old and has been a human resource officer forever and our youngest son who is six foot seven and could make me do whatever he wanted me to do all agreed, and made me commit to seven weeks. “I want you to commit to the next four years of your life to transform yourself and this world. I want you to commit to not knowing where you are going, but figuring it out while you are on the way. I want you to commit to a way of caring for other people that you will support them and uphold them. When we are in community, and our salutatorian spoke about that, it does not matter how big you are or how small you are, you can never get away from the other people. That lesson that I have used over and over in my preaching tells me how important community is. While I was in the hospital I got 20,000 hand-written communications, no email; 20,000 handwritten communications from people who told me how I made a difference in their life. You know something? I didn’t remember half of them. “One lady said, ‘Do you remember pulling a little baby out of a pool in Virginia?’ I vaguely remembered. I heard a splash. I was working with some young people and I went over the fence because this little baby had squeezed through the fence that was chain linked and she was lifeless. I gave her mouth to mouth. Why? Because I didn’t train through law enforcement to be able to do that, and I thought, ‘Boy is this a disaster.’ Then all of a sudden she started spitting up water and breathing. Well this lady is now the head of the department of random theory. Isn’t that poetic? She is at a major institution of learning. When she called me to tell me how thankful she was that I was willing to act on instinct rather than to call and worry about liability, she did not like the fact that I did not acknowledge that that was great. I said, ‘It was my job.’ She wrote me a nice letter. It was six pages long, hand written on both sides, listing everything that would not have happened if I had
21
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
not paid attention that day. I had no idea, but her four children would have never been there, her Ph.D. would have never become a reality, the 23 doctoral students that she has supervised over these years would not be around and the discovery she made about random theory would not have been a reality. You have that power, every single one of you. You have that power to touch other people’s lives. It does not matter if you are a mechanic or a nurse or a doctor or a politician, what matters is that you are a person of integrity. That you know who you are and to whom you belong. “That does not necessarily mean that you all belong to the same God I belong to, but you need to, know who you are and what power in this universe you belong. You are beloved. You are beloved to your parents even though they bang on you sometimes. You are beloved to this school, you are beloved to every human being who you have touched their lives, every guy who has had a girl who has broken his heart in high school knows that. Any guy who has broken a girl’s heart in high school should be ashamed. You have to understand how important the eyes that you have in your head are. When you talked about looking into people’s eyes, I was extremely touched [referring to Mr. Tony Jordan’s speech]. Because for the last six months before I was liberated from the hospital the only thing I saw, because I was in very high isolation, were peoples’ eyes. I looked into their eyes and I could tell if they were mad at me, if they were celebrating with me, I could tell if they cared for me or not because I could see their eyes, the windows to their soul. “I believe that we are created body, mind and spirit in this world and that we are wonderful creations and that we are beloveds of God from the day of our birth, and we come to the fullness of our being. We graduate from high school and do all those things, but it will be over the next five to seven years that your soul will grow. What do I mean by that? Isn’t body, mind and spirit the same thing as soul? It is not my belief that it is. Your soul is the essence of what you learn and the wisdom that you listen to and the integrity with which you practice your life. That concept of soul says something about how you come out. The best architect of a good life is the person who has the skills and is talented and does not worry about not making it, but takes risks. Risks to be involved in God. “I pray your souls grow and are strengthened. Be faithful to yourself. Be faithful to the things that your parents have taught you and reach out and touch other people’s lives so they will be transformed by your presence.”
C
Andlelighting ceremony
I
n his address at the beginning of the Candlelighting Ceremony, Upper School Principal Tony Jordan summarized the ceremony’s tradition of passing the torch of leadership:
“Good morning. We gather today to witness and support an important tradition in the life of our school – the passing of leadership. Appropriately, our attention will be on the passing of leadership of the Upper School from the Class of 2013 to the Class of 2014. However, the end of the school year marks transitions of leadership for all of us. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and faculty…all of us are a year more experienced, a year wiser, and a year more of a leader. “So, how is that torch passed: 1. Offer advice as you have lived it – no one arrived where you are just as you did, instead of jargon and trendy language, take time to explain how you got to where you are – what worked and what did not. 2. Do not try to be everything to everyone…it is tempting to fit in, to look the same, to act the same, but…how about being comfortable in your own skin and be comfortable in your gifts. 3. Look for ways to help…in a community that values grace, civility and kindness, the power of simple acts of anonymous kindness cannot be understated. 4. Give the gift of you. The best way to ensure you are not simply repackaging someone else’s stale advice is to be genuinely, authentically, certifiably you. No one has your experiences, your thoughts and your voice. Commencement 2013
22
instant. As much as I have looked forward to finally graduating, I did not expect it to come this fast. You wish for times, classes, and days to go by faster, but in the end you will look back and wish you took things just a bit slower. Even though we have enjoyed everything to its complete entirety, I find myself wishing that time would have slowed down so we as a class could appreciate and cherish everything in the moment for a longer time.
Emily Chin 2013 Associated Student Body President
“Congratulations to the Classes of 2013 and 2014, we will miss our seniors…their leadership and their stewardship of the school as we look forward to the junior class as they enter their seniority and guide our school next year.” After lighting her candle, Associated Student Body President Emily Chin addressed those assembled: “The Candlelighting Ceremony has been a long-standing tradition here at St. Margaret’s. The windows are blacked out, the doors are shut, and the only traces of light are seen from the candles held by members of the senior class. The juniors then receive this flare and seniors extinguish it, while sophomores and freshmen move up pews to their future grade level section and witness the passing of leadership. This ceremony serves as a symbol for every single one of you as a movement to a new chapter for next year. “Standing up here representing the Class of 2013, I still cannot believe that we are the ones passing on this flame. I still have to remind myself that I do not need to give Mrs. Connon a class registration form, or get my teachers to approve of me signing up for an AP. I even have to remind myself sometimes that I will not be coming to St. Margaret’s next year. It is hard to believe that our days here are coming to an end, and I always find myself reflecting back on this past year. We as a class not only completed our high school careers successfully, we took advantage of everything given to us and always added an additional flair. From the risqué skits at Senior Retreat, bowties and glasses, and the never ending games of “Smash” in the courtyard or Tartan Center kitchen – these events and memories have made the year go by in an
23
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“All seniors received this flame of leadership last year and have successfully carried on the tradition of being the school’s leaders. Now, it is time for the juniors to step up and lead the school. With this light, you, the Class of 2014, will be the ones that will guide the rest of the school for the new incoming school year. I know with the leadership of newly elected senior representatives Branden Henry and Delanie Spector, your senior year will be unforgettable. I also leave the school in good hands, to the future Associated Student Body President Brooks Robinson, who will continue the legacy of leadership and excellence. “I would also like to recognize one individual who has led our entire school community, Mr. Hurlbut. He joined the Tartan family in 2003, as the new headmaster of the school, and will be leaving with the Class of 2013, 10 years later. Mr. Hurlbut, after this, please come forward to join the senior class and light your candle. “Finally, congratulations to the seniors and Mr. Hurlbut for all of your accomplishments and all the leadership you have demonstrated throughout these past years. I will never forget the memories and relationships I have made with everyone here after 14 years, but it is time to say goodbye and pass this light on.”
“William Yeats said, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ This is why we use candles to symbolize our growth and knowledge. We would be a much different and more uncomfortable audience if the seniors just emptied buckets of water on us… nevertheless the message remains. We are being passed on the flame of learning, leadership and service. It is our time to make it grow with our own wisdom and experiences so that when it comes time to pass our candles, we will be leaving behind something valuable and precious to ourselves.
Brooks Robinson 2014 Associated Student Body President
As the Class of 2013 passed the flame of leadership to the Class of 2014, Brooks Robinson, Associated Student Body president for the Class of 2014, took the podium: “Hello everyone, freshmen, sophomores, juniors… seniors. First of all I would like to thank and congratulate the seniors and Mr. Hurlbut for lighting the way for us and sharing with us their light, their leadership, their experiences, and their support. We would not be the people we are today without them.
“Before we depart from the Chapel and go on back to our normal daily routines, I want you all to remember that ‘thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness and experience never decreases by being shared.’ “Thank you seniors and Mr. Hurlbut, and thank you to all of the teachers and mentors who have helped these flames to grow and be passed down. Now juniors, it is our time to rise up and lead this great school and shine our light into a brighter tomorrow.”
“Look around everyone, notice all of the candles that are lit. As one looks out all they would notice are a bunch of candles lit in a very hot Chapel, but to us it is something much different. It represents something much more special. You see, fire in itself is a very unpredictable thing. One moment it can be a small candle and the next, a blazing inferno. It is alive, it breaths, indeed it has its own will. It can either create or destroy, cleanse or scar. Much like humans. “Now, this main light that is on the pulpit represents our source – our source of knowledge and wisdom. From the time we set foot in this school we have been bred for three things, a life of learning, leadership and service. We have been taught to use the light that we have to make an impact on this world in a positive way. Now that we are the new leaders of the school, we have a responsibility to ourselves, as well as the rest of the high school and the departing seniors, to use our light to shine the right path for those who are yet to follow.
Commencement 2013
24
S
enior banquet
U
pper School Principal Tony Jordan welcomed the seniors, parents, faculty and staff to the festive atmosphere of the outdoor Senior Banquet: “Good evening and welcome to parents, special friends, faculty and graduates. We met with the seniors in August to begin the year and we shared with them what every experienced educator knows. Schools go as the senior class goes…and how this class has gone! They have experienced victory and defeat, shared sorrow and celebration. Through it all they have drawn on their collective strength to be greater as a whole than the sum of the individuals. “You taught us stewardship as you took care of each other, you taught us to be part of something bigger than ourselves with your service leadership, you taught us humor and joy with your genuine spirit in the Tartan Courtyard, and you taught us to care deeply when you felt decisions did not support our mission. Thank you all for these gifts, we were blessed to have shared this part of your journey with you and we are better for it. “The best anecdote I have for this special Class of 2013 occurred one afternoon when I was roaming the senior commons. I was visiting with a senior and the old line…‘would you jump off a bridge just because your friends were jumping off a bridge’ came up. The senior paused and said…‘if my classmates jumped off a bridge, I would make sure I was at the bottom so I could catch them.’ Pretty cool!
25
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“In closing, I pass along a thought from that fine philosopher, Dr. Seuss: How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December it’s here before it’s June My goodness how the time has flewn How did it get so late so soon? “Bless you all and go with Godspeed!” Senior Mattingly Messina took the podium and addressed the community as the evening’s senior speaker: “Often, we remember the phrase “time flies” and wish things had not changed so quickly. Sometimes, too, we cannot wait for things to change and for time to speed up, essentially. This moment, I believe, is the rarest and most confusing combination of both. But whatever we may feel, we know and we understand things to be true through the concept of time. “Time” may be a short, brief and specific moment – one we remember and will not ever forget. Time may also be measured in longer periods, in spans, to be able to tell a story. Often, we find time in our favor, and other times we do not. Often, we have times to remember, and other times we wish we could forget. Every accomplishment, failure and frustrating in-between moment each of us sitting here tonight has experienced has been placed into time. So, to understand our grade, the Class of 2013, and each individual that comprises it, let’s take a journey back into time, and see how we wound up exactly where we are tonight: sitting here, partly anxious for time to move, and partly wishing we could stay just a little longer.
in our four years here in the Upper School. These things had to be learned through experiences – experiences logged in time. I want everyone here tonight to think of a span of time during high school that you happened to remember for one particular reason or another, and then I want everyone to think of one specific moment that you remember, and see how they tie together or if they tie together at all. A span of time that I remember: the first three of four months of freshman English with Ms. Nava, Raffi and Max could not stand me and I hated it. A specific moment in time, though, would probably be the end of that three or four month span when Raffi really started to realize that I was not that bad of a guy, because we happened to be at a carnival one night and I was able to provide some emotional support to a very, very, scared and very, very anxious Raffi who may have tried to ask out a very, very cute girl who may have skipped a grade and graduated the year before us named Marie Griffith and it may have not worked out and she may have said no. That certainly was a time to remember. “Our grade has seen good times – times to look back upon and simply mark in your head that that was just a cool thing that happened. I can guarantee you that each day here at school held some small amount of time that made the entire rest of the day worthwhile – every single senior boy (except me, of course) running up and down the hallways of Camp Stevens shirtless screaming the incoherent lyrics (of course except for “hey sexy lady”) of Gangnam Style. Coming together on a weekend and building our own personal castle, which of course saw many attacks throughout Homecoming week. Our numerous, numerous, numerous, numerous, numerous gender talks with Ms. Bunch and Dave. And looking back on our four years here and remembering when we all used to lay on the football field at lunch, watching the
“The beginning of high school - let’s look at the big things that were happening: I come in, brand new, and for those who did not know my name (or for the half of you that just could not pronounce it for the first month), I was simply the kid with Alex Waller’s old hair (which, of course he shaved off because he was “a football player,” which, Lord knows, was why I never joined…). Dr. G’s room was the place to be in tutorials. Friday night football games made us feel so cool. David Sparks was on ASB, and we had Marmelstein watching our backs. We did not know what we were doing. We did not know how to maneuver around this campus. We did not know how things worked, why they were the way they were, and how we could make the impacts that we have now made
Commencement 2013
26
heat ripple off in the distance and just looking out at this sea of one hundred kids that were bound together as a class. Some we knew better than others, some we truly barely knew at all. Some we liked, some we loved, some we could not stand at times, but we will forever be able to say the very underrated and underappreciated line “we graduated together.” “Our grade has come together in ways unseen before and persevered through times of sadness, pain and anger, trying to create some good out of bad – dating further beyond our freshman year of high school, a different looking grade but the same grade nonetheless, we have battled so many untimely passings from our St. Margaret’s family. But I personally have never seen anything like the resilience of the Class of 2013 – I do not think we truly understand that we were watched with awe by our parents, teachers and peers as we picked up members of the family of our grade and never let anyone suffer alone, we watched our lacrosse team play with grace and come home with a CIF Championship and a slightly warmer feeling in everyone’s hearts, we stood together, united like never before, and simply did not let events which have the risk of dissolving so many things in life dissolve the life of our class. And those moments in time are the moments which I am the most proud to be a part of with this class. “A brief look into time that has yet to come; time where we will soon see ourselves on very different campuses, in very different classrooms, and with very different people. I am proud to be a part of a group of students who will be leaving St. Margaret’s Episcopal School to do so many astonishing things: so many of us recruited for our success in a certain field of study, to become the world’s next brain surgeons and innovators; so many of us asked to attend a university and play on their athletic teams – these are major successes that I think we sometimes forget. Look around and see what so many people have already accomplished, and then just use a small bit of imagination to see where they will be in years to come. It is an honor to stand in front of one hundred friends tonight and to know the company that I keep. “This campus has been our home – whether this home was chosen for you, was your selection alone, or was a combination of both, the open-air hallways, unlocked lockers, landmines of backpacks, never-ending games of Smash and random conglomerations of loudspeakers, In-N-Out burgers, Wendi’s bags, goofy teachers, and dayto-day moments of brilliance have been the best home we
27
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
possibly could have had. Truly, these grounds have made us feel safe – ten years of a hardworking headmaster and a gifted faculty and staff have allowed so many of us to call St. Margaret’s our second home. Yes, it is true, we have success in athletics, we have success in the arts, we have success in the classroom, but those all stop at a certain point – they only go so far. What continues and goes beyond, though, are the relationships we have forged with those around us. St. Margaret’s has allowed us to create relationships that I believe so many of us take for granted. Stop for one second: no matter what you may have to say about this school and your time at it, so many of you have made your best friends here. This school would simply not be the same without the Alexis and Allies or Doris and Amys of the world. Look what this school did for all of us: it allowed us to be able to sit here tonight, turn to those best friends, those true best friends that we all have here that we have grown to love, and be able to say that we graduated together. “And so now, the scariest part of time: the fact that it eventually ends. The feeling of having limited time left, a small amount of time before we fly to all parts of the country and start new lives with new people, is frightening to me personally. And while some simply cannot wait, for others it will be something unimaginably difficult to deal with – to say goodbye to those that we love and understand that our time with them every day has come to a close for now. I do not want the physical breakup of this grade to ever threaten our unity as we go off to college. We have things that are too special within us to discontinue simply because we won’t be arriving at the same location together at 7:45 in the morning anymore. Time has taught us about time. Time has taught us to cherish time. Time has taught us to cherish what we love. Time has taught us to never forget the things that will make us smile when we look back on them. Time has taught us to let the mistakes of our past guide our future actions, and time has taught us that we will forever be kings and queens.”
After the senior speaker, faculty speaker and Upper School History teacher James Harris took the podium and addressed those gathered: “Greetings parents, colleagues, students and guests. I want to thank you for taking the time to gather here tonight, and I hope my speech does not detract from what has so far been a very enjoyable evening. I will attempt to keep my remarks brief, as I have learned that if I talk for longer than 10 or 12 minutes Mattingly Messina falls asleep. On that note, please keep your glasses off while I am speaking Mattingly; I stopped falling for that trick years ago. “This has been a very good year for me professionally, but particularly in my relations with students. During Convocations I have received unusually warm applause from the student body and this senior class in particular. On the senior trip, young men and women I had not spoken with for a year or two not only acknowledged me, but even went so far as to engage me in discussions that hinted, just barely, that they saw me as someone with a life outside of St. Margaret’s – for those non-teachers in the crowd, I can assure you that this is rare. Over the course of the year I received no emails from infuriated parents, or at least none that Mr. Jordan told me about, and I believe I only brought one student to tears, but he was a sophomore and thankfully never reported the incident. My advisees, a group of nine smart, emotionally intelligent young men, caused me no problems whatsoever and even gave me an incredibly thoughtful gift at the end of the year, despite the fact that I, in truth, do very little “advising” and a whole lot of nagging, badgering and buck-passing. Then, to top it all off, I was honored with both the 2013 yearbook dedication and the opportunity to speak here tonight. Adding this all up, I would not fault anyone here for coming to the obvious conclusion: I am awesome. “Yet, I am also a skeptical and suspicious person. Perhaps it is the result of growing up in a family of pranksters and a neighborhood of older boys; perhaps it is my training as a historian, where a close examination of authorship is often more important than the source itself; or perhaps it is just my nature. Either way, when Mrs. Allison excitedly informed me that I had been voted as the faculty speaker for this evening, I began to grow suspicious of the circumstances which had led me to this point. “At first I thought, ‘Ok, who declined ahead of me?’ Having failed to pin anyone down on that question, I then suspected that Misters Hurlbut and Jordan might secretly have decided to fire me but, having already accepted my
signed contract for next year, instead decided to have me speak tonight knowing that I would likely say something severely stupid or off-color, thereby providing them an opportunity to can me. However, after thinking it over for a few days I have come to a much simpler yet diabolical conclusion: This year’s senior class is trolling me. “For those of you over 40, or who may fish from time to time, you most likely recognize the phrase “trolling” in its original use, to describe the practice of “trailing a baited line from behind a slowly moving boat” in order to draw fish to the line. In the 21st century, however, the term “trolling” is more commonly described, according to www.knowyourmeme.com, as “Internet user behavior that is meant to intentionally anger or frustrate someone else in order to provoke a response.” It was only after I set aside my ego and viewed my interactions with this group of students dispassionately that I was able to see that the most likely reason for my success with this group of seniors was not my inherent awesomeness, but rather that they just like messing with my mind. Indeed, what other explanation is there for the following list of indignities I have suffered over the past 12 to 48 months at the hands of the adolescents gathered here tonight? I present to you as evidence: • Exhibit A: In two and a half years of courses together, Mattingly Messina has spent more time sleeping or checking the status of his hair than he has spent listening to me. As a man with very little remaining hair, I can tell you this was rather aggravating. • Exhibit B: Numerous times, after delivering in class what I believed to be a well-prepared lecture or witty joke, I have turned to see Madeleine Bidmead and Savanna Riley looking back at me with a level of apathy and scorn that only supremely, and justifiably, selfconfident young women can muster. • Exhibit C: In her freshman year, Savanna Cope missed eight days of my world history course and returned with the most perfectly bronzed tan I have ever seen on a student during the month of February. Her explanation to a simpleton such as myself? Sinus infection. • Finally, exhibit D: Chase McClure, first semester economics. D.J. Walters, second semester economics. For the sake of my livelihood I am going to leave it at that.
Commencement 2013
28
“I could go on with this list of indignities, but I believe I have made my point. In fact, I half-suspect that many of you are wondering if I will actually deliver a point of any substance tonight. Indeed I shall, and that point, Class of 2013, comes now and in two words: Eat Bitter.
they help create young learners who can adapt and work well with others, something the Chinese education system cannot, as of yet, manage to do.
“Eat Bitter is an English translation for the Chinese phrase, which I shall now butcher, chi ku, literally meaning eater bitter. This proverb, which has been in the Chinese lexicon for at least a thousand years, represents one of the Chinese peoples’ most foundational cultural values: the ability to accept and endure hardship. This feature of Chinese culture is most often found in the relationships between parents and children and teachers and students, relationships that define not only Chinese society but, I would argue, American society as well.
“Indeed, as I look around here tonight I see young men and women who are uniquely qualified for the social and economic demands of an increasingly globalized world. Yet make no mistake, you are members of a generation who are entering adulthood at a time when job prospects are dim, competition is fierce, and the willingness of employers to tolerate employees who expect something for nothing is disappearing rapidly. Many of you will have to work harder than you can possibly imagine to achieve the level of success you may dream of, and for those who do not I would have to ask if such success is even worthwhile?
“For the Chinese, chi ku stresses the value of work that is often, and expectedly, grueling, monotonous and tiresome. For many Americans, the Chinese concept of chi ku was most recently and stunningly introduced by Amy Chua in her book, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.” In one scene from the book, Chua, responding to her daughter’s complaints about the difficulty of a task, shouts that, ‘Everything valuable and worthwhile is difficult!’ While this philosophy is by no means uniform in China today, and many upper class Chinese are openly questioning its hold on their society and education system, it most certainly represents a fundamental part of the Chinese worldview.
“There is one additional aspect of chi ku that I would like to touch on before exiting the stage, and this has to do with eating not only bitterness, but indignities as well. In her recent book, “Eating Bitterness: Stories from the Front Lines of China’s Great Urban Migration,” Michelle Loyalka describes the lives of eight Chinese migrant laborers in the city of Xi’an and details their struggles to survive and the indignities they suffer in doing so. From being taunted for their ratty clothes to being cheated out of a day’s pay, the characters in Loyalka’s book must eat bitterness constantly yet somehow manage to carry on, knowing that the future of their families depend on it. This is chi ku, the ability to not only endure but accept hardship.
“In the United States, we are of course not unfamiliar with the concept of chi ku. Phrases such as “practice makes perfect,” “nothing is free in this world,” and “there are no shortcuts to success” are well known and as much a part of the American experience as the Chinese. Yet I cannot help but wonder if we as a nation, and you in particular, Class of 2013, could learn something from the Chinese concept of chi ku.
“Now I do not expect any of you to suffer such hardship but I think there is great value in learning to eat whatever indignities and challenges will come your way over the next decade of your lives. Some of you have already begun to master chi ku at far too young an age, forced by circumstance to deal with the loss of loved ones or turmoil in your personal lives. However, I am confident that you will rebound from these indignities of life and forge ahead with determination and strength. After all, don’t we Americans believe that “what does not kill me only makes me stronger?”
“For example, recent trends in American education have pushed the concept of a “student centered” classroom to the forefront of educational pedagogy and stressed the idea that learning and school should not only be informative, but distinctly “fun.” American teachers are increasingly asked to identify their students learning styles, account for their learning differences, and differentiate their instruction accordingly, all the while staying on top of technological and pedagogical trends. And please do not get me wrong; I generally support many of these demands and believe
29
S t. m a r g a r e t ’s e p i s c opa l s c h o ol
“In closing, I would like to thank you, Class of 2013, for all the indignities you have afforded me over the years. You made me work harder, and grow stronger, as a person and professional and for that I will be eternally grateful.”
C
ollege choices
Blake A. Akers Arizona State University
Olivia L. Dolan Boston College
Arin L. Melkonian University of California, Los Angeles
Austin K. Russell Stanford University
Julia E. Alvarez Goucher College
Mitchell R. Donahue University of Michigan
Mattingly R. Messina Villanova University
Daniella Salazar Wheaton College, Illinois
Timon Amirani Cornell University
Dorian D. Drislane Southern Methodist University
Brandon M. Miura Santa Clara University
Olivia C.Santora University of Southern California
Regan E. Anderson University of Michigan
Tara C. Eddo Point Loma Nazarene University
Gabriela G. Morally New York University
Raffaele S. Saposhnik University of California, Los Angeles
Yasmeen L. Antone University of Michigan
Ashley A. Eichenauer The University of Arizona
Sager T. Moritzky Macalester College
William L. Schmall Northern Arizona University
Amy C. Berchtold Loyola Marymount University
Austin P. Foley University of Southern California
Emily R. Morton University of Southern California
Elliott A. Schwartz University of California, Berkeley
Madeleine I. Bidmead The George Washington University
David B. Freed University of Pennsylvania
Hannah V. Narvaez Lynchburg College
David C. Sparks University of Redlands
Austin P. Birch Texas Christian University
Alexandra S. Frost California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Oliver C. O’Donnell University of Miami
Ryan L. Stueber University of Oregon
Kathryn N. Garcia Loyola Marymount University
Zoe O. Oedekerk California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Brandon S. Suchand Grand Canyon University
Jason N. Goldberg Chapman University
Melisa G. Osborne University of Southern California
Iliana V. Guadalupe University of California, Irvine
Carly G. Page Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts
Stefanie R. Brunswick Tufts University Margaret A. Brynjolfsson St. Olaf College Joseph H. Carpenter Stanford University Max I. Carr Emory University Gianni G. Carson Pace University, New York City Micayla O. Chade Texas Christian University Emily S. Chin Chapman University Madisen K. Clanton University of California, Irvine Brandon M. Clements University of Oregon Catherine L. Connelly Villanova University Savanna L. Cope University of Oklahoma Garrett J. Corwin University of California, Santa Barbara Evan D. Daboub University of Southern California Macey G. Davis University of Oklahoma Shelby M. Deck Trinity College Tori J. Deckard Saddleback College Robert S. Deng Harvard University Chandler P. Desforges University of Southern California Shounat A. Dhillon New York University
Pattinson Hayton California State University, Long Beach Jennifer A. Jung University of Southern California Alexander G. Kaliannan Loyola Marymount University Burton R. Karger Colorado State University Maddi B. Larsen Saint Mary’s College of California Victoria M. Lee Columbia University Alexis A. Leon University of California, San Diego Sebastian A. Luna Claremont McKenna College Arreanna Marko University of Oregon McKenna L. Marmelstein Biola University Hunter L. Matthews University of Southern California Chase H. McClure Saddleback College Scott P. McGowan University of Denver Mary J. McGraw University of Notre Dame Grant S. Meadows Southern Methodist University
James S. Parker University of California, Berkeley Kelsey N. Patch University of Southern California Symone D. Pinedo University of San Francisco Riley C. Pok University of California, Berkeley Brandon E. Price Harvard University Laura E. Pusey University of Southern California Monique Ragheb University of California, Riverside Brenden N. Ramirez Willamette University Mary M. Raymund Baylor University Daniel D. Reardon University of California, Santa Barbara Justin L. Ren University of California, Berkeley Savanna R. Riley Dickinson College
Megan J. Sweeney Parsons The New School for Design Narumi Takagi University of California, Irvine Shivani T. Tarsadia Loyola Marymount University Karly A. Thomas University of Michigan Andrew S. Torok Wheaton College, Illinois Ashley S. Torok Wheaton College, Illinois Emily M. Venable Harvard University Alexander J. Waller University of California, Davis David A. Walters, Jr. Villanova University John L. Warren University of San Diego Timothy L. Warren Texas Christian University Katherine L. Wechsler University of Southern California N. Harrison White Yale University Chase H. Williams Haverford College James R. Yorke University of California, Berkeley
Winston H. Robinson Drexel University Alexandra R. Rodriguez-Oscar Johns Hopkins University Samuel P. Rubenacker University of California, Los Angeles Commencement 2013
30
S t.
Margaret’s
Episcopal
C
School
lass of
2013
Blake A. Akers Julia E. Alvarez Timon Amirani Regan E. Anderson Yasmeen L. Antone Amy C. Berchtold Madeleine I. Bidmead Austin P. Birch Stefanie R. Brunswick Margaret A. Brynjolfsson Joseph H. Carpenter Max I. Carr Gianni G. Carson Micayla O. Chade Emily S. Chin Madisen K. Clanton Brandon M. Clements Catherine L. Connelly Savanna L. Cope Garrett J. Corwin Evan D. Daboub Macey G. Davis Shelby M. Deck Tori J. Deckard Robert S. Deng Chandler P. Desforges Shounat A. Dhillon Olivia L. Dolan Mitchell R. Donahue Dorian D. Drislane Tara C. Eddo Ashley A. Eichenauer Austin P. Foley David B. Freed Alexandra S. Frost Kathryn N. Garcia Jason N. Goldberg Iliana V. Guadalupe Pattinson Hayton IV Jennifer A. Jung Alexander G. Kaliannan Burton R. Karger Maddi B. Larsen Victoria M. Lee Alexis A. Leon Sebastian A. Luna Arreanna Marko McKenna L. Marmelstein Hunter L. Matthews Chase H. McClure Scott P. McGowan Mary J. McGraw Grant S. Meadows Arin L. Melkonian Mattingly R. Messina Brandon M. Miura Gabriela G. Morally Sager T. A. Moritzky Emily R. Morton Hannah V. Narvaez Oliver C. O’Donnell Zoe O. Oedekerk Melisa G. Osborne Carly G. Page James S. Parker Kelsey N. Patch SymonÊ D. Pinedo Riley C. Pok Brandon E. Price Laura E. Pusey Monique Ragheb Brenden N. Ramirez Mary M. Raymund Daniel D. Reardon Justin L. Ren Savanna R. Riley Winston H. Robinson Alexandra R. Rodriguez Samuel P. Rubenacker Austin K. Russell Daniella Salazar Olivia C. Santora Raffaele S. Saposhnik William L. Schmall Elliott A. Schwartz David C. Sparks Ryan L. Stueber Brandon S. Suchand Megan J. Sweeney Narumi Takagi Shivani T. Tarsadia Karly A. Thomas Andrew S. Torok Ashley S. Torok Emily M. Venable Alexander J. Waller David A. Walters Jr. John L. Warren Timothy L. Warren Katherine L. Wechsler Harrison White Chase H. Williams James R. Yorke
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 400 Laguna Beach, CA
S t. M a r g a r e t ’ s E p i s c o p a l S c h o o l
31641 La Novia
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675