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n May 26, 2017 Woodstock School recognized and celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2017 in the Win Mumby Gymnasium. A gathering of more than 500 community members, including administrators, faculty, and graduates’ families and friends attended the event. Board President Rajan Mathews started the morning’s festivities by focusing on the class motto, ‘Ad Maiora’, loosely translated as ‘Onward to greatness’. He went on to say, “I invite you to achieve greatness. Greatness in character, greatness that comes from understanding that truth is not an option, and that character is based on values and that greatness must always be founded on character.” Mr. Mathews was followed by the Principal Dr. Jonathan Long who focused on the story of a book he read which had had a huge impact on his life. It was about making three agreements with oneself. Those being: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, and don’t make assumptions, always do your best. He said in his address, “May God bless you all, no matter where life takes you. Whatever opportunities, challenges, the ups and downs, the good and the bad; make agreements with yourself that will create a house that
you will love living in. One that you could be proud of, one you know can stand the test of time.’” Looking at the privileged lives they have led within what she referred to as the Woodstock bubble, teacher Meredith Dyson said “May you continue to embrace teachable humility, may you passionately strive for justice, may you pursue peace in all your relationships and may you be blessed!” Valedictorian, Shar Mathias made a pertinent point when asked about her time at Woodstock School and more so that the time was spent in a ‘bubble’. She said, “We’re all faced with bubbles and we need courage to step out of (it). All of us, especially Ad Maiora, here’s to our greater things!” When asked about the ceremony, Class of 2017 graduate Bella Shaw reflected, “Though the ceremony was long, it seemed to go by (much) faster than I thought it would! Getting ready to sing, to receive my diploma, getting ready to say goodbye to everyone, was going by so fast (that) it was in slow motion! Processing every
detail to make sure that I wouldn’t forget this big moment in my life, I found myself lost in my thoughts. I can’t believe that this is finally it. I’m sitting here with my best friend, my family waving at me and cheering me on, pictures being taken of a moment I wouldn’t ever experience again.” Salutatorian Shanti Mathias summed up proceedings with her thoughtful remarks about how most people are choosing to live their own lives in comparison to others. She went on to say, “Ad Maiora, as we travel wide eyed and wandering into the world, let us be sure of ourselves—not in comparison [of others], but in those qualities which defy comparison, like contemplation and kindness.” To read the full speeches from graduation 2017, head to: www.woodstockschool.in/alumni/news Quadrangle - 9 Quadrangle - 9