Over the past three days we have celebrated the Class of 2015! Seniors cruised Lake Winnipesaukee Thursday evening before families gathered with the Proctor community for Senior Dinner Friday evening. Saturday morning the festivities continued as sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80s greeted the masses for Proctor's 167th Graduation!
Senior Dinner is a time to present awards to the senior class for their academic, athletic, and artistic achievements. Before the event, is a great photo op for seniors and families. Check out all the images from Friday evening at THIS LINK.
Edna shared words of wisdom with the senior class before the awards ceremony commenced. Her message was simple, but powerful: "This time of year is always a little sad for me, you will leave and go your own way out into the world. Some, I will hear from. Some, I won't, but that's okay, you were my kids for a while and I will miss you!"
Lulu accepts an award for her work in the Woodlands from Dave Pilla.
Nathan and Elemy are reconized for their contributions to Proctor's athletic program.
Patrice honors Frances for her work in the ceramics studio.
Dozens of others shone during Senior Dinner as well. If you missed it, check out the recorded production below:
Alice's Garden greeted the Class of 2015, faculty, and parents Saturday morning.
Members of the National Honor Society.
The first three graduates in Proctor's Environmental Studies Concentration!
Members of the National Art Honor Society.
The processional began and Graduation was officially underway!
Our salutatorian, Frances, shared a journal entry from this spring while she was camping three nights each week at Mud Pond as part of her Senior Project. It was a powerful plea to pause, appreciate our surroundings and to be willing to connect with nature. She wrote, "For we are no longer one on this earth; we are fractured and torn, distraught and misled, misinformed and misread. We have left this Earth for dead. And hope where are you now? Have you jumped off the page at the very sound of anger and misfortune? Believe it or not my friends, anger brings hope too. And in many ways will guide you...Anger is a cue for work, for action and for thought too. And from those things comes one thing: hope for something new. A change. A shift in paradigm. Do you feel that, too?"
Michael was elected this year's senior speaker. He did not disappoint. Tears of laughter streamed down everyone's face as he lightened the mood and reminded us of Proctor's unique ability to embrace the best of each individual as who they are.
Morgan continued the remarkable student speeches with her validictory address as she spoke to this place she has learned to call home for the past four years. "I have been humbled by the support I have received from this community over the past four years. I honestly believe at no other place in the world will a community - faculty, staff, and students included - go out of its way to make sure each student's time here is as successful, healthy, and enjoyable as possible. We are encouraged to be more."
Eli, Kelsie, and Stef graced us with one last performance that reminded us just how talented this class is!
We were fortunate to have Luke Wood, President of Beats by Dre, as our graduation speaker this year. His message was poignant as he laid out three lessons for each graduate to take with them as they depart Proctor:
- Magic can happen - great ideas win and you must believe in the power of creativity.
- Find mentors who will guide you - make sure you are never the smartest person in the room.
- Write your own narrative - find your passion points and allow them to fuel you.
Chris Hadley '81 joined his graduating daughter, Charlotte, along with Bailey and Faith as they sang Fleetwood Mac's Landslide.
As with every Proctor graduation, the ceremony was as unique as our school. Take time to watch the entire ceremony back on the recording below. You will not be disappointed.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015. We wish you well on your next adventure, and, as Edna requested, we hope you come back to visit often!
