Congratulations class of 2015! In less than an hour (particularly if I keep my remarks short) you will be high
school graduates and alumnae of Chatham Hall. Today is a day of affirmation and celebration! We come
together to honor your journey and to recognize your accomplishments as individuals and as a class.
I feel incredibly blessed to have shared this time with you. While the final year of your secondary school
career, it was my first at Chatham Hall. How grateful I am for your patience with me. I couldn’t have asked
for better guides. From your kindness when I was noticeably underdressed at the fall Senior Class dinner at
the Rectory, to two nights ago when those of you in my car provided excellent explanation of the traditions
encompassing graduation, you all have demonstrated incredible tolerance. I couldn’t be more grateful.
I also remain appreciative of your generosity of spirit. Thank you for allowing me to partake in the
celebration of your accomplishments. Throughout this year I have observed the most amazing of events.
Your Chapel Talks were incredible. Thought provoking, authentic, and celebratory, these were powerful
conveyances of that which matters and gives meaning to you. I was riveted by your performances- through
dance, theater, and music. In these you expressed your passion, talent, and creativity. I observed this too in
the art shows and in publications like the Iris, the Columns, and the Chathamite. I had a blast cheering you
on in competitions including those of Tutu Turtle robotics, and our athletic teams. I am proud of your
victories… Woohoo, Varsity Tennis BRC Champions! Woohoo, IEA National Reserve Champions! As
individuals and a class you have shared your intellect, faith, leadership, and activism. You have
demonstrated extraordinary acts of kindness and a phenomenal sense of humor. You have made our
community stronger. Thank you.
No graduation speech is complete without a few words of advice so I offer you 3 points of reflection:
1.
Know that you are loved. Encode this in your head and heart. You are worthy. Family, friends, and
members of this school community accept you for being you. Love is at the core of who we are and what we
do. While religion speaks to love and the inextricable connection to that which is divine, social and
neurological science also articulate essential links. Research has shown that when we feel loved, our brains
function with greater efficacy and our execution is enhanced. We know from personal experience that
feeling cared for and about is empowering. It makes us resilient. I can tell you right now that life will not
always be pleasant; bouncing back from adversity is key to both survival and success. During times of
challenge, harness strength from the knowledge that you are loved.
2.
Engage. Whether with people or ideas, be an active participant. An exciting world awaits you. Shape
your experience. During my own senior year, I came upon this wonderful quote from George Bernard
Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession: “People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t
believe in circumstances. The people who get on this world are the people who look for the circumstances
they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.” Do not be passive in your experience of life. Discover
and develop the life you wish to live.
3.
Express gratitude. Thank you. This simple phrase conveys incredible meaning. It is powerful. It is
transformative. Whether verbal or written, offering thanks returns the favor of a gift bestowed. With each of
your diplomas you will find an individual note of my appreciation for the gifts you have shared with me. I
now ask you to practice gratitude. Class of 2015, would you please stand? Please give a round of applause to
your families, friends, and teachers. Families, thank you for sharing your girls and embracing the Chatham
Hall experience. Seniors, thank you for your multitude of contributions to our school. I am so grateful.
Class of 2015, the next phase of your education and adventures is about to begin Know that you are loved,
engage, and express gratitude. I can’t wait to celebrate your future successes. Hooray For Life! You are now
graduates and alumnae of Chatham Hall. Woohoo!