Read Associate Head of School Brandon Bennett's opening remarks for the 35th Waterford School Commencement Ceremony.
So…Class of 2022, this beautiful campus, this beautiful night is for you.
As we bring this special 40th anniversary year to a close, it is fitting that we are celebrating a truly exceptional Class, a truly exceptional group of young people.
On Tuesday, May 24, 83 members of Waterford’s Class of 2026 celebrated the culmination of their time as Middle School students with the tradition of their Closing Assembly. This Assembly includes talks from Head of School Andrew Menke, two student representatives—Henry M. and Dalloway S., and a message from their Upper School Dean Erica Cooper. Read their talks below, as well as see pictures from receiving their Class VIII caps.
As taken from Head of School, Andrew Menke's welcoming remarks at the second annual Upper School Closing Awards Assembly.
Good morning, Waterford Upper School. It’s good to be with you! And Class of 2022… 11 more days! Congratulations!!!
Welcome to this Upper School Awards Assembly. I’m so happy that we are all here in person. Last year, I’m not sure if you remember but Class XI and XII, you were here in the Concert Hall, but Classes IX and X you tuned in over zoom. And parents who are with us—welcome to you as well.
On Thursday, April 21, sixteen members of Waterford’s Class of 2022 were inducted into the Cum Laude Society — a century-old organization dedicated to the goal of recognizing and honoring true academic excellence. Its member institutions include the very finest independent schools in the country and around the world.
Senior Christine P. produced a documentary, made possible by a small grant received from Zions Bank, that follows fellow Waterford student, Howard W. ’22, on his journey in accomplishing the Grand Slam of ultra marathons, four of the most prestigious and oldest 100-mile races contested in the United States. Howard is the youngest runner ever to attempt the challenge. The short documentary illuminates the triumph and resilience of the human spirit. Congratulations to Christine and Howard! Please note there is some graphic content.
US students had the opportunity to take a history elective during Winter Term which covered Rebellious Women in American History. This class examined the history of female activism, crime, anger, and dangerous (sometimes illegal) behavior. The historical figures in this class ranged from an accused murderer to a suffrage activist and a fifteen-year old protestor to a Victorian-era transgender actress.
I’ve been asked to speak today in celebration of Black History Month, which I’m happy to do. I teach American Literature, in addition to 8th-grade English, and my training in graduate school was in African American literature. So I have some experience with reading and writing about the work of Black American authors and poets. And I believe that it is so vital to celebrate Black history, in February and throughout the year, because it is American history—it is inseparable from any other strand of the nation’s history that we might discuss.
