Page 35 - Priorities #68-Summer 2017

TThe Class of 2017 gathered for one last time on June 3rd to celebrate the 57th commencement ceremony of Woodside Priory School. The 58 graduates were accepted to over 100 colleges around the world and were offered more than $4 million in scholarships towards their college educations.
Friends and family surrounded the graduates on the new track and field, which gave the ceremony a new look and feel. Even with a new location, some traditions remained as the graduates took their final walk down the hillside behind the Scottish bagpipers.
A beaming Wako Morimoto addressed her fellow classmates with humility and grace. Originally from Japan, Wako was surprised at how little she knew about the world. “...moving to the U.S. and coming to Woodside Priory, especially, were the first times I learned that I didn’t know much about the world.” she said. But through class retreats, community service opportunities, and classes, Wako was thankful that Priory pushed her forward to find joy out of the comfort zone. Wako is a true testament to the school mission to develop lifelong learners as she stated, “I stand here today, with my greatest wish to live as a lifelong learner and prove that we are not wearing this fancy gown and grad cap just to celebrate our graduation from high school, but also to celebrate the new chapter of our life.”
Tim Ritchie, President and CEO of The Tech Museum of Innovation gave a powerful message to the graduates as the commencement speaker. He gave them a single challenge, “Make your life count for goodness,” he said. Ritchie explained, “I can’t tell you how much that phrase has shaped me and challenged me.” Ritchie also echoed that “...the world really is calling you.” He had several examples, “It is calling you to become good at what you do...to be your best self...to be a giver, a loyal friend, a generous spouse and devoted parent...to listen to your life...and finally calling you to be brave.”
Students listened intently as Ritchie closed his speech with words that will hopefully stay with them forever. “You will understand that life is brief and your chance to do good in this world is NOW. Woodside Priory Class of 2017: The world will hear from YOU soon. Make your lives count for goodness.”
“The world will hear from YOU soon. Make your lives count for goodness.”
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Commencement speaker Tim Ritchie
US GRADUATION