Page 8 - Priorities #47 2010-June/July

8
Out of the
MIDDLE
Middle School students transition to High School
Parents held bouquets of flowers or mylar balloons for their honored students, and even more were ready with cameras, trying to capture the memory of a momentous step. The audience erupted with applause and rose to their feet as boys wearing neckties and girls in high heels filed in to the very non-traditional Star Wars theme song.
Middle School Dean Caitha Ambler doled out witty, yet sound advice to the students advising them not to “grow up too fast” and to “enjoy the simple things in life, like milk shakes and puppies.”
Student speakers looked back over their three
years as well as forward to what awaits them. Valedictorian Marc Talbott implored his fellow classmates to follow their passions in life and to celebrate individuality. Talbott added, “Will Rogers said, ‘The schools ain’t what they used to be and never was.’ That is not true of the Priory, this is one of the best schools in Northern California.”
Shivani Dayal said, “we’ll all find our own place in the world. Our class is so unique because we have incredible talent, skill and personality and I look forward to seeing
how we shape the world.” Dayal recounted her mother’s advice and reminded her classmates that “grades are someone else’s measure of you but it’s more important that you grade yourself on how you live life.”
The Middle School students chose Social Studies fac- ulty, Adam Siler, as their commencement speaker.
“I have really come to admire these students intellec- tually,” said Mr. Siler, “and I’m truly flattered that they would want me to speak on their big day.” Siler advised
students
suit of intellectual and emotional growth. At the end of his speech, Mr. Siler revealed a pilot’s flight suit under his robes and stood next to the banner, “Mission Accomplished” underscoring the overall playful atmo- sphere of the graduation.
to “play like champions” and to continue their rigorous pur-