Page 69 - 1999 Wardlaw Hartridge

HL v s letter
It IS with particular poignancy that I address you, the Class of 1999. You are the first class that
I directly connected to with regard to the college selection process, and I enjoyed counseling
my 14 college advisees (and your parents) and the other 40 of you with whom I worked in a variety of ways.
Your class entered the Upper School the year I arrived. Do you remember evaluating a desk chair as a work of art? "Junior" Basketball? Hermeneutics? Star Powers? The admonition to take yourselves seriously?
Do you remember telling us about what matters to you in your senior speeches? Steve told us about a Botswanian kindred spirit and encouraged us to look outside the bubble of our own version of our universe. Rob talked about Jess, the Blockbuster manager, planning to attend college. He told us that we are very privileged to have an environment in which achievement and education are valued. Liz talked about her uncle and AlDs, Carleen about her grandmoth­ er Avo's courage, Hina about Aunti Raj and her values, Riersten about her mother, Pam about
'Sarah' and opportunity. Germane about the wondreful diversity that we take for granted at Wardlaw-Hartridge, Ellen about her inspirational grandfather, Michelle about being open to new friendships and Sanketa pointing out the difference between friendship and acquain­ tances. Do you notice how much you stress relationships?
I will remember you as a close knit class, one that has emphasized supporting your friends. I will also remember how you have faced adversity and managed change, other common themes inyour senior speeches. As you encounter adversity and change in the years ahead, remember that you have each other as a support system and also the school which fostered your cohe­ siveness. Ifyou ever have doubts about yourself,just come back and we will remind you of what we know you can achieve because of what you achieved here. You are a class with extraordinary talent musically, artistically, athletically, intellectually. I look forward to seeing who your minds develop in the years to come.
We began the year talking about The Truman Show, which Steve later referenced in his speech. In some ways, your experience to this point has been carefully managed, both by your parents and your school. Unlike Truman's situation, however, you have been given increasing latitude for individual choice and spontaneity and have been encouraged to develop your own individ­ uality. You have tested the boundaries, and we have responded with consequences if appro­ priate (Justin giving two speeches, for example!). Like Truman, you are now exiting the set. You are prepared to leave the comfortable bubble of your universe of home and school, ready to continue learning, and ready to make wise choices. As Rob said in his speech, quoting his dad, "Remember where you came from, where you are, who helped you, and where you're going." 1 look forward to hearing about yourjourneys.
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