Page 36 - 2005 Wardlaw Hartridge

Seniors
j t \ W aralaw-Hartridge ,// School
Preparing Students to Succeed and Lead
Dear Class of 2005:
As I wrote to the Upper School in the fall, this year 1have a special connection to you seniors. Among the reasons is that I have shared with you the excitement and anxiety of being in one place, preparing for another, not being sure where that would be, and then having it all become clear. As you well understand, there is a time to leave. Just like you, I have thrived at W-H and am conflicted about leaving. Just like you, W-H has prepared me well for the next step. Just like you, I wasn’t
always sure what that step would be. We had to prepare thoroughly, then relinquish control to others to decide; and finally we had to make a leap of faith. All of the research and visits can’t assure success. That lies within us - our approach to challenges - our attitude toward change.
With so many of you “lifers,” you have participated in many changes at Wardlaw-Hartridge. Perhaps that combination is why you have been so welcoming to new members of the class, so quick to adapt. Your class has been extraordinarily close knit. We have watched you care for and support each other. We have appreciated your sense ofjustice and integrity. We have valued that you have been accountable - you have made mistakes and you have learned from them. We have marveled at your focus, ambition and energy. You are proud of your intellectual talent and
academic accomplishments. I suggest, however, that what is more impressive is that you recognize those in each other not as a reason to compete or become envious but rather as a reason for mutual growth and pleasure. You have set a standard for involvement and achievement for succeeding classes to follow, including a revitalized (and occasionally controversial) Beacon, student leadership, and service (including plowing out the school one Sunday and weeding the courtyard!). Because of your commitment, you have developed connections with your teachers that will be lasting. And we will remember you for your quick wittedness and good humor.
You were welcomed into the Alumni Association the other night. If you take that connection seriously, you will help refine what happens here and be important in the coming transition and the years ahead. What you return to tell your teachers and administration will help W-H value traditions while continuing to strengthen its program and serve future students well. Come back and share your journeys to add meaning to the W-H experience - and to recall and reaffirm that you are competent, you matter, and you add value as a contributor to your community.
Eleven years ago I started reading Time of Wonder to second grade - to your class. It ends with a recognition of the truth about change: “A little bit sad about the place we are leaving, a little bit glad about the place we are going.” We began this year with me talking about “new year’s resolutions.” Let us resolve to go forth from Wardlaw-Hartridge using what we have learned here to make a difference for others. As some of you have helped me learn to say, “Bhagvan aapko salamat rakhe aur kush” - God keep you safe and happy.
Since
Christopher B. Williamson Head of School