Smiling and enthusiastic about the next big adventures coming up in their young lives, the 64 seniors who graduated from Saint Edward’s School last Saturday have already amassed an impressive list of achievements. With friends and family looking on with pride, the students gathered on stage in front of the faculty and staff who have helped guide them along the way for the school’s 42nd Commencement.
“Today we recognize a dynamic class, a class that has excelled in virtually every arena, whether it be academic, artistic or athletic,” said Bruce Wachter, Associate Head of School and Head of Upper School. “Additionally, and worthy of significant mention, in the realm of volunteerism and service they have given back to community organizations more than 13,000 hours of dedicated service.”
More than 90 percent of the graduates, who will go on to attend 37 colleges and universities in the United States and four overseas, were accepted at their first or second choice.
“Your commencement today is literally the beginning of the wonderful opportunities in the future that awaits you,” said Wachter. “Know that I’m proud of you, I’m excited for you, and that it’s been a pleasure to work with you.”
“There is a good feeling of accomplishment when you can help an organization, about which you feel strongly, to support its mission,” said Ron Edwards, who is stepping down from his term as Board of Trustees Chairman. Encouraging students’ continued volunteerism he added, “Collect the unexpected dividend of developing your leadership skills, which will serve you well throughout your life.”
“This has been a special year for us,” said Mike Mersky, Head of School, referencing St. Ed’s 50th Anniversary. “We’ve weathered storms and hurdled obstacles along the way during the history of our school.”
Noting that the students would soon be moving on, Mersky added, “And while we never want you to leave this community, the reality is that you will be, for all practical purposes, on your own each day. I hope you will continue to feel deeply and speak from your emotions and your heart and maintain the ability to connect with others.”
Physics teacher Curtis Pehl had been chosen by students to be their keynote speaker and the audience quickly understood why, as he bestowed humorous and animated advice.
“Life is an impromptu; you might know what direction you’d like it to take you, but that isn’t always what circumstances allow,” said Pehl. “Make the most out of whatever life gives you. Do the best you can with the resources you have available. Embrace all that life has to offer. Go and live a life that you cannot possibly imagine sitting here today. But live a life that you will look back upon with joy and happiness for having truly lived.”
Following the presentation of student awards, Mersky said that in addition to faculty member Michelle Scales being recognized as Richardson Family Foundation Chair, Carol and Tom Corr had endowed a Michelle C. Scales Lower School Financial Endowment in her honor, enabling financial aid to a student in need.
On behalf of the senior class, Salutatorian Griffin Fairchok said the class gift was a commemorative bench to be enjoyed as much as the seniors enjoyed their time at the school.
Howard Bi, co-Valedictorian with Daniel Mullen, said he had moved to Vero Beach from New Jersey and knew no one when he entered for his senior year.
“Never would I have thought that this community, the Saint Edward’s community, would be so open and accepting of me,” said Bi. “Everywhere I went, I met new and interesting people. In just a few short moments, we will be graduating. We will be moving in our own direction. The bonds that we have established with everyone at the school are the true trophies that we will carry with us.”
