It was with mixed emotions that the Saint Edward’s School Class of 2021 gathered to accept and celebrate their graduation during the school’s 48th Commencement Exercise, held recently in the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts.
While family members, friends, faculty and staff were justly proud of the academic achievements of the 54 graduates, the occasion was saddened by thoughts of their missing classmate, Bidensky F. Termidor – B.T. to one and all – who should have been on stage with them, but who died tragically less than a month earlier.
“It has been an incredibly challenging year for our school, especially for the class of 2021.
When one considers the backdrop of COVID and the loss of a beloved classmate, I think there is a piece of all of us that wonders if it’s fitting and OK to celebrate, even for a momentous occasion such as graduation,” said Jack MacMullan, associate head of school and head of upper school, as he welcomed the graduates and their families.
“The short answer is, yes. It is OK. It’s not the lighthearted, carefree celebration you perhaps once envisioned, but rather the celebration of a group of young people who have overcome tremendous obstacles,” he continued, noting that the 2021 Pirates had risen to the occasion.
In addition to tragedy, the pandemic year filled with virtual classes and quarantines, masks, social distancing and canceled events.
“Despite what often felt like overwhelming difficulties, this class came together, and they accomplished amazing things,” said MacMullan.
“No senior class in school history has ever run more championships than this group. But most importantly, the class of 2021 has stuck together, in good times and in the darkest times. Our hearts remain heavy, but we are very proud of this group of seniors, and today we gratefully celebrate everything they have accomplished in their Saint Edward’s careers.”
Head of School Stuart Hirstein credited the students’ success to their ability to push through every challenge.
“In a year in which you could have blamed everything on COVID-19, you won district championships. You won regional championships. You played for state championships. You beautifully performed the first live-streamed musical in Saint Edward’s history. You sang and played instruments at outdoor concerts. You refused to let a pandemic take away your senior year,” said Hirstein.
Referencing the loss of their beloved friend, Hirstein added, “In a school like no other, there is one skill that the class of 2021 most certainly had an abundance of – grit. It has taken grit for all of us to be here today while we have an empty hole in our hearts.”
Citing the research of University of Pennsylvania psychology professor Angela Duckworth, Hirstein noted: “It’s easy to navigate this world when things go your way. It takes grit to make it through this world when things don’t go as planned. I wish I had the answers as to why terrible things happen. We just know that we must endure. We must be kind to one another, and we must make it our goal to make this world a better place. It will take grit, and it will take you staying in your 3-foot world, just like you’ve done this whole year.”
Selected by her peers, to be the senior class speaker, Cristina Pines suggested that her classmates “say yes to everything! Don’t sell yourself short, and always work incredibly hard because it will be worth it. Be spontaneous but stay safe. Play like a chess master; always be thinking four steps ahead before you make a choice.”
Reading a quote from William Arthur Ward, Pines advised them: “Do more than belong. Participate. Do more than care. Help. Do more than believe. Practice. Do more than be fair. Be kind. Do more than forgive. Forget. Do more than dream. Work.”
Pines also suggested that the graduates “live for B.T., love for B.T., grow for B.T. Make yourself proud. Make B.T. proud. He is going to be with us every step of the way.”
Photos by Brenda Ahearn
