Each September Storm King students start the school year by hiking up the mountain they call home. The trek is meant to be a bonding exercise, but it can also be likened to situations graduates may experience in the outside world.
As 37 seniors awaited the opportunity to become graduates, Headmaster Jonathan Lamb explained the journey they’ll face in comparison to that hike.
“That hike we take each September does not get us all the way to the top of Storm King,” Lamb said. “We climb only to a midpoint called “Butter Hill.” If you actually start out to climb Storm King Mountain, Butter Hill is what we call a “false peak;” it is not the real destination.”
Lamb said high school graduation is like a false peak.
“Although you do have a chance to rest for a few weeks or months, you actually have a few things left to do in your lives,” Lamb told the graduates.
To continue on with the journey will require facing a number of obstacles along the way. College is meant to help prepare young adults for the problems they’ll face in the real world.
To solve those problems, Lamb asked the students to remember the school’s motto, “truth, respect, and responsibility.”
That late summer climb also had an ulterior purpose. It was meant to show the students, that they can accomplish a small goal in order to get ready for the real work they will face in their lifetimes.
Once they had officially completed high school, the students celebrated by congratulating each other and sharing the happy moment with teachers and family.
Anthony Matriss, a five year student of the school, had only one word to describe the accomplishment, “Woo.” He said he’s excited to start college and to see what happens in the next chapter of his life. He’ll be attending the University of Hartford to study acoustic engineering.
Shaojie Ding was also eager to move on, but admitted she’s a bit unsure about her future. What she does know is she’ll be attending the Otis College of Art and Design to study fashion design.
Kathleen Weetman will be taking a slightly different path. Before going to American University, she’ll be participating in a pre-law program in Greece for the first semester.
AWARDS
Before each graduate walked on stage to receive their diploma, Lamb took a moment to recognize four students, an annual tradition.
The Riley Cup recognizes an outstanding student, as well as a staff member who have contributed to the school’s community in practical and creative ways. It was presented jointly to Marge Kovacs, executive assistant to the headmaster, and student Nadia Delisfort. It was announced during the commencement ceremony, Kovacs would be retiring after 27 years of service to the school.
Miriam Sefcikova received the Spy Rock Cup and Gabrielle Garcia was awarded the Headmaster’s Cup.
Awarded to the student who has distinguished themselves by their personal qualities and their accomplishments, Thi Thu Thao Hoang received the school’s highest honor, the Storm King Cup.
