129th Commencement Exercises

6/15/2018

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

Many years in the making, Commencement, that bittersweet day of celebration and goodbyes, finally arrived for our seniors on the morning of June 2, 2018.

Friends, family, faculty, and peers gathered for the multi-day slate of festivities to celebrate the amazing Class of 2018 as they marked this major moment.

Things kicked off on Friday evening with the Senior Banquet, an evening of thoughtful readings and remarks. Seniors Gaby Sierra, Zoe Huang, Chris Gilbert, and Emma Gilmore each shared a passage that they found personally meaningful or inspiring, while Dr. Jennifer P. Rowland CdeP 1998 (older sister of Lexie Silverman ’18 and an interviewee in Sydney Bowie CdeP 2010’s film tribute to Joy Sawyer-Mulligan and Michael Mulligan) delivered the main address, titled “Looking Beyond Graduation: Seeing Possibilities and Staying Connected.”

During her address, Dr. Rowland said: “Your memory of this moment and of your time at Thacher will not be static. It will evolve into something richer and deeper, enduring as one of the defining times of your life. See the possibilities ahead of you and realize the impact of the choices you make. And when you falter, when you make a mistake, recall this moment and what it represents. Remember the values of this school. Sift through your memories of these years and use your reflections to help you see more clearly, to help guide your next steps. Seek out other Toads. We are connected through this place and our shared experiences here. Our bond is deep and our connection is real because we see—truly see—each other for who we are and for who we can, should, and must be.”

Head of School Michael K. Mulligan and members of the faculty also presented the School’s traditional awards (listed below). All this was followed by a dance party under the big tent on the Upper Field—a high note on which to end the evening.

Saturday morning marked the main event. Pairs of juniors, seniors, and faculty members processed down the Marvin H. Shagam staircase to the white tents below, accompanied by the traditional bagpipe music. During the course of the ceremony, each senior took a turn on the stage with Head of School Michael Mulligan as a carefully written and thoughtful tribute, highlighting the best and most notable qualities and contributions of each student, was read.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018! We can’t wait to see what comes next for each of you.

---

Cum Laude Society

Founded in 1906, Cum Laude was modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, the national college-level honor society. The electing body at Thacher is peopled by faculty members elected to Cum Laude in high school or to Phi Beta Kappa in college. Election to Cum Laude officially commends those students who have met the highest criteria of academic achievement and scholarly integrity throughout their high school careers, and across all disciplines. The Society’s constitution stipulates that no more than 20 percent of the senior class may be elected, and no more than 10 percent of the junior class.

Members of the Class of 2018, elected in their junior year:

Joseph Bennett Hardwicke

Jeffrey Ding

Suzanna Juliette Gülick-Stutz

Ricardo Carlos López

Alexis Anne Silverman

Mary Ophelia Walton

Members of the Class of 2018, elected this year:

Shan Nicole Bassolino

Edison Gregory Chadwick

Paiton Toshiko Kanda Gleeson

Ethan Rimes Kallett

Yousef Lawrence

Griffin Daniel Somaratne

Lingyu “Mary” Yan

Members of the Class of 2019, elected this year:

George Cleveland Lawrence

Julian Andrew Luebbers

Abigail Miao Romo

Yao Yin

Newton K. Chase Community Service Award

“The Newton K. Chase Community Service Award is given to the students who, through volunteer work in the community, have demonstrated an unselfish interest in and concern for others. Mr. Chase, who served as Head of School for fifteen years beginning in 1949, believed strongly that the “best you can do” referenced in the Banquet Song should incorporate work done for the greater good and not for oneself alone. He promoted the idea that students committing their hearts, hands, and minds to the service of others was (as it continues to be) an invaluable part of a Thacher education. In keeping with this mission, this year’s recipients have identified and promoted myriad opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in authentic ways, an especially significant role this year in the wake of the devastation the Thomas Fire caused in the Ojai community. Their commitment and flexibility have been exemplary and, while their current brand of “the best we can do” would have made Mr. Chase very proud, I sincerely hope that, for these three, their work for our collective greater good has really just begun.” —Molly Perry CdeP 1985, chair of the language department

This year’s award went to:

Nicholas Satoru Amano

Apple Tereza Farrelly

Alexis Anne Silverman

Elizabeth Helms Adams Perpetual Sportsmanship Award

“While being an accomplished athlete is an integral part of earning this award, athleticism is, by no means, this honor's most important criterion. Commitment to excellence, teamwork, ability to elevate the play of others, and, above all, sportsmanship are the qualities for which this trophy is awarded.

This year, this young woman embodies all the attributes of this award and then some. Always passionate, always ready to give 100 percent, be it in practices or in games, there wasn’t a day where she didn’t bring her “A” game. She was a force on the fields and courts for her entire Thacher career. As a four year starter for girls tennis, she was instrumental in helping the team achieve four consecutive playoff appearances, three CIF southern section finals, and two championships. Even with debilitating injuries in both her sophomore and senior seasons, she refused to get off the courts. This year, she played her final postseason match with a separated shoulder, often popping the shoulder back into its’ socket to the amazement of her opponents.

On the soccer pitch, she was a defensive stalwart. Often running down opponents with gazelle-like speed. She was the mainstay that thwarted scoring chances from even the most formidable opponent.

For her lacrosse team, she finished her career with 109 goals and 25 assists. She was the jack of all trades for her team as she played attack, took draws and anchored the team’s zone defense; garnering the vote of co-MVP from her teammates. Her leadership, both vocal and by example sets her apart from her peers.

As one coach notes, you can’t spell beast without the letters B-E-A. I speak for all the coaches in saying that this young lady made an indelible mark on Thacher athletics and we will miss her dearly.” —Peta Fagan, athletic director

This year, by vote of the Athletic Council, this award went to:

Béa Low Pierrepont

The Thacher Lettermen’s Club Perpetual Trophy

“As with the previous honor, athleticism, commitment to excellence, teamwork, ability to elevate the play of others and, above all, sportsmanship are the qualities for which this trophy is awarded.

This year, this award goes to a young man who has given his all to Thacher. Arriving at varsity football practice as a 100-pound freshman boy, he has transformed himself into an outstanding three-sport athlete. He approached every game and practice with a never say die attitude and tireless work ethic. We would often see him in the weight room or out on the fields honing his craft in the offseason. In football, his positive leadership helped the team navigate a challenging season without any sense of discouragement or defeatism. His coaches and teammates will long remember his extraordinary leaping catch to put his team ahead late in the fourth quarter vs. Cate. On the basketball court, he led by example with his physical and spirited play, and by the spoken word as he offered encouragement to the team at appropriate times. On the diamond, he was the flawless shortstop, ranging all over the field to get the crucial out or at the plate to deliver the clutch hit. He combines his extraordinary level of effort with an unmistakable sincere team-first attitude and there is no sacrifice he wouldn’t make for the good of the team. His teammates have the utmost respect for him and they know that they can count on him to give his very best at every turn. He’s no longer a rookie, but now a seasoned veteran and I can’t think of a more worthy recipient of this award.” —Peta Fagan, athletic director

This year’s award went to:
Elias Schwab Ceseña

School Chair Award

“Perceptive, thoughtful, smart, friendly, engaged, creative, and mature, our School chair this year is also both gentle and tough-minded, strong yet sensitive, intellectually rigorous and emotionally balanced. She has brought joy, humor, insight, and seriousness, as needed, to assemblies. She has counseled students and adults through difficult times; she has taken into account the needs of all members of the community through her focused listening, earnest questioning, and savvy problem-solving. She has earned the confidence and devotion of all of us and, in so doing, has set a new standard of excellence in this role that resides at the core of our School. We are indebted to her; we thank her, and we are confident that her light will shine upon many in the years ahead as she goes about the essential work of dispelling darkness wherever she finds it.” —Michael K. Mulligan, head of school

This year’s award went to:
Shan Nicole Bassolino

The Charles L. Tutt Bowl for Integrity and Responsibility

Given in 1963 by Mrs. Tutt in memory of her husband Charles L. Tutt, CdeP 1907. In giving this award, Mrs. Tutt wished to stress those qualities of character not always recognized in the traditional school-type awards. She spoke not primarily of leadership, but of integrity and responsibility, of fortitude in the face of adversity, and of consideration for others as traits that she had always admired in her husband and which she thought a school should be proud of in its students.

“This year’s recipient is, not surprisingly, a stellar role-model in so many ways. She is gentle, generous, and keenly aware of the needs of those around her, both human and equine. She is open-minded, quietly confident, and thoughtful. When she speaks, she is listened to by peers and faculty alike with rapt attention. Ever positive, she finds ways to get tough jobs done quietly and well. She takes on real work uncomplainingly. She is renowned for being stalwart, steady, dependable—and great company. In her quiet, strong, and humble way, she consistently motivates others with her steady example, generous spirit, and powerful work ethic. She is respected by all who come in contact with her, and she has developed a significant number of fans (adults and students alike) who aspire to be just like her.” —Michael K. Mulligan, head of school

This year’s award went to:
Sarah Ann Finch

The Thacher Cup

The Thacher Cup is presented to that senior who, in the judgment of the faculty, best demonstrates those qualities the School holds as central: academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, moral leadership, and concern for others.

“Internal motivation, extensive raw talent, and deep idealism drive this student to do his best in each endeavor he undertakes. For four years here, he has quietly and forcefully demonstrated his many gifts, fueled by unrelenting hard work. A passionate scholar, a talented athlete, and a leader in the dorm, he routinely makes positive contributions to our community. In the classroom, he consistently raises the level of discourse in any discussion, diving deep into research and distilling thoughts into soaring prose. His insights are always informed by a powerful moral clarity and concern for the marginalized. He draws us into conversation, debate, and discussion with his intellect, interest in ideas, and genuine curiosity about what others think and what insights they can share. His writing—for class, for The Notes, for storytelling of all kinds—is marked as much by a natural grace as by an aptitude for finding precisely the right word to convey his meaning. And his critical thinking skills are so honed that he can take on almost any subject and make meaning out of it. This young man lives his belief that hardworking and passionate are synonymous. His commitment to social justice is deep and abiding. Integrity and honesty are bedrocks of his character. Whip-smart, but possessed of a disarming humility and shy smile, this occasionally bow-tied student amazes us at every turn. Scholar, writer, journalist, storyteller, he does it all with consummate skill, grace, and dedication.” —Michael K. Mulligan, head of school

This year’s award went to:
Ricardo Carlos López

Back

Explore

Admissions

Academics

Programs

Community

129th Commencement Exercises

More About Thacher