Published: 6/5/2022 12:26:37 PM
GREENFIELD — “Don’t Stop Believing” was played by Greg Snedeker on piano while 22 students dressed in white and holding a single rose each walked down the lawn to receive their high school diplomas on Saturday at Stoneleigh-Burnham School.
“With all of these adversities and frustrations, we found a way to make it through,” Senior Class President McKenna Goodson said in the welcoming address. “I am proud of each and every one of my friends.”
The ceremony started with a land acknowledgement of the Pocumtuck people. They also recognized the Abenaki, Nipmuc, Wampanoag and Mohican. Then 10 students from the graduating class welcomed guests to the ceremony in 10 different languages.
The senior class address was given by graduate Breanna Ellison, who reflected on everything the students had learned in their time at Stoneleigh-Burnham.
“We have developed interpersonal skills and introspective abilities,” said Ellison, who went on to describe the class as “sore winners” and “gracious losers,” and complimented the graduates on how kind-hearted they all are.
“This ceremony marks the culmination of your time at Stoneleigh-Burnham School” Mary Maloney, chair of the board of trustees, said during her speech. “It also marks the next chapter of your life.
“I look forward to seeing you back at reunions telling stories of your young life,” Maloney told the graduates.
Head of School Stephanie Luebbers offered advice to the graduates, suggesting they find “simple pleasures” in whatever they do. She reminded them of the simple pleasures they experienced in their time at Stoneleigh-Burnham, and told them to find new simple pleasures on the next part of their journey.
The commencement address was given by Humanities Department Chair Kara Fagan. Fagan opened up her speech by talking about her reluctance to address the crowd, but she graciously accepted the nomination by the Class of 2022 anyway. She spoke of her new daughter, and everything she learned from her students.
After a musical interlude, the 22 graduates accepted their diplomas in front of their family and friends.
Heather Peterson, mother of graduate Alexa Peterson-Ismail, said “I am so proud I can’t even put my excitement into words.”
The closing remarks were given by Assistant Head of School Shawn Durrett.
When Yanick Jacques was asked what she hopes for her daughter, Yanique, in the future, Jacques responded, “I hope she is happy. I hope she accomplished her goals. I hope the best for her.”
Contact Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.