Latin School of Chicago

UP FRONT Upper School Graduation The Latin School community came together to say farewell to a senior class that stood out for its generosity of spirit, easygoing demeanor and legacy of service at a moving and humor-filled graduation ceremony on June 7. In welcoming families, faculty and friends to Moody Church, Upper School Director Ted Graf shared that the seniors recently spent a morning writing thank you notes to those who had made a difference in their lives at Latin. Thus, inspired by the "generosity of spirit" of the Class of 2013, Graf thought it only fitting to write his own thank you note to the graduating seniors. "Dear Class of 2013, thank you for your easy demeanor and your calmness, " Graf began. He went on to thank the students for their good work in the classroom, in the theater and on the athletic fields, their contributions to the life of the school and their talents, as well as their creativity and ability to support each other and their teachers. Student commencement speaker Ian Spear also expressed gratitude for the Class of 2013 and the friendships and support he experienced throughout his 14 years at Latin. Moving forward, he called on his classmates to "find new communities but keep in touch with the people sitting beside you right now." Whatever the future brings, Spear said, he realizes that the most meaningful parts of his experience – the sense of community, the connections and relationships – will live on. "This common experience is ingrained in each of us," he said. "It always will be." 4 L AT I N M AGAZINE Faculty speaker Kirk Greer also spoke about community. In keeping with the theme of Latin's upcoming 125th anniversary celebration: "Our Stories. Our School.," Greer said that at Latin there is "a web of relationships and memories that bind students and faculty forever." "Our school is the sum of the stories that we write together," he said. Just as they did more than 100 years ago, teachers at Latin continue to inspire students and students continue to inspire teachers, including those students in the Class of 2013 who have touched his life, Greer said. "We are richer for your diversity, richer for your legacy of revamped student leadership, richer for your legacy of service," he said. In closing the ceremony, Head of School Randall Dunn told guests that his words of advice for the graduates come out of what he learned from conversations that he had with seniors over the year. He told the graduates to get involved with their communities, to seek out people who are good and wise and to learn from them, and to stay confident about their strengths but also to be open to new opportunities. "I thank you for this wisdom and, as it is your wisdom, I hope that it helps you as you face all that awaits you. Congratulations," he said. n

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