Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/93284
Celebrating Community: Convocation 2011 "I hope you just go for it. Just do it. Step up. Give it a shot. Go get it. Give it a go. Bust a move. Go after it. Tough it out. Make it happen." – Randall Dunn Latin officially opened the new school year with its annual convocation ceremony on October 14. Students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni came together to celebrate learning, community and tradition and to welcome those who are new to Latin, especially Head of School Randall Dunn. Throughout the morning, lower, middle and upper school students shared their favorite things at the school, tips for success and advice on how to navigate challenging moments. Hannah Davis '20, Brandon Porter '20 and Siona Gupta '20 spoke about life in the lower school; the wonderful teachers, the great friendships and the many ways lower schoolers have fun. According to middle school speakers, one of the most defining qualities of Latin's community is the support and friendship we show each other, especially during difficult times. "You won't always have a good day, and you will get frustrated," Charlotte Cronister '19 told Mr. Dunn, offering that "[On those days] you can come and find me if you need a good joke." Eighth grader Harrison Elliot took a humorous approach, offering many helpful tips, including using Mr. Canright (well-known for his booming voice) when the PA system breaks down or turning to Simon Ricci '16 (a national spelling bee competitor) if spell check doesn't work. As the final student speaker, senior prefect Kara Bank, instructed Mr. Dunn on how to fit in at Latin, including some useful fashion advice and reminders about all the great bake sales. After thanking the many students who presented, Mr. Dunn shared his top 10 favorite things about Latin and living in Chicago so far. He spoke about the leadership in the senior class, the passion and commitment of Latin's teachers, how much the alumni care about each other, and the parent potlucks, as well as the parks, museums and restaurants of Chicago. For the year ahead, Mr. Dunn urged Latin students to take on challenges and embrace the hard moments and to "Jump right in. When you get a chance to try something new, do it. [When you have the opportunity] to meet someone new, do it. I hope you just go for it. Just do it. Step up. Give it a shot. Go get it. Give it a go. Bust a move. Go after it. Tough it out. Make it happen." l The Latin community welcomed Head of School Randall Dunn and other newcomers during Convocation. 14 Latin Magazine UP FRONT