Thank You, Parents

Last week, I attended my first Parents’ Association Annual Meeting. The reports and volunteer recognition only served to reinforce what an amazing, committed parent body we have here.

I appreciated the opportunity to stand before the group and express my personal appreciation for all that the PA does to build community. To borrow a phrase from the PA Mission Statement, parents here truly “collaborate and share their time and talents to enhance the University School experience for students, parents, faculty, and staff.”

Other members of the school community used photos and video to express their appreciation. Watch the video below.

Commencement 2012

What a wonderful afternoon it was! The warmth of the community gathered in the Middle School gym for Commencement matched the high temperature outside, where the seniors had gathered earlier for the formal class photo. 

As I looked out on the overflowing crowd assembled for this important occasion, I was caught up in the excitement of the moment. Commencement may be defined as a ceremony at which diplomas are conferred and students acknowledged for having successfully met the requirements for graduation, but of course this heady time for graduates is also transition point. Commencement exercises serve as a rite of passage as members of the class moves on to institutions of higher learning.

I am delighted to report that, despite the exponential increase in college applications, 82.2 percent of our graduates will be entering their first choice of school this fall, with another 11.11 percent heading off to their second choice. This is truly remarkable at this time of increased competition for the very best schools. 

To view the video of Commencement on the portal, click here (and click on the link found in the Announcements channel), or to read the Commencement Address by local business man and philanthropist – and proud grandparent – Sheldon Lubar, our Valedictorian’s speech, and mine, click here.