Student Council President Abby STUBENHOFER was the first student to address the crowd for the class appreciation. Having attended Ellis from grade 1 to grade 12, Abby reflected on her thirteen years at the School and credited Ellis with giving her class a strong sense of self and belonging—for them, Ellis is not only a school, but a second home. She then addressed the dedicated Ellis faculty and thanked them for showing the Class of 2017 what it means to be beautifully individual. “You taught us not to be discouraged by our differences, but rather accept and use them to our advantage...you were telling us, we matter." Stubenhofer ended her speech with a poem by Rupi Kaur who she said says “Thank You. Goodbye, and I love you” better than anyone else.

Senior Class President Pallavi MULUK was next to the podium to deliver the Class of 2017 tribute. In a unique and touching homage, Pallavi honored each individual member of the Class of 2017, beginning with “there are 30 reasons why coming to Ellis has made me nearly everything I am today. Those reasons are sitting to my left, the Class Of 2017." Pallavi then went on to list the lessons she learned from each girl and the qualities she admired in them. The collective confidence, courage, compassion, perseverance, boldness, and humility were singled out as cornerstones of the Class of 2017.

 

Guest speaker and award-winning multidisciplinary artist Vanessa German then rose to the occasion with her remarks for the Class of 2017. Beginning with a poem, German had the crowd on the edge of their seats with her booming voice, beautiful words, and passionate personality. She told the class to be kind, creative, and brave as they prepare to not only lean into new opportunities, but to stand up and rise to them. Her empowering message to believe in your power, share your strengths, and show confidence in your path was met with roaring applause from the class and the community.

 

Once diplomas were distributed and the alma mater was sung, Head of the Upper School Lauren Laschon directly addressed the graduating class. She recalled how much she’s enjoyed living in the moment with the seniors and watching “the class find joy and inspiration within themselves and each other.” She shared that the Class of 2017 had been a joy for faculty and younger students because they had such an immense capacity to love and be loved. To end, Mrs. Laschon quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson and said “to the beautiful people of the Class of 2017, our love, our thanks, and our best wishes.”

 

To close the ceremony, Mrs. Newham addressed the Ellis community for the final time with the benediction. She shared a message of farewell and asked the class to consider “did you leave this place for the better? If yes, you leave something of yourself behind with it.” Throughout the ceremony, the graduates and speakers reflected on themes of love, perseverance, persistence, and inner strength. Although the Class of 2017 has closed one chapter as Ellis students, another has opened as they are welcomed into the sisterhood that is the Ellis Alumnae Network!

 

Congratulations, Class of 2017!