(Courtesy/ Dr. Morris)
1200 chairs, 94 seniors, 60 kindergartners, our faculty, staff, guests, and all grades rallied in the Senior Quad for Academy’s 116th Convocation on Friday, August 28. This tradition launches us into the new school year and encourages reflection on the growth to come over the next 280 days.
Head of School, Melissa Soderberg, opened the ceremony with a speech about perseverance and acknowledging life’s small victories, saying, “Those little victories happen when you are sick of practicing, but you go through the piece one more time.”
Several faculty and staff members were recognized with gifts and roaring applause for their decades of service to CA.
For 20 years of dedication were Middle School social studies teacher Brad Henry, Director of Communication Bob Lee, and Upper School Chinese teacher Jing Yan.
Honored for three decades of commitment were Assistant to Lower School Head, Michelle Sailing, and Lower School Assistant Librarian, Julie Simmons.
Celebrated for an outstanding 40 years of leadership was CA Service Department Chair and Upper School Latin teacher, Christy Benina
Soderberg then presented several new teachers awarded honorary chairs: Middle School math teacher Katie Castle received the George S. McElroy’32 Master Chair in Math; Upper School art teacher Crystal Tursich was awarded the W. Boulton Dixon Master Chair in Art and Appreciation, and Bening was honored yet again when she was presented as the holder of Academy’s newest chair, commending her uplifting character as an educator, the Kevin Morrin Chair for Inspired Teaching.
Just moments before the anticipated Senior Buddy tradition, Student Body Co-Presidents Billy G. and Noor A. shared the podium to deliver a humorous, meaningful address, highlighting the importance of exemplifying courage and creativity and ending the with a reminder, saying, “While we may be at different points in our journeys, today reminds us that we are all connected by something bigger than our grade or our age: we are one Academy community. Better yet, a family.”
Finally came the cherished legacy of each CA kindergartener walking out hand-in-hand with their senior buddy. Senior Zier W. said, “It was such a warm, adorable experience when we were walking. We were all so excited for this grown-up moment.”
