Congratulations to the Class of 2017

 

Head of School Ned Parsons welcomed the seniors and their guests, among them his own friends and family on hand to celebrate his son Charlie’s graduation, and congratulated them on the impact they have had on Rivers over the years.

 

“For some of you, today’s ceremony marks the completion of a 7-year odyssey; for others, a shorter, but no less meaningful journey. In your time with us, you’ve grown beyond your physical growth and emerged on the threshold of the rest of your life,” Parsons said. “In your time here, you have become scholars in the true sense of the word. You have studied broadly and deeply, grasping the big picture even as you wrestled with the finer details. You’ve followed your interests and discovered new passions. You’ve shared your knowledge with your classmates, been unafraid to question when you needed clarity, and been prepared to clarify when others were in need.

 

President of the Board of Trustees Bob Davis, himself the father of three Rivers graduates, related the lasting impact the relationships this class has cultivated at Rivers will continue to have on their lives, wherever the road from Winter Street might take them.

 

“Five or ten years from now, you will find that your best friends are still your friends from Rivers,” Davis said. “You’ll find that your favorite teachers are still here and anxious to hear how you’re doing, about the classes you’re taking or the job you just landed. And you’ll find that the strong network of Rivers alumni may have helped you get that job you’re so proud of. It will take some effort to keep those relationships strong, but remaining part of the Rivers community will be well worth that effort.”

 

This year’s faculty speaker was once again foreign language teacher and Grade 10 Dean Chris Holownia and his message of gratitude left the senior class with a thoughtful reminder to recognize those who have helped them reach their goals.

 

“So, seniors, my message today is that you should spend at least a few moments — in spite of all the hoopla this weekend — thinking about all of those individuals who helped you get to this moment in your lives, all those individuals whom you can never repay,” Mr. Holownia said. “They might be family members and friends, beloved teachers and mentors, or even authors whom you have never met. But think about them, and, when the moment is right, say a quiet ‘thank you.’

 

“Remember to give thanks for all that has brought you to this day. And go forth from this place with grateful hearts, paying back the gift you have received here by paying it forward for others.”

 

Rounding out the morning’s speeches was student speaker Brett Rahbany ’17, who was chosen by his peers to speak on their behalf. Brett’s address explored how everything we do is in service of the same end goal: happiness.

 

“Happiness is the product of love and enjoyment,” Brett said. “What that means, for us math nerds, is that happiness equals love multiplied by enjoyment. So you can have all the fun in the world, you can have 100 jet skis and ride them every single day, but with no love, no people whom you care about and who care about you, no people you can share your experiences with, you will not be happy. Fun can be 100, but if love is 0, happiness is 0.

 

“Many of us strive to become successful because we often think that success leads to happiness. But I think it’s the other way around. Sustained happiness, in my opinion, actually leads to one feeling he or she had a successful, fulfilling life.”

 

After Mr. Parsons paid tribute to each graduate and presented the diplomas, the graduates filed out through lines of applauding faculty and family members, and assembled for the traditional cap toss at the flagpole.

 

Congratulations to the Class of 2017 and best wishes for a happy and successful future beyond Rivers.