On Sunday, May 29, The Governor’s Academy held its 253rd Commencement Exercises.
101 seniors graduated this year. The excitement from seniors and their families was evident, and the rain held off as the graduates jumped the wall, signifying the end of their time at the Academy.
Mark K. Shriver delivered the Commencement address. Shriver is the President of the Save the Children Action Network. Mr. Shriver’s speech focused on service to others, as this is the Academy’s motto: non sibi sed aliis, “not for self, but for others.”
Shriver addressed the graduates by saying, “You are leaving The Governor’s Academy with the best possible high school education in the world. Not the best high school education in Byfield, not the best in Massachusetts, not even the best in America – you have had the best high school education in the world! Your brainpower can compete against any student, anywhere!
He continued, “But Governor’s has challenged you outside the classroom as well. The school motto, “not for self but for others,” is a daunting challenge, indeed. And, as you graduates know, they are not just empty words.”
He went on to describe the countless hours of community service students perform at the Academy. He mentioned how students organize and run the Special Olympics Massachusetts state soccer tournament, how they raise money for Cor Unum- a soup kitchen in Lawrence, and by walking for Juvenile Diabetes research.
Shriver told graduates that when he thinks of people he admires most, they are the ones who work not for their own self-interest, but for others. They are the ones that “worship, if you will, the call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless.”
The Thorndike Hilton Cup, “awarded to the highest ranking scholar of the graduating class,” was presented to Lily Bailey ’16 of Danvers, Massachusetts. Lily was also the recipient of the Morse Flag. The Morse Flag is presented each year “to a senior whose record in all respects meets the highest approval of the faculty. “
The Academy Prize was presented to Justin Calareso ’16 of Reading, Massachusetts. This prize is “awarded to a senior whose unselfishness and sportsmanship have best exemplified the spirit of the school.”
Tobey Eveleth of West Newton, Massachusetts was the recipient of the Peter W. Bragdon Head of School Cup, which is “given to that senior, who in the judgment of the Head of School, serves the mission of the school.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2016!
To view photos of Commencement Weekend, click here.