Cum Laude Taps Six More Laguna Students

On Wednesday, six Laguna students were inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society.

Each year, the upper school gathers for the induction ceremony of juniors and seniors into Laguna’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society, a national academic honor society. The Greek terms contained in the society’s motto, Areté, Diké, Timé (excellence, justice, honor), are explained during the assembly. Areté includes the concept of excellence in the moral sense and is not limited to the ideal of superiority and scholarship, nor does it involve the endeavor of competing primarily for academic goals. Diké includes the concept of what is suitable and appropriate, as well as just. Timé includes the concept of dignity and truth, as well as honor.

Students who become eligible for induction to Cum Laude are juniors who are within the top 10 percent of their class and seniors, joining current members, who are in the top 20 percent of their class. Membership also requires the demonstration of good character, honor, and integrity.

Laguna alumnus Ryan Emmons ’08 was the keynote speaker this year and spoke about developing and maintaining a growth mindset at Laguna and beyond. Making mistakes is invaluable because it provides opportunities to learn and to grow. He also touched on the value of individual attention and a small school environment and how even though his classmates complained about it when they were students at Laguna, today they all agree it was the best part of their Laguna experience.