Laguna Blanca School Celebrates Class of 2020 in Heartfelt Virtual Ceremony

On Friday, July 31, the Class of 2020 and their families joined together with Laguna faculty and staff via Zoom to commemorate their collective and individual accomplishments over the past four years.

The unprecedented online ceremony, which marked the school’s 86th year of commencement exercises, began with opening remarks from Head of School Rob Hereford. Mr. Hereford recognized the unique and challenging times that this class has endured throughout their years at Laguna, noting that Laguna’s core value of character and resulting strength and resilience is what immediately comes to mind when he thinks of this special group of 48 students.

He acknowledged that these hard-won traits will enable each member of this class to make the world a better place. “Our world is in dire need of your expert insight, your guidance, and your leadership. The character you forged here will help us all better navigate an ever-changing and complex future.”

Senior Speaker Charlie Jacobs ’20 took to the digital stage next as he addressed his classmates, “the Class of COVID-19,” in a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech that touched on many important and timely subjects that define the world of 2020. Charlie painted a picture of what it was like to be a high school senior during a global pandemic and emphasized the importance of continuing to listen, learn, and take action to combat systemic racism. “Treating people right, with honesty, with integrity, empathy, and compassion is essential,” he stated.

With conviction and tact, Charlie encouraged his classmates to embrace the feeling of discomfort that causes you to ask questions and to remember that everything in life happens for a reason. He ended his moving speech on an encouraging note, saying, “Everything will be okay in the end, and if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

Upper School Mathematics Department Chair and Instructor Paul Chiment, who was chosen by the students as the keynote speaker, began his Commencement Address by highlighting the good that can come from fear, as fear has played an integral part in the last few months of the Class of 2020’s high school career. “Let your fear lead to your belief. With so much to fear, there arises so much to believe in. My advice: do not let your fear hypnotize you.”

The speech was a true full circle moment as Mr. Chiment recalled how just eight short years ago, he delivered the fourth grade closing ceremony speech to this very class of students. Referencing the “great, ancient philosopher of 1986, Mr. Ferris Bueller,” he emphasized the importance of using your time on this planet to explore and find adventures, especially those that involve courage and making meaningful change.

“Find an adventure in connecting with people who don’t look like you, who don’t dance like you, who don’t pray like you, and who don’t fear what you fear. Whether it is the new coronavirus, the emerging damage we are doing to our planet, or the age-old marginalization of others based on their skin color or their lack of wealth, these problems require adventures in thinking and adventures in courageous change,” Mr. Chiment remarked.

Following these inspiring speeches, Mr. Hereford recognized Kindergarten Instructor Mieke Delwiche’s achievement in being named the 2020 recipient of Laguna’s Faculty Excellence Award. He then congratulated Lucy Cao ’20 on her incredible accomplishments as the senior class Valedictorian and Kiki Tolles ’20 as the Salutatorian.

As both Salutatorian and Senior Class President, Kiki took a moment to thank the teachers that shaped her and her classmates’ time at Laguna. “Thank you to our teachers for teaching us how the world works. Not only in a biological, or chemical, or mathematical sense, but in a moral one. Thank you for teaching us how people work and how people work together. Teachers, it has been an honor learning from you.”

The celebration ensued as Sydney Hlavaty ’20 was praised by Trish McHale as the 2020 Senior Project Award winner for her 48 hand-drawn portraits of each member of Laguna Blanca’s Class of 2020, which raised over $4,500 for the SB Foodbank. Caetano Pérez-Marchant ’20 and Pisci Abrego ’20 were commended for their outstanding character and were each honored with the Senior Character Award.

Though these special students were not able to walk across the stage at Ruston Amphitheater this year, personal and touching vignettes made Ruston feel nearby. The 48 graduates, spotlighted in their caps and gowns throughout the ceremony, were individually recognized by Math Instructors Jennifer Sawyers Pardue and Erik Faust. Their words were a true reflection of the close-knit bonds between students and teachers and the lasting mark that this class will have on Laguna Blanca.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020. You have so much to be proud of, and so much to look forward to!