In a ceremony that celebrated Fay traditions and the year’s school-wide theme, “A Community That Cares,” friends and family members gathered in Harlow Gym on June 12 to honor the members of the Class of 2010.

 

Fifty ninth graders received diplomas, and many students were recognized for their noteworthy achievements during their years at Fay. Among them were Lindsay Gibbons, who received the A. Brooks Harlow, Jr. Flag Award; Christopher Lai, who received the Harvard Club Book Award; and Charles Aprile and Victoria Nassief, who both won the Head of School Award.

 

Emily Carroll received the 2010 Founders’ Medal, the School’s most prestigious award, which is presented to the member of the graduating class who has excelled with respect to academic average, rating, and citizenship.

 

Class President William Kim spoke to his classmates during the ceremony, and in his speech, he addressed the relevance of this year’s school-wide theme.

 

“Fay is a caring place,” William said. “The teachers, coaches, tutors, maintenance workers, and other faculty establish a tone of caring, helping us all whenever we need it.

 

Arriving at Fay, it is the first quality we perceive. We are taught to develop this characteristic and to share the warmth in our hearts with others. I learned to care for others through my experience at Fay.”

 

The remarks of Commencement speaker Thomas Haslett ’76 also echoed Fay’s school-wide theme. Mr. Haslett is a senior strategic advisor with the Bantwana Initiative, which provides financial and technical support to children orphaned and made vulnerable by AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Haslett also led the creation of City Year South Africa.

 

In his speech, he shared how his Fay experience provided the groundwork for the next steps in his life. “When I left Fay, I was already prepared,” he said. “I had everything I possibly needed.”

 

He urged the Class of 2010 to use their skills and passions to engage with the world in a meaningful way. “When you have a chance to build something you care about, you know you’re alive,” he said.

 

During the ceremony, Alumni Council member Matthew Godoff ’98 presented the Alumni Award to Mr. Haslett. Mr. Godoff also presented longtime Director of Secondary School Placement, Stu Rosenwald, with the Alumni Council Faculty Recognition Award.

 

Head of School Rob Gustavson presented the Laura Ducey Award for Distinguished Service to Anne Bishop, Fay’s Head of Lower School. Mrs. Bishop will be taking over as the Head of Fay’s new Primary School this summer.

 

In his words to the Class of 2010, Mr. Haslett expressed the hope that the graduates would follow the advice of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

 

“I hope you’ll chart your life with a sense of adventure,” Mr. Haslett added. “You’re already set—now’s your chance to go forward.”