Soledad O’Brien Speaks at Westminster School’s Commencement

Award-winning journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien gave the keynote address at Westminster School’s commencement ceremony May 25. The school was celebrating the graduation of 114 students.

O’Brien, whose daughter was among the graduates, spoke about Westminster’s motto, Grit & Grace. “When your education is framed around the pillars of Grit & Grace, you are prepared to move forward in a world that will be hard,” she said. “You are so fortunate to have been raised in a community that values these things: being a great student, being a focused athlete and being a great human being. Those are the elements that will make you successful in life.”

She added: “The hard stuff is to always hold on to your integrity, those things that you stand for, the values that you learn at home and at school, and to have a sense of compassion for people who are nothing like you, who do not look like you, who do not act like you, and who are also human beings who are just trying to figure it out as you are.”

She closed by encouraging the graduates to face their worries and push through them. “There are many, many roads to get to where you are going, and getting somewhere worthwhile means that some of the story will be what didn’t work out, what went wrong. That is the story of life and that is what makes life an adventure. You have everything you need to succeed in that adventure because of this school, the teachers, the advisors and friends who have been invested in you over all these past years. … This is the beginning of some very great things from the Class of 2019, and I am honored to be in the Westminster family with you.”

In a Salutatory Address, senior Scott Wilson, a resident of Simsbury and the student body president, talked about his Westminster journey, beginning with his arrival as a freshman. “I am who I am because people have influenced me in a way that I may not even be conscious of,” he said. “So as I look out and I see the Class of 2019, I am so proud to know that these are the kids I will be moving on with. We are athletes, actors, artists, performers, classmates, teammates and friends. We are the future. … I’m a little bit of all of them.”

In her Outstanding Scholar Address, senior Yoonah Lee ’19, a resident of Seoul, South Korea, spoke about how words influence thoughts and actions. “Words have the power to change your thoughts that are to be carried out through your actions, that stitched together, create and define your lives,” she said. “As excited as we all are to start a new chapter in our lives, let’s be honest, we are all quite nervous and scared to face obstacles that are soon to come. Even if you forget everything I said, take these words to heart: We can do it. We are happy. And life is amazing.”

After awards and diplomas were presented, members of the graduating class participated in the Westminster tradition of passing their diplomas. They formed a circle on the senior lawn and passed the diplomas they received randomly during the commencement ceremony until they received their own diploma. They then stepped out of the circle signifying their graduation.