Westminster School Celebrates Graduation of Class of 2014

 Westminster School celebrated the graduation of 107 students in the class of 2014 at commencement exercises May 24 on the campus in Simsbury. The class had the distinction of being the school’s 125th graduating class.

“By honoring important traditions, we are acknowledging those who came before us and preparing those who will follow,” Headmaster Bill Philip told the assembled graduates and their families about the 125-year milestone.  “The humility of this perspective recognizes that our moment at this school is not singular but rather part of a continuum, which extends backwards across many generations in the past and forward to countless generations in the future.”

The keynote speaker was Nick McDonald, a longtime Westminster science teacher and a geologist, who spoke about the lessons that can be learned from rocks. He talked about Westminster’s motto, Grit and Grace and how it lends itself to geological analogy. “Grit and grace have many meanings and can be defined by a plethora of words and phrases: resilience, forgiveness, determination, standing up to adversity, overcoming biases, extending the hand of friendship, being considerate of others and courage.” He encouraged the students to find something that fascinates them, to “seize the day” and “not let moments or opportunities slip by.”

Other speakers included senior Mae Mullen, a resident of East Granby, who gave the outstanding scholar address, and student body president Pierce Cote, a resident of Bedford, N.Y., who gave a salutatory address. Headmaster Philip and Chairman of the Westminster Board of Trustees Tread Mink presented diplomas to the graduates. 

Following the ceremony, the graduates 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.