Holy Innocents' Grads told to 'Fly High and Far'

From the whoops and hollers as they walked out of Groesbeck Hall, headed to graduation, to cheers as they rang the old railroad bell afterward in a school tradition, the Class of 2015 graduated May 16 with characteristic exuberance.

This class had much to be high-spirited about: two Posse Scholars, 12 National Merit Commended Students, one National Merit Finalist, one National Merit Special Scholarship, and a National Achievement Scholar. Six members of this class will compete in NCAA sports, three will attend colleges of art and design, and 2015 grads will study next year in such diverse places as Los Angeles, Boulder, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, South Bend, Nashville, and—of course—Athens.

In her Valedictory Address, Claire Kelsey, who will enter Notre Dame this fall, described her classmates as “a smart, diverse, and energetic group of driven individuals who have achieved many accomplishments over the last four years.” But Claire chose to highlight other characteristics of this special class: their leadership roles both in school groups and sports, the ways they have worked to make a difference in the lives of others, and the support they have given one another.

“We support each other in our extracurricular activities, as is visible by the numerous seniors who attend sports events, plays, and concerts,” she said. “We are a spirited class that is proud of each other and we love showing our appreciations.

“And we support each other in academics,” she added. “It is so obvious that I would not be anywhere today without your help.”

Class members have also supported each other emotionally, Claire noted, during a challenging year in which they lost a talented and beloved classmate, Madie Wilbanks.

“It is not only the happy times and the countless laughter I will remember, but also the sad times and the way we really came together as a class to support one another,” Claire emphasized. “Thus, while it appears to be one hundred and thirteen seniors graduating today, we are actually one hundred, fourteen, strong. And if this class is anything at all, it is strong.”

Graduating seniors wore crimson mortarboards this year, with white initials for Madison Taylor Wilbanks. And Madie was remembered in other ways, as well, including a tribute in this year’s Ursidae yearbook and a sign in the Senior Commons stating that there would always be 114 members of the Class of 2015. Madie’s mother also was presented with Madie’s cap, gown, and diploma.

Head of School Paul Barton reflected on the strength of the Class of 2015, reminding graduates that they were rooted in the unconditional love and support of their families, and the core principles of an Episcopal community that values inclusivity, diversity, shared inquiry, and the worth and dignity of every human being. “These core principles provide you with the nutrients to nourish and strengthen you for a life of meaning and purpose,” he said.

“However, now it is time for each of you to spread your wings and fly off to new places that await you. You all possess wide, strapping wingspans that will take you far into successful futures and realized dreams… May your roots reflect your faith in God—deep and expansive—and your wings remind you of your future—limitless.

“May your family, your faith, and this school provide you always with a safe place to land or as a collective updraft to carry you to new and unimaginable heights,” Barton added. “Congratulations to the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Class of 2015—Fly high and far!”