MICDS Honors 147 Graduates During Commencement Exercises

The 147 graduates of the MICDS Class of 2013 received their diplomas during the school’s 154^th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 19, 2013, in McDonnell Athletic Center. The candidates for graduation were presented by Upper School Head Scott Small and 2013 Class Dean Terry Murray.  Head of School Lisa Lyle and MICDS Board Chair Terry Pflager (a 1980 alumnus) distributed the diplomas.

Lisa Lyle welcomed guests and shared with the graduates, “My hope this afternoon, graduates, is that each and every one of you will enjoy the incredible accomplishment today’s ceremony marks, and that you’ll look back over your time at MICDS with great pride and fondness. All classes graduate just as you will today, but it’s what comes later that makes a class a great class.  Make yours the Great Class of 2013! Graduates, come back often.  Know we’re here, cheering you on!”  

In his remarks on behalf of the MICDS Board of Trustees, Terry Pflager noted, “As a trustee, I say to you, go out into the world and make us proud. As the parent of a graduate, I say to you, you already have.”

The members of the Class of 2013 selected two speakers for the ceremony: Library Assistant and Class of 2013 Advisor Aaron Elliott gave the commencement address, and graduating senior Earl Robert Schultz offered remarks on behalf of his class.  The Class of 2013 had two valedictorians, Tally Portnoi and William Van Cleve, and one salutatorian, Hayley Landman.

In addition to reminding the graduates to always use butter, never margarine, Aaron Elliott commented on what makes the class so memorable and well-positioned for the next stage of their lives. “You leave with my love and admiration, and I respect each one of you greatly,” he said. “I believe the best things in life are being happy and laughter, both of which I have seen from each of you. My wish for you is that you never lose that.”

Robert Schultz spoke of the great accomplishments of his classmates, and shared his expectation that each and every one would achieve greatness. He applied lessons learned as a member of the football team to the occasion. “The coaches used to tell the players that great players aren’t needed when you’re winning 45-3. They’re needed when the game gets close and the chance for victory is fading,” he said, adding, “I don’t necessarily know where I’ll go from here. But it’s a great comfort knowing that when the game gets close, I can call on any one of the truly great players seated to my left.”

When he presented the graduates to receive their diplomas, Dean Terry Murray said, “Be proud of what you have accomplished. When you walk across this stage tonight – walk with confidence in your steps and keep your head held high. You have earned this moment.” He closed with this advice, “It’s not about what it is; it is about what it can become. Continue to explore who you are becoming – be that person who can impact the moment and change the world because you care.”  To conclude the ceremony, MICDS Alumni Association President Andrew Hereford (a 1985 alumnus) formally welcomed the graduates as the newest alumni, noting, “You will always be a part of MICDS, and it will always be a part of you.”