Class of 2013 celebrated at 42nd commencement
Approximately 800 people gathered on the soccer field Sunday afternoon to honor the 81 members of the Class of 2013. It was Greenhills’ 42ndcommencement ceremony and the first for Head of School Carl Pelofsky.
“Today we come together to honor our class of seniors, remember their time here, and wish them well in their futures,” commented Pelofsky in hisopening remarks. “Without question, this class consists of talented, brilliant, artistic, athletic, generous people who have grown while at Greenhills and we all know great success awaits them.”
Pelofsky went on to encourage the class to forgo big dreams and “think small.”
“The problem with the ‘big dream’ is that it often remains just that — a dream,” said Pelofsky. “What I believe Greenhills has taught you, if we have done it well, is that ambition and humility, when mixed in equal parts, results in growth and success.”
In her faculty address to the class, Director of Admission Betsy Ellsworth shared a lesson she learned from her father, a lifelong educator who believed that ‘teach is a reflexive verb.’
“All of us are here to guide you, and hopefully infect you with a love of ideas and learning, but the task of filling your mind is your own,” Ellsworth stressed. “Listen, fill your mind with ideas, sports stats, the periodic table, poems, songs, bad limericks (or good ones), memories…whatever, but be eternally curious and know in your bones that a mind filled will get you through any challenge you face.”
Other commencement highlights included an address by Ally Hogikyan, president of the Class of 2013, a performance of You Are the New Day by the Chamber Choir, and the traditional post-ceremony hat toss.
“Understand that life is both precious and short, so thank the people you need to thank,” Ellsworth told the class in closing. “This overflowing tent is a testament to the difference each of you has made. Go celebrate, hug the people you love and know that you make a difference.”
