Graduation

Graduation, the culminating event of the year, took place on Friday, June 9, 2006 at 10:30am in Parker Hall. Graduates, dressed in colourful saris and handsome suits, swirled around the flagpole area before the ceremony began, posing for photos and savouring some of their last moments together.

After the students processed into Parker Hall to take their rightful seats on stage, they were addressed by fellow classmate Salutatorian In Suk Jung. In Suk spoke to them about freedom and responsibility, challenging them to balance these two privileges. Guest speaker Dr. James Gabriel Campbell '65, Director General of Khatmandu-based ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development), reminded the students of the privileges and opportunities they had as graduates of Woodstock. He gave examples of those who did not have these kind of choices or freedoms. He spoke with appreciation of his own Woodstock education, and how it was the sight of the charcoal sellers walking up from the Aglar to Mussoorie under immense loads which urged him towards his chosen career path of anthropology and development.

As well as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, awards were given to Anne Henderson (Best All-round Student and Student Government) and to Anne's STUCO co-president, Suheil Tandon (Student Government). The Senior Choir also featured in the programme, with a song from the musical "Wicked", by Stephen Schwartz (as performed at the senior recital - click her for details).

Valedictorian Nora Nicholson Weber was the last to speak. She recounted her 2 years at Woodstock and shared with the audience the main skill she gained from her Woodstock experience- listening. She lauded those who spoke their minds and voiced their opinions, but she also explained the virtues of listening, especially when listening to the still, small voice in one's head which sometimes speaks when direction, guidance or truth is needed.

The ramp of wailing seniors greeted the guests as they filed out of Parker Hall. Each senior stood opposite a banner with their name on it to shake hands and farewell family and friends. They also went through the lines themselves, turning into one weepy bunch of graduates by the end.

Lunch was served after the ceremony and students, staff and family mingled under a shamiana in the Quad, reliving some of the moments of the year and looking forward to the bright years ahead.

On behalf of the development office, we would like to congratulate the Class of 2006, Intrepid. As the banner created by parents and advisors read, Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before!