On Saturday, June 5, The Storm King School held its much-awaited 153th Commencement for the graduating Class of 2021. After a drive-through car parade replaced an in-person graduation the previous year, the live ceremony held on the lawn in front of the Stephen P. Duggan Bell Tower was welcomed by everyone in the school community.

Speeches given by Head of School Jonathan Lamb and alumnus Charles Cordero, Class of 1992, highlighted the morning as 41 young men and women from 13 countries and 3 states were awarded their diplomas. It was the first hybrid graduation in the School’s history with 23 members of the senior class attending the in-person ceremony, and 18 completing their year remotely.

“It is wonderful to see a gathering of people, in person, on our campus,” began Head of School Jonathan Lamb in his opening words. “Graduation is always an important event, but following all that everyone here and throughout the world has gone through during the past 15 months, it is even more significant.”  Mr. Lamb went on to outline the accomplishments of the senior class, and praised them for their resilience, perseverance, and grit. “Much has been made of what we missed due to the pandemic. I believe it is well worthwhile to consider what we have gained, and for the seniors in particular, what you might have learned and what you will take with you. Our students, faculty, and families all made the global/hybrid experience of going to school work. Everyone can say ‘we did it!’”

Members of the Class of 2021 have much to be proud of. With one of the School’s best college acceptance rosters on record, many will pursue university studies across the globe from the US and Canada to Europe, Japan, and Hong Kong. Several have expressed interest in combining a business major with a globally-focused academic program such as international relations, foreign language, or environmental sustainability. Others have indicated they will study computer science, engineering, or a science discipline in preparation for medical school.  A few will pursue their passion in the fine arts and enroll in programs covering stage management, visual arts, or fashion design at some of the nation’s most prestigious art schools.

Alumnus and Alumni Council Member Charles Cordero ’92 also offered inspiring words and advice to the new graduates: “Move slowly, and allow your hopes and dreams to manifest themselves. Be Present in all you do.  Be intentional with a purpose. Because every person is born to do something great; so do your job so great that the living, the dead, and the yet-to-be-born can do it no better.”

Other highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of the 2021 Commencement Awards by Dean of Academics Dr. Tim Lance, class promotions conducted by Mr. Lamb, followed by the presentation of diplomas to the senior class. As their names were announced, the smiling graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and have their tassels flipped from right to left, officially completing their high school careers and concluding their lives on the Mountain. Following the ceremony, the graduates and their families gathered on the athletic field as per tradition to toss their caps and mingle with faculty members to say their farewells.

To view more photos from this event please click the button:

Commencement Photo Gallery