Excitement was at an all-time high as 42 seniors from 15 nations and five states prepared to graduate from The Storm King School at its historic 150^th commencement. The jubilation reached its pinnacle on Friday, June 1—the eve of graduation—when the seniors and their families gathered at Orr Commons for the traditional Butterfly Ceremony, followed by the Senior Banquet, and the Senior Service.

The Butterfly Ceremony and the Senior Service have become celebrated traditions and rites of passage at Storm King, and a highlight of the overall Storm King experience. The first Butterfly Ceremony was instituted nearly a decade ago by former Dean of Students Robert Watson, who explains that he and his colleagues were “constantly brainstorming ideas to make the boarding school experience different and more engaging. I had heard of butterfly ceremonies before, and Storm King seemed like the perfect place, and graduation seemed like the perfect time,” says Mr. Watson, who returned to campus for Reunion 2018. “I found a local butterfly farm on the internet, so we put the event together. I am so thrilled that it has caught on and has become a part of the Storm King traditions celebrated at graduation 10 years later.”

 

 

This year, to kick off the Butterfly Ceremony, the sharply-dressed senior class formed a circle on the lawn in front of the Millennial Gazebo as families, faculty, and underclassmen looked on. Assistant Headmaster for Student Life Alan Lewis addressed the class with a few words about the concept: “The butterfly is symbolic of joy, color, and change.  In many cultures, they are considered miracles of transformation as they morph from egg to caterpillar, then to chrysalis to butterfly. Today, I am surrounded by our soon-to-be graduating seniors, who are transitioning into the possibilities of their own futures.  Seniors, please quietly make a wish, and release your butterflies,” said Mr. Lewis as he handed out the delicate envelopes containing the live Monarch butterflies.

With high hopes for the future, the class released their butterflies. For a moment, the air was filled with fluttering wings and smiling faces before all moved into Henderson Dining Hall for the Senior Banquet. After a delicious meal, the seniors and their families proceded to the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre for the much-anticipated Senior Service.  Senior Service, another important Storm King tradition, is designed to give the seniors a chance to speak their minds and bid their farewells in an open forum with family, faculty, and friends as witnesses.

 

 

As the lights dimmed, the processional of seniors entered the theatre, each placing a candle on the stage while Mathematics Department Chair and incoming Dean of Academics Dr. Tim Lance announced each student’s name and the name of the college they plan to attend in the fall. Senior class advisor Patrick Martha took the podium to announce the faculty members chosen by the senior class to address them and give them advice for their lives after graduation. This year, the class chose two faculty members – English teacher Carolyn Mendlewski and Associate Dean of Students and Residential Life Kristen Barbosa.

“Congratulations. You guys have done it,” began an enthusiastic Ms. Barbosa to applause by the seniors. The two women continued giving the seniors advice in the form of lessons for the future. “We are tremendously proud of the Storm King Class of 2018. Each of you has challenged yourself to arrive at this destination and you deserve all the praise and celebration in the upcoming days. Now is the time to go out into this world and be the masters of your fate. We expect nothing more than your very best. Remember this moment and hold it close to your hearts always,” concluded Mrs. Mendlewski.

 

 

Next in the program was a photo reflections slideshow created by Director of Video Production Zhenya Kiperman and Martin Prochazka ’18, followed by the senior speeches. One by one, the seniors took the podium and said a few words about their time at SKS – cherished memories, relationships, struggles, and triumphs.  They spoke openly and thanked all those who made a difference in their Storm King experience.  After the students concluded their speeches, Dean of Academics Harold Heno took the podium to deliver closing remarks before the seniors went off to spend their last night on the Mountain. “I ask you, as new graduates of The Storm King School, to follow your dreams,” said Mr. Heno to conclude the service.

Like the Butterfly Ceremony, the Senior Service also has its roots in the School’s colorful history, dating back to the tenure of Headmaster Frank Brogan (1966-1974). The late 1960s were times of cultural upheaval where students were emboldened to speak their minds and question authority more openly. The Senior Service is one example of how Mr. Brogan, through his stern but gentle manner and his innovative practices regarding student life, succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of his students.

It is said that the first Senior Service took the form of an open forum granted to the seniors at the School’s 102^nd commencement in 1969. When one student asked Mr. Brogan who the commencement speaker would be that year, Brogan spontaneously responded that “everyone” would be. Thus, the tradition was born of every senior being allowed to speak openly at graduation. Today, the Senior Service has evolved into a separate event that takes place on the eve of graduation, allowing the senior class more time to make their speeches and bid their farewells.