“You have every reason to be optimistic,” said Commencement Speaker, Gerrit Vreeland ’61 to the graduating class of 2010. “Remain focused on the most important things to do with a positive attitude. The future of this country will be as optimistic for you as it was for my generation.”
Mr. Vreeland acknowledged the weakened economy of the last three years, describing it as “the biggest recession since the Great Depression.” A lover of history, he said this was not something new, and America will bounce back. “It takes as much work to be pessimistic as it does to be optimistic,” said Mr. Vreeland to ninety-six of the ninety-eight graduates, the largest graduating class in the history of The Gunnery.
“I suspect that each of you, to one degree or another, share my passion for The Gunnery,” said Gerrit. “There are a variety of ways in which alumni can serve the school through the Alumni Association. The Gunnery has a bright future, but it faces risks due to technological changes and globalization, and you all are very qualified to help us better understand these issues. We will need you. Please come back, stay in touch, and help us navigate all the challenges that face the school.”
Gerrit, a managing director for Alex Brown Deutsche Bank, is a graduate of Lafayette College and New York University, the latter of which positioned him for a career in the world financial markets. For many years, Gerrit has continued on in service to The Gunnery as a member of the board of trustees and as president of the Alumni Association. He and his best friend from The Gunnery, Tony Rogers, together created the Vreeland/Rogers Scholarship Award presented every year at Prize Night.
Head Prefect Jessica L’Heureux ’10 gave a thoughtful and relevant speech focusing on her personal Gunnery experience. She encouraged her fellow classmates to accept change, live life to the fullest, and accept the inevitable separation melancholy that accompanies the Commencement Exercises. “We live in a world of uncertainty,” said Jessica, “but change is about accepting the unexpected…..find a friend in change. Live the questions now. Live your way into the answer.”
Described by Dean of Students, Chris Baudo as “an all-of-the time leader,” Head Prefect-Elect Adam DeSanctis ’11 congratulated the class of 2010 and sought to inspire the other classes. “Embrace everything from the peaks to the valleys,” he said. “From the first day of school to graduation, (Gunnery) students are asked to leave their comfort zone. The Gunnery asks its students to be more than a one- trick pony. You are not just an athlete, a scholar, an artist, a poet. I’ve had the chance to be many things.”
International Club Member, Joo Yun Lee ’10 personally asked Head of School, Susan Graham if she could address the Commencement audience. She delivered an emotional account of her homesick-filled first days at The Gunnery to her latter days of joy and fulfillment. “The Gunnery has given me many opportunities to grow mentally and spiritually,” she said. Joo Yun excelled in many classes including Operations Research, a class designed for college sophomores. “I’ve never felt more trusted and encouraged in my entire life. At The Gunnery, we are all one team.”
The Gunnery’s three top awards were then announced. Jason Boileau ‘10 won the Brinsmade Prize for unselfish and sympathetic interest in people with a purpose for citizenship and social responsibility; Jessica L’Heureux ‘10 won the Head of School Award for constant excellence and dependability in studies and extracurricular activities; and Johnathan Charles ‘10 won The Gunnery Cup, the school’s highest honor for the student whose character and achievement has contributed most largely to the success of the school year. Other awards were announced the previous evening at the Prize Night celebrations (view listing of awards).
Finally, the moment for which everyone was waiting arrived. Mrs. Graham joined Dean of Faculty, Eileen Kelly-Aguirre in handing out the diplomas to the anxious, yet emotional seniors. After the final diploma was handed to top scholar, Zachary Elston ‘10, the Meeting House erupted in thunderous applause.