On May 28, 2021, we celebrated our graduating seniors at La Lumiere’s 54th Commencement. In an unprecedented academic year, our graduates found that we were stronger and better when we faced challenges together. At the end of the prior academic year, the Prefect Board selected the phrase, “Together, We Will …” as this year’s school motto. With this mentality, our graduates were destined to seize the opportunity to be on-campus and learning, together.
Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our students’ high school careers, but also to look ahead at what they can do with their gifts as they depart our school in the woods. Yoonhyung (Alex) Park, La Lumiere’s Head Prefect, offered this advice, “You might have heard the saying that the only two things in your life that you are able to control are your attitude and your effort. That may not sound a lot but if you think about it for a second, utilizing those two well can change your life. They are the key to a life of happiness.” Yoonhyung focused on how when we look and work to identify the good, we can realize the gifts that surround us. Yoonhyung found comfort and joy outdoors in the Amphitheatre on Lake La Lumiere, and he encouraged everyone to find their place where they can find their community and peace. “Seniors, as you move on with your life, find places for you and the others around you. Life ahead of you is going to be what you make of it.” Yoonhyung focused on how each of us has a choice, we can either choose to see the opportunities that surround us or ignore them.
Tom Rosshirt, Class of 1977, an author, organization leader, a former White House speechwriter, and more, reminded all in attendance that the lessons La Lumiere offers today are similar to what it provided students decades ago. “I learned when I was here that we can change each other by the way we treat each other, and I learned this because La Lumiere changed me.” This lesson and others have guided him throughout his life. During the Commencement Address, Mr. Rosshirt reflected on a Commencement ceremony 45 years ago, the address was given by Mr. Bill Linnen, who focused on how we, as a nation, could do better. This idea stuck with Mr. Rosshirt. “What I know now in a deeper way than I knew it before—is how profoundly, incomparably, absolutely, infinitely, indescribably, unquantifiably, important it is—how we treat each other,” Mr. Rosshirt said. This is the core principle that Mr. Rosshirt believes is able to unite our society. In a period of divisiveness, Mr. Rosshirt sees a way forward: view every human being with the inherent worth they are born with. “When we cross divides and treat others with dignity, we’re uniters. When we stick to our group and treat outsiders with contempt, we’re dividers.” Seeing the dignity in one another is where we begin, but it has long reaching impacts for ourselves and our nation: “today I’m trying to be a uniter—because, in my view, our country’s future doesn't depend on whether liberals or conservatives prevail. It depends on whether uniters or dividers prevail.”
La Lumiere’s Head of School Adam Kronk closed out the ceremony by reminding the Class of 2021 and all attendees what lies ahead: “The world out there is going to be what you make of it. I am teeming with pride to send you out into it. You bring the same sense of ownership and buy in that you’ve displayed during your time here; everything will be just fine. Seek the light in those around you, be that light for others. Your La Lumiere family will be here cheering you on every step of the way. Class of 2021, represent us well.”
The following awards were given during the ceremonies for distinguished achievement:
The Pearce Family Award for Excellence in Christian Discipleship
- Dominic Cutrara
Alan R. Hannan “Unsung Hero Award”
- Elliana (Ana) Havens
- Zihan (Coco) Sun
James R. Moore Scholar Athlete Award
- Kathryn DePalma
- Devin Killeen
Senior Award for Service to Younger Students
- Emily Rohrbach
Senior Award for Stellar Academic Performance
- Chance Troksa
The Aameer Sahi “One of Us Award”
- Emily Rohrbach
Trustees’ Award for Leadership Based on Character
- Quentin Funderburg
Head of School’s Award for Growth and Development
- John Guenin
- Chance Troksa
The La Lumiere Alumni Memorial Award
- Charlotte Visconsi
You can view the article on La Lumiere's website and see photos from the event here.