Upper School faculty members on Wednesday recognized the 73 members of the Class of 2016, lifting up each senior’s accomplishments, character and contributions to the AFS community over their school careers.
In a simple yet significant ceremony at the Meeting House, the teachers stood up one by one, walked toward the students sitting in rows on the facing benches, and read a short passage that distilled all that was best about them. Each student stood as his or her name was called, and listened quietly to the carefully crafted words.
“You are a fierce and loyal friend,” one student was told. “We know you as a thinker, an activist, a poet” was said to another. A third student was given this compliment: “You help other people grow.”
From the remarks, it seemed that not a single milestone nor a facet of the students’ lives had escaped their teachers’ notice. The accomplishments ranged from being a fine classical pianist to playing the lead in a school play, and from solving a problem in robotics to confidence on the basketball court. “You showed a willingness and ability to take the big shot,” were the words of praise for a student-athlete.
The accumulative effect was powerful, and revealed one of Abington Friends’ greatest strengths. At this school, the teachers know the students exceedingly well and take great joy in helping them grow.
Debbie Stauffer, who is “graduating” along with the class with her retirement in June, opened the program by telling the seniors that wherever they go, they would always be welcomed back at AFS.
Though the names and faces at the school will change in the years ahead, the Associate Head of School and Upper School Director said, “It will always be your home.”
She also had words of thanks for the families of the seniors who, along with the rest of the Upper School student body, filled the Meeting House for the ceremony.
“I want to thank you, the families of this wonderful class,” she said. “Thank you for sharing your children with us. Thank you for partnering with us over the years. Thank you for trusting in us to help you teach and nurture these young women and men.”
The ceremony concluded with the students turning the tables, and praising one of their teachers. They announced that they had dedicated this year’s edition of the school yearbook to Upper School Math Teacher Wayne Kurtz “for his selfless dedication and service” to the AFS community and to their class.
Wayne was clearly taken aback by the students’ honor. “I am absolutely astonished,” he told the students, “because there are so many faculty members I look up to every day.” Case closed.