Westminster Celebrates Graduation of Class of 2014

“By honoring important traditions, we are acknowledging those who came before us and preparing for those who will follow,” Headmaster Bill Philip told the assembled graduates and their families about the 125-year milestone. “The humility of this perspective recognizes that our moment at this school is not singular but rather part of a continuum, which extends backwards across many generations in the past and forward to countless generations in the future.”
 

In his Salutatory Address Head Prefect Pierce Cote ’14 reflected on the past four years and cited things his classmates now know that they didn’t know when they first arrived at Westminster. “These four years have been about what we now know about ourselves, each other, and what we are capable of accomplishing.” Looking forward, he said, “I think I can speak on behalf of the entire Sixth Form when I say that we are excited about what we will learn about our new schools, friends and, ultimately, ourselves in the future. The idea that we will enter a new chapter of our lives without being handed a map is thrilling, and an experience that we all look forward to.”
 

In her Outstanding Scholar Address, Mae Mullen ’14 talked about how time is relative. “Relativity is the most important quality of time, and I think that learning to control the elasticity of time is one of the most important things we can do, as students and more broadly as people." She emphasized, “We are made of time, so time is an integral part of who we are. It is part of us and we are part of it; we can control how we see time and with that we can take full advantage of everything we’re given.” In closing, she said, “And now, together, we’re going to go out into the world and embrace all the time we have yet to make and spend, and all the wonderful experiences we have yet to have, remembering that we are made of time.”
 

The keynote speaker was Nick McDonald, a longtime Westminster science teacher and a geologist, who spoke about the lessons that can be learned from rocks. He talked about Westminster’s motto, Grit and Grace and how it lends itself to geological analogy. “Grit and grace have many meanings and can be defined by a plethora of words and phrases: resilience, forgiveness, determination, standing up to adversity, overcoming biases, extending the hand of friendship, being considerate of others and courage,” he explained. He encouraged the students to find something that fascinates them. “None of us minds working hard when we enjoy the work.” He also suggested that they “seize the day” and “do not let moments or opportunities slip by.” He concluded by saying, “And so fellow graduates, armed with a wealth of skills and talents, and armed with experience shaped by Grit and Grace, good luck and best wishes for a life of passion and fulfillment.”

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The following faculty members and students received awards:
 

FACULTY PRIZES

Charles E. Griffith III P’11, ’14, ’17 and Pamela J. McDonald P’96, ’04
 

This chair is awarded every three years to “recognize a senior faculty member who sets the standard for leadership and embodies the true meaning of Grit and Grace.”

Richard P. “Scott” Berry Jr. P’11,’16
 

Presented annually in honor of distinguished alumnus, trustee and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees Townsend Swayze ’55, this award is given to a member of the faculty for outstanding contributions to the life of the school.

A-men Rasheed
 

This award is presented annually in honor of Marianna and the late Junie O’Brien P’81, who devoted their lives in service to young people and to schools. It recognizes a member of the faculty who has, over the course of the year, been especially selfless and generous with time and care in the nurture and support of students and whose extraordinary, ongoing personal commitment to young people sets an example to the Westminster community.

Michael R. Cervas P’96, ’01, ’10
 

STUDENT PRIZES

Jarunetr Sae-Lim ’14
 

Michael J. Natale ’14
 

Rosalie J. Wetzel ’14
 

Andrew D. Bell ’14 and Abigail C. Reed ’14
 

Mae E. Mullen ’14
 

Soon Kwan Park ’14
 

Riley T. Bitterli ’14 and Anish Chadalavada ’14
 

Mae E. Mullen ’14
 

First place, Andrew S. Brazer ’15

Second place, Thomas O. Dudzik ’15
 

Yvonne J. Pruitt ’14
 

Emily F. Mell ’14 and Travis M. Percy ’14
 

Mae E. Mullen ’14
 

Critchell Rimington Creative Writing Award
Riley T. Bitterli ’14
 

Andrew D. Bell ’14
 

Mae E. Mullen ’14
 

Jacqueline D. Mendia ’14 and Rosalie J. Wetzel ’14
 

Rachel Chan’14
 

Third in the Sixth Form: Riley T. Bitterli

Second in the Sixth Form: Rosalie J. Wetzel

First in the Sixth Form: Mae E. Mullen
 

The faculty presents this award to a member of the Third Form for character and leadership.

Adrian K. Enchill ’17
 

This award is presented annually to a member of the Fourth Form who best embodies the qualities of Richard and Barbara Adams, who gave devoted service to Westminster for over 40 years, showing outstanding personal qualities and concern for the community and unwavering dedication to students. Barbara served on the faculty from 1995-2011, and Dick served on the faculty from 1970-2013.

Wonjune Kang ’16
 

This award is presented annually to a member of the Fifth Form who best embodies the qualities of Geoffrey Wilbraham, who gave distinguished and loyal service to Westminster from 1958 to 1994: high personal standards, consistent respect for others, unswerving commitment to the common good, steady insistence on fair play and abiding human decency.

Cristina C. Lynch ’15
 

This award is given annually to the Sixth Form boy and girl who best exemplify excellence in athletics and who contributed to the character of the team. It is given in memory of Brian T. Bruyette ’77, who in his enthusiasm, sportsmanship, effort and skills, represented all that is best in this school.

Brooke A. Wolejko ’14 and Tristan J. S. Rai ’14
 

This award is given annually to a member of the Sixth Form who exemplifies dedication to academics and loyalty to the school.

Zacharie P. C. Hamilton ’14
 

This book prize is awarded to a Sixth Former who has made an unusual commitment in both breadth and depth to the school’s programs and activities.

Travis M. Percy ’14
 

This award is presented to the Sixth Former who, in the opinion of the faculty, is the outstanding scholar of the class. The award is not necessarily determined by rank in class but is based, rather, on the attributes of the true scholar: curiosity, imagination, power to associate new observations with prior experience, thoroughness, appetite for ideas rather than for grades as an end in themselves and the ability to move easily in the realm of concepts.

Mae E. Mullen ’14
 

Established by the Class of 1966 and recognized as the school’s most prestigious commencement award, the Keyes Bowl is presented annually to a member of the Sixth Form and recognizes the qualities of loyalty, courage, leadership and humility.

Eleanor C. Deveaux ’14
 

Following the remarks and awarding of prizes, Headmaster Philip and Chairman of the Westminster Board of Trustees Tread Mink ’77, P’11 presented diplomas to members of the class. The graduates then participated in the Westminster tradition of passing their diplomas. They formed a circle on the senior lawn and passed the diplomas they received randomly during the commencement ceremony until they received their own diploma. They then stepped out of the circle signifying their graduation.