Commencement: Hugs, Smiles, and Tears

It was a beautiful weekend of Commencement activities for the Class of 2018 and their families and friends. The weekend kicked off with the Chateau dinner and dance, followed by a beautiful fireworks display. On Saturday, Class Day exercises were held in Memorial Chapel to honor student achievement. The awards ceremony was followed by Commencement eve dinner. NMH dining services never disappoints, and 1,084 guests enjoyed a seated dinner and general celebration with their soon-to-be graduates in Alumni Hall and underneath a nearby tent.

Sunday brought cloudier skies, but nothing could dampen the enthusiasm and cheers. Senior orator Naomi Christiansen ’18 stirred the crowd by articulating the bittersweet limbo in which she and her fellow graduates find themselves — between childhood and adulthood, between high school and their next ventures. "We may be too old for our parents to put a certificate of achievement on the fridge," she said, "but today we get to congratulate ourselves."

Commencement speaker Adam Fisk '94, a computer software developer whose nonprofit company, Brave New Software Project, Inc., provides access to the internet in countries where governments typically censor it, pointed out that many of the graduating seniors were born in the year 2000. "That means you're true children of the 21st century," he said. He dispensed one of his favorite pieces of wisdom, from boxer Mike Tyson. “He said, 'Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,’” Fisk offered. “The joy is in getting back up.” He encouraged students with a message of perseverance and always carrying the core value of NMH: living life with your head, heart, and hand.

The crowd also celebrated outgoing Head of School Peter B. Fayroian and outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Stephen Fuller ’58 with applause, handshakes, and well wishes as they made their way through the crowd following the ceremony.

See and hear more about Commencement-week activities here, including video of the ceremony, text of major addresses, and photo galleries.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

What’s Next for NMH Seniors

Members of NMH’s Class of 2018 will attend more than 100 different colleges and universities this fall. Particularly popular choices for this year’s grads were Boston University and Syracuse University. The matriculation list also includes Colby, Dartmouth, Harvard, Middlebury, New York University, Princeton, Wesleyan, and the University of Virginia.

Overall, NMH graduates choose a wide range of colleges and universities. Some like urban, some like rural. Many seek the NMH-style educational "intimacy" found at small liberal-arts colleges, while others are eager for the research opportunities found at large universities.

A growing number students used some form of early application (early action, early decision, or priority) to get a head start on the college-selection process. And they were guided throughout this process by NMH’s college counseling staff. In this competitive landscape, we are pleased that many students got into their first- or second-choice institution.

2018 Class Gift Tops Goal

The Class of 2018 surpassed their original goal of 85 percent participation in the NMH Fund with 91 percent participation (172 donors)! The Senior Gift Committee and Student Alumni Association worked tirelessly to inspire their classmates to make gifts, which totaled $1,745.01. Having met a generous $10,000 parent challenge, the Class of 2018 presented a check for $11,745.01 to Head of School Peter B. Fayroian at the moving-up assembly on May 23. Many students chose to make their gift to the NMH Fund as a tribute to outgoing Head of School Peter Fayroian, who they made an honorary member of their class. Thanks to the Class of 2018 for their philanthropic efforts.

Announcements

Beginning-of-school information: We are already busy planning for students’ return this fall. The 2018–19 calendar and an overview of registration day are already online. All back-to-school information is consolidated here.

Spring athletics banquet: Congratulations to our spring athletics season award winners, announced at a recent sports banquet. See the list of recipients and read Grace Smith’s ’18 keynote address.

Plan now to study abroad in 2018–19: It's not too early to think about studying abroad in 2018–19! A variety of programs will be offered, including skiing in Norway, dancing in Ghana, and a service trip to Belize.

Spots available for NMH Summer Session: There are still openings in our Summer Session program for students entering 7–12 grade. Get application details.

Boys' Ultimate team captures championship: In a wet and wild game on Peller Family Field, the boys' varsity Ultimate team captured the NEPSUL championship! They ended the season with a 6-4 victory over Hotchkiss. In the 12-year history of the New England Prep School Ultimate League, NMH has won seven times; in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2018. Read more in the game write-up (scroll to the last game and select "details") and view photos.

Sports nutritionist: NMH recently welcomed a sports nutritionist, Elizabeth Devine, to speak to athletes, coaches, and community members. Please look at her slides about nutrition for active teens, and talk to your student about “fueling up.” She will return next year to work with small, targeted groups to help support our students in their athletic endeavors.

New photo needed of all returning students: Please ask your student if they have uploaded a new photo of themselves for the school directory. If not, please follow these directions.

Upcoming Events

• 6/24 Farewell, Mr. Fayroian event in NYC
• 8/27 Opening community meeting; Resident Leaders, Global Ambassadors, Peer Educators, and Ecoleaders arrive at 4 pm
• 8/29 New international students arrive 1–2:30 pm; orientation begins
• 8/31 Registration for all new students and returning 10th graders
  • Domestic and returning international boarding students: 8:30–10 am
  • Day students: 9:30–10 am
  • New international students: 10–10:30 am
• 8/31–9/2 Orientation for all new students and returning 10th graders
• 9/2 Registration for returning juniors and seniors: 8:30–10 am
• 9/3 Orientation for all students
• 9/4 Classes begin; opening convocation
• 10/19–20 Fall Family Days

Note: Parent Update is published only during the academic year, and will return in early fall. Enjoy your summer.