Class of 2021 Graduates from Westminster School

Westminster School celebrated the graduation of 114 students during in-person commencement exercises held May 16 on campus.

Head of School Bill Philip welcomed everyone and spoke about the remarkable year that no one will ever forget and how the Class of 2021 led with enormous Grit & Grace.

“Thanks to the Class of 2021’s leadership, we enjoyed a very successful year of in-person teaching and learning on Williams Hill. We were here on campus together, and we accepted the health protocols that were necessary for us to remain here.”

In his Salutatory Address, student body president and senior Will Rizzo spoke about the achievements of his class, and its disappointment in not being able to experience a traditional senior year at Westminster due to the pandemic. He shared how members of the class persevered and never sacrificed their commitment to each other or their school. “We put ourselves in the shoes of others who have sacrificed for the school, classes that have graduated through turbulent times and difficult circumstances,” he said.

Looking ahead, he told his classmates: “Undoubtedly, we will face times in college and in life where we get knocked down. We will come eye to eye with challenges even greater that the ones we have faced this year. And when we approach them, we will feel the confidence to know that nothing life throws at us will stop us from being who we are — from being problem solvers and knowledge seekers, from being curious and inquisitive, from being positive forces of good for those around us — but most importantly, from being the great men and women that our time at Westminster has prepared us to become.”

In his Outstanding Scholar Address, senior Jean-Claude Lane spoke about his early education journey that focused on success in academics over other opportunities. He explained that when he arrived at Westminster, he was surprised by the breadth of activities in which students were involved. “I found people who all seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and friendliness and were each eager to play key roles in the wider school community,” he said. “Over the next four years, I was continually surprised by the amazing things that my friends and classmates had to offer. I realized that I had something to offer that was appreciated, too. It is the time I have spent with these amazing people that allowed me to grow and develop into the person I am today.”

The keynote speaker was Westminster alumnus Jeff Artis, president and CEO of Genesys Works, which creates career pathways and opportunities for youth from underserved communities while simultaneously helping employers fill critical talent gaps within their companies.

He spoke about some chapters in his life including his arrival at Westminster as a student and the arrival of the school’s first female students in 1971.

He also talked to the gradates about making choices. “Your chapter stories will be made up of the things you choose to do, not by the things you chose not to do, for even this is a choice,” he said. “Every choice you make will lead you on a different journey — to different experiences and challenges. I have had an amazing journey sparked in large part by my choice to attend Westminster. It has led to numerous opportunities and adventures I otherwise would never have experienced.”

He urged the graduates to enjoy their journey, to get out of their comfort zone, at least occasionally, and to make a difference in someone else’s life. “I encourage you to always be aware that you benefited from the sacrifices of and or stand on the shoulders of those that came before or helped you along the way and suggest that you pay it forward, backward or sideways in your own manner,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Head of School Philip congratulated the Class of 2021, saying: “What a year we have experienced together! Despite so many challenges, we sustained our defining programs and student experiences, whether in the performing and visual arts, athletics, classrooms or extracurricular activities, not to mention by hosting this morning’s in-person Commencement Ceremony. Even more than is usually the case, this year we were all emphatically reminded that it is the people who comprise our community who are Westminster School’s most precious attribute.”