Jane's Pocket Change: Dancing Queen

Our last-last- last assembly was this past Monday, a grand finale run quite ably by our stellar 2016-2017 assembly coordinators: Justin Dormitzer ‘17, Chad Smith ‘17, Marissa Leeman ‘18 and Lila Blaustein ’19. They called this our last-last- last assembly because faculty and staff who will be leaving CSW after this school year were invited to come up and say a few words, then soon-to- be-graduating seniors were welcome to follow suit and, of course, it was the last-ever assembly for the Class of 2017.
Our last-last- last assembly was this past Monday, a grand finale run quite ably by our stellar 2016-2017 assembly coordinators: Justin Dormitzer ‘17, Chad Smith ‘17, Marissa Leeman ‘18 and Lila Blaustein ’19. They called this our last-last- last assembly because faculty and staff who will be leaving CSW after this school year were invited to come up and say a few words, then soon-to- be-graduating seniors were welcome to follow suit and, of course, it was the last-ever assembly for the Class of 2017.

These last assembly testimonials of our seniors never fail to be powerful and thoughtful, and they always ring true. To hear them speak from their hearts as they reflect on their years here is inspiring to us all, and the advice they give to our younger students is just wonderful. A few of these senior testimonials, loosely summarized, follow below.
 
“I thought I would never speak up and come out of my shell… once I did I really found my people and took advantage of what the school offers. Speak up and find your people!” 
 
“I have found 2-3 teachers who really seem to know me; if I have issues of any kind I can go to them and talk stuff through. Even teachers and staff I saw as authority figures seemed to be in my court. I thank them all. Step out of your comfort zone and seek help when you need it.” 
 
“I never thought I would feel ready to leave this place; it became my home. But I am now; I am so looking forward to college and all that it will bring. Trust yourself and know that you will grow.”
 
“I made the best friends here… what a group. I rely on them, trust them and have grown along with them. Make friends and stick with them.”
 
And today (Tuesday), as I write this, the tent is going up on the quad right outside my office window and I am headed over to Rock-Pop Ensemble’s end-of- mod performance. Senior Night is tomorrow and graduation is on Friday. We are living through many last-last- lasts this week. In the words of the inimitable ABBA, words I have grown especially fond of this year: “Having the time of your life… watch that scene... and when you get the chance…”
 
Congratulations, everyone, on a wonderful year. Have a splendid summer – and seniors/soon-to- be graduates, be sure to come back and visit! (And if you’re so inclined, feel free to have your karaoke app queued up for ABBA’s “Dancing Queen…” as always, I’ll be ready!)

The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.