“Grade nine: watch and learn. It will happen,” were some of the first words Head of School Mr. Carr said on May 3rd for the seniors final as- sembly. After this, seniors walked in and sat in their advisory seats on their bleachers for the last time. Hudson Byrne, past Student-Body Vice-Pres- ident, then did the pledge for the last time with a sense of nostalgia and re- membrance in the air.
All faculty who spoke echoed the idea that seniors will always have a spot at Benjamin.
“As I’ve had the opportunity to share lunch with you over the course of this year you have set an incredible tone. As a school we are only as good as the senior class. I want to thank you for your leadership and your passion for being a Buccaneer and what that means and the remarkable results we’ve had from your class in every aspect of school life. We deep- ly appreciate your dedication to the work you have done and to the in- stitution and know we can count on you coming back. You are part of the Benjamin community forever and we look to you to go do incredible things now,” said Mr. Faus.
The senior class of 2024 are among the most resilient at Benja- min. After overcoming the pandem- ic they are certainly set for a strong future.
“When I think of the class of 2024 I think of the fall of 2020 where most of you started here. When I think of 2020 I mostly think of the JV football team and although some stu- dents might not have continued play- ing through their school career, what I remember is that was the first time we were trying to play sports during COVID. The fact that any of you kept playing as the world evolved and we
{the school} got bigger is incredible. Thank you for your cheer that you bring to Benjamin everyday. There is always room for you here and we want to know over time what direc- tion you take. Thank someone now or in 15 years. Come and visit,” said Mr. Carr.
“Another turning point. Time grabs you by the wrist and there you go” were some of the words Nate Anderson and David Frear sang for everyone after the wise speeches from heads of school Mr. Faus and Mr. Carr. Anderson and Frear sang Good Riddance by Green Day. To Anderson, “This song is a bittersweet tune looking back on the past. I think it was a perfect choice for the seniors on their last day.”
Following this, depparting teach- ers Mrs. Austin, Ms. Gustafson, Mrs. Goldberg, and Mrs. Priola shared some of their memories, their grati- tude, and advice for the class of 2024.
As Ms. Gustafson put it “change, although inevitable at times, can be glorious just like now.” Mrs. Priola and Mrs. Austin echoed similar sen- timents in their appreciation for Ben-
jamin and their hopes for the class of 2024. Mrs. Goldberg had seniors close their eyes and picture individu- als who made their time at Benjamin incredible and how they feel about that.
Finally, the chorus led by Mrs. Austin sang the alma mater with all students loudly joining in. This was Benjamin theater resident Xan Blount’s last performance for the school and the last time the seniors would sing the Alma Mater.
Then all students and faculty formed a tunnel and hugged the se- niors to commemorate the day and
