Focus and the Seven Habits of Successful Foxcroft Graduates

May 26 began with an air of nervous energy as the 43 members of the Class of 2023 gathered on the apron across from Schoolhouse for class photos and the traditional chants across the lawn with underclassmen. That nervousness quickly turned to anticipation as the soon-to-be alumnae took their places in Miss Charlotte’s Garden for the School’s 109th commencement ceremony and patiently waited — for Class achievements to be shared, prizes presented, and diplomas to be awarded — but first, they waited for their chosen speakers, who did not disappoint.

“To my colleagues, I am Laura; to the students, I am Mrs. Moan; to the athletes, I am Coach Moan; … and to one graduate, I am Mom,” shared Commencement Speaker and Director of College Counseling Laura Moan, who was the first to share advice with the Class of 2023, which includes her daughter, Lucy. Borrowing from her coaching theme for the year, Mrs. Moan encouraged the seniors to FOCUS on a few things as they prepare for their lives away from Foxcroft:

F - Friendships. The friendships you have made at Foxcroft may be some of the strongest you will ever have.

O - Outstanding. Choose to be positive in your interactions. Choose to be outstanding.

C - Challenge. Challenge yourself to be the best version of YOU that you can possibly be. Challenge the status quo.

U - Unique. Embrace your unique backgrounds, personalities, talents, passions, and strengths.

S - Success. If you focus on your friendships, staying connected, being outstanding, challenging yourself, and being unique, you will attain success.

Next, the seniors chose classmate London Hershey to deliver their class address. “The Class of 2023 is special,” she shared. “We like to brainstorm ideas and do things differently … we’re spunky, we’re bold, and we bring energy wherever we go.” Recalling freshman year and how the lessons in Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens stuck with them over the years, London offered, “I’d like to propose seven new habits for you today as developed by the Class of 2023: ‘The 7 Habits of Successful Foxcroft Graduates.’” Those habits are:

#1 – Pick up sticks. Picking up sticks, we learned that actions have consequences.

#2 – Stay in your cohort. While COVID protocols defined part of our early Foxcroft experience, our separate cohorts ultimately made us come back together stronger.

#3 – Find your focus. Even though not everyone has found their passion, they are passionately looking for it.

#4 – Work hard. We have worked hard … and this has led to great accomplishments.

#5 – Enjoy your seniority. We’ve had a blast finally getting to experience the senior traditions we waited so patiently for — sitting on the porch, enjoying long meals until dusk with our friends, watching Morning Meetings from the stairs, and wearing blue jeans and patterns!

#6 – Have fun. Fun has been our MO since we first met. I hope you all never lose this quality.

#7 – Be good to those around you. You have been role models to underclassmen, and through your kindness, respect, and commitment to this School, you have set a very high bar.

“The bonds we have made here are forever,” assured London. “I have no doubt that you will all accomplish great things and that we will still be there by each other's side when we do it. Maybe not physically, but in spirit, cheering each other on and celebrating each other's successes. Thank you all for the best high school experience. Here’s to the Class of 2023 — we did it!”

Indeed they did! The Class of 2023 received 171 offers of admission from 106 colleges and universities, with 18 students receiving 53 merit scholarships totaling almost $3 million. Members of the class will attend Boston College, Boston University, Emory University, Northeastern University, Olin College of Engineering, Purdue University, Syracuse University, The College of William and Mary, University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Yale University, among others. They have eight AP Scholars, one AP Scholar with Honor, and four AP Scholars with Distinction. Eight are members of the Cum Laude Society, and six hold a transcript designation in Foxcroft’s Academic Concentration program: three in STEM, two in Global Studies, and one in The Arts. Seven received 19 regional recognitions in The Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards, one earning a prestigious national Gold Medal. Four are members of the International Thespian Society, one with the highest rank of Honor Thespian for more than 1,800 hours of service in theater productions.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on your graduation!