Class of 2020 Commencement
At the 2019 Convocation, members of the Class of 2020 contemplated how they could contribute to the life of our school. Adrian Massuet ’20 read the inspiring children’s book, Say Something, and Head of School Sid Rowell noted, “What does it mean ‘to find your voice, your very own voice?’ It takes courage for sure, to speak up when others are silent. Speaking up also reflects your gifts; the many talents you possess, some of which you may not yet have discovered.” Each student signed the Senior Registry, vowing to “Work at all times for the good of the school, and strive to exemplify the characteristics of faith, honor, and consideration in keeping with our school’s worthy traditions.”
For the first time in the school’s history, a GSB alumna received the prestigious Chair of Excellence in Teaching Award. Noreen Syed ’10, former STREAMS director and beloved science teacher, was honored as an outstanding instructor. 4
Little did our seniors know that following their pledge, GSB would face the most challenging event in our school’s 120-year history. As spring break arrived, so did a global pandemic, closing the campus, moving instruction to distance learning, and leaving rites of passage and signature milestones in abeyance. The Class of 2020 voiced its strong desire to hold an in-person commencement when conditions allowed. The long-awaited socially distant outdoor gathering took place on August 2, 2020. Our graduates lived up to their collective commitment by facing a year of unforeseen disruptions with resiliency. They showed us what it means to come together as a community to honor an important milestone.
