Largest-Ever Graduating Class of 125 Joins the Ranks of Academy Alumni

With the weather and setting deservedly combining to form a perfect backdrop, Lake Forest Academy’s largest-ever graduating class completed their school careers the afternoon of May 28 under blue skies in the splendor of the Formal Gardens.

Taking their places following the traditional processional to “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” the Class of 2022, their guests, LFA faculty, staff, alumni, and parents of alumni listened to the invocation by Assistant Dean of Advancement Garry Sloan P’19, ’21, then a welcome and opening remarks from outgoing Head of School José De Jesús P’22. The Book of Gratitude was presented by 2021-22 Parents Association President Dr. Aida Quiroz P’22, ’23, ’26 to Dean of Faculty Tom Johnson. Class

President Ryota Nambara ’22 of Tokyo offered student remarks, and class advisor, Modern and Classical Languages Teacher Marianela Gonzalez, introduced individual graduates, who were awarded diplomas by Board of Trustees Chair John Marlatt ’65 of Lake Forest. Closing remarks came from incoming Head of School Chris Tennyson before the LFA’s rendition of Katie Moran Bart’s “Blessing” and the recessional to Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4.”

The festivities, per LFA tradition, accentuated the school’s proud international tradition and global thrust. National flags of 64 nations, representing the native countries of LFA graduates from 1980 to 2022, adorned the stage. These included: Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina,

Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Columbia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mali, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

It was a most appropriate display for Tennyson’s fitting focus on journey in his closing remarks. Sharing the life story of a Minnesota alumnus who overcame tremendous childhood obstacles to attend LFA and achieve success, Tennyson reminded graduates that spending their high school years in a place that prides itself on remarkable diversity will help them change the world for the better.

The incoming 31st Head of School then gave a nod to the “grit and perseverance” embodied by the class that spent more than half its LFA experience embroiled in the COVID-19 global pandemic. “There were likely times that it seemed like we were asking a lot of you—maybe too much,” Tennyson told them.

“But we did so because we believe in you. You were asked to study, to think, to create and to work closely and collaboratively with others, including your teachers. You were asked to make good decisions, to develop healthy habits, and to be global citizens—doing your part to learn about and serve others. Through all this, you navigated everything with grace. It would have been easy to give up. But you have succeeded and made all of us extremely proud.

“May your new journeys be as exciting, as challenging in good ways, of course, and rewarding as your LFA journey was. And, along your journey, please remember to demonstrate empathy, optimism, and humility. You are going to do wonderful things, both individually and as a collective, and please know that the Academy’s doors are always open to welcome you back.”

Bard College

Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Boston University (3)

Boston, Mass.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, Calif.

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Carroll College

Helena, Mont.

Colgate University (2)

Hamilton, N.Y.

College of the Holy Cross (2)

Worcester, Mass.

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Davidson College

Davidson, N.C.

Denison University (2)

Granville, Ohio

DePaul University

Chicago, Ill.

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa

Duke University (2)

Durham, N.C.

Elon University

Elon, N.C.

Emory University

Atlanta, Ga.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Ga.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Mass.

Haverford College

Haverford, Pa.

Howard University

Washington, D.C.