SALMAGUNDY

The Official Student Newpaper of Miss Porter’s School

Graduation 2024

The Class of 2024: Guinea Pigs, or Trailblazers?

By Jaimie Ng ‘24

As the 2023-24 school year draws to a close, and Spring traditions are in full swing— students cross their right arm over left and sing Moonbeams, New Girls start rehearsing their German, and Daisy Chain practice begins— Seniors begin to reminisce about their time at Porter’s. While it has been a tumultuous four years for the Class of 2024, it is undeniable that the past four years have been extremely memorable, and have molded us into the graduates we are today. Though a lot of change has occurred in that time— hence the nickname “guinea-pig grade”— a lot of that change has created unique, engaging experiences for our class, enriching our perspectives as ‘informed, bold, resourceful and ethical global citizens’ while simultaneously challenging us, ultimately shaping us into better people. Perhaps, being the grade to experience everything first was a blessing in disguise.

We were the first grade to start freshman year with a twoweek quarantine in our freshman-only dorms, having to eat meals either in our rooms or outside, six feet apart. When day students returned to campus, they spent their time sitting in squash courts— also six feet apart. Despite the obvious challenge that Covid-19 posed to forming friendships, we made it work. Many friendships formed in freshman year are still going strong today, and continue as we head off to college.

We were also the first grade to never have taken any Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Instead, we were able to take AIS classes, which are equal to or beyond the tradi- tional AP level. For those who wish they were offered AP classes instead, as someone who attempted to self-study AP Calculus BC— you don’t.

Perhaps most notably, we were the first grade to participate in the AIS Global Experience program, where students traveled to Costa Rica, France, and Germany as part of a trimester-long class. Though those trips did not come without their challenges, it is without a doubt that students returned to the classroom with a changed perspective on the world and how we should travel.

Finally, we were also the first grade to participate in a mandatory AIS Professional Experience program, which has prepared us for life beyond Porter’s. From setting up our LinkedIn profiles, practicing our handshakes, and participating in mock job fairs (and many, many more), we are leaving high school with essential skills for success later in life. What other high schooler knows how to do their taxes?

So, as we walk with the Daisy Chain, jump in the fountain, and smile through our tears at graduation, let’s remind ourselves of the amazing memories we have made as a class, and perhaps, start making plans to meet up with each other in the future. The past four years, though rocky at times, have shaped us all into who we are today— hopefully, ‘informed, bold, resourceful, and ethical global’ guinea pigs or trailblazers, whichever you prefer.