Traditions, Unity, and the PCDS Class of 2022

One of the many things that makes the PCDS experience so special is our deep and meaningful connection with our past. For over 60 years, PCDS has been crafting an educational experience for its students that is unlike any in the Valley—or, really, any in the nation. Bedrock values of intellectual engagement and integrity have been embedded in our mission and philosophy for generations. And from that commitment come a number of time-tested traditions. One of these great traditions dictates the manner in which we celebrate our outgoing graduates. Each June, as the summer heat has begun to descend upon us, our matriculating class lines up at sunset on the US side of the famous Daley Bridge and prepares to march across to Founders’ Lawn, where the ceremony will take place. Along this walk, though, is where the magic happens. After the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and members of the Golden Circle pave the way,

faculty and staff cross and line the bridge in order of tenure— from the most recent hires all the way to the likes of Cliff Carlson, Cindy Davis, Brian Ellingson, Bob Kosower, Eric Neufer, and Liz Olson, who have been pillars of our PCDS community for more than 30 years. They await the outgoing class, celebrating each as they pass with handshakes, hugs, and well wishes. After all, it is the relationships between the teachers and students that is the real special sauce at PCDS; these relationships, forged over as many as 14 years, will last a lifetime.

That they perform this ritual just as the sun is dipping below the horizon, throwing a brilliant purple light on Camelback Mountain in the background, is the pixie dust that reminds us that our gem of a school is so unique—and also helps us forget that it’s 107 degrees outside!

On the evening of Thursday, June 9, 2022, we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2022. What made this year different was the awareness that we were all back together fully enjoying the rich traditions of our final ceremony for the first time since the arrival of the COVID-19 virus in March of 2020. For over two years, students and teachers alike were forced to make adjustments and accommodations in order to ensure the safety of our community. As our Class of 2022 seniors approached the stage to the beats of their own personal “walk-up” music, collected their diplomas, and shifted the tassels on their ceremonial caps, there was a palpable sense of joy—mixed with a significant dose of relief—felt throughout the crowd. In particular, there was a recognition of—and appreciation for—the undaunted spirit shown by these students as they weathered a storm beyond all of our wildest dreams.

Commemorating the occasion and leading the ceremony were the President of the PCDS Board of Trustees, David Lewis, and our Head of School, Andy Rodin. Both spoke to the unheard of circumstances and intrepid character. And both looked to a bright future for the class of 71 seniors. From David Lewis:

Jasmyn Loelke ’22

“As a famous football coach once said, ‘Talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling.’ As you make the transition to college and the next stage of your life, I would urge you to pay attention to those important issues of character. Work ethic, trustworthiness, compassion toward others, the ability to disagree and still be friends— these traits will elevate your talent to the next level. As you leave PCDS, this is the perfect moment to focus on the type of person you want to be and, as important, the types of people you want to surround yourself with. More than ever, our community and our country need talented people of good character and you, our PCDS graduates, can help ensure that that need is fulfilled.”

From Andy Rodin:

“The PCDS Class of 2022 was forced to learn a lot about life during these last four years. It could be argued that, perhaps, it was more than high schoolers should have to endure at this stage in their lives. But they navigated it with such strength, endurance, character, and even humor —traits that will serve them well in future challenging situations. Most importantly, they learned to face the good times and the hard times together. And that unity helped to defy all odds.”

As the Class of 2022 threw their caps into the air to celebrate their accomplishment and recessed off into the night, it was hard not to feel good about what’s taking place at PCDS. Whether this was your first year with our community or you’ve spent a lifetime on and around Founders’ Lawn, you’ve been an essential part of something truly special. And, best of all, there’s still so much more to come. n

Left: Ujji Bathla ’22, Devin Bansal ’22, Tanti Felli ’22, Sabrina Bailey ’22