SFWS TODAY: Class of 2020
Class of 2020: Story Coleman, Yeva Reinikainen, Bri Yellowhorse, Koray Gates, Nicoya Dant, Kyle Diaz, Luca Vera Ramirez, Leila Midgette, and Parker Willmore.
Class of 2020 with their class sponsor Enrique Otero. Photos by Dham Khalsa Photography (Fall 2019)
PRESENTING THE CLASS OF 2020 “OUR CARING CIRCLE OF TEACHERS HAVE HELD US AND TAUGHT US WITH PASSION AND KINDNESS... THEIR VALUABLE INSIGHTS AND TEACHINGS WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE IN OUR DECISIONS AND IN OUR LIVES AS WE MOVE ON TO A NEW CHAPTER. ”
Our impressive seniors have continued the tradition of SFWS excellence. Accepted by a total of 21 institutions, eight of the nine seniors were admitted to their first-choice college and the class has been awarded $1.8 million in scholarships and merit awards! It hasn’t been easy. “Like the majority of students graduating this year, the Santa Fe Waldorf School Class of 2020 experienced the frustration, uncertainty, anger, and sadness that has permeated a season that is supposed to be enveloped in exactly the opposite,” says class sponsor Enrique Otero. However, despite going without prom, a year-end trip, or an in-person graduation, SFWS seniors are still celebrating their achievements. Says Otero, “As the progressive, independent thinkers they are, the class accepted the situation and worked alongside the faculty to design a series of original events in order to make their graduation, given the circumstances, the memorable event they unquestionably deserve.” Student Council President Koray Gates reports that despite COVID-19 and closures, “The class will celebrate – both individually and together – this turning point in our lives, though it may be different from what we expected or hoped for.” He adds, “Luckily, years of friendships and memories, which bond a Waldorf class, will not crumble because of the lack of these traditional events. I feel confident that I speak for my whole class in expressing our gratitude for the amazing opportunities and experiences that our loving faculty and the Waldorf community have provided us over the years. This caring circle of teachers has helped shape who we are today. Their passion, kindness, insights, and teachings will continue to guide our decisions and lives as we move on to a new chapter.” In an intimate, outdoor ceremony on campus the seniors were presented their diplomas by Otero, Board President Melissa Coleman, and School Administrator Gerson Perez. The ceremonies were filmed and compiled into a video by Board Secretary Andy Smith. To view, please visit youtube.com/santafewaldorfschool and click on Playlists. Congratulations to all!
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