Harvey School News

When the Class of 2021’s family and faculty waited for the graduates’ processional into the Fenstermacher Athletic Center June 10 and heard Pipe Major Jonathan Hencken’s “Earl of Mansfield” signaling the start of the commencement, the scene had all the trappings of a traditional Harvey graduation ceremony ... except for the masks, serving as a stark reminder of what the Class of 2021 had to endure over the past 15 months spanning their junior and senior years.

As graduates before them had done, the members of the Class of 2021 stood in cap and gown, lined up and ready to receive their diplomas from Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro and Head of School William Knauer. Their joy at realizing their commencement day had arrived was not dampened by the masks they still had to wear, and masks did not suppress the pride that brimmed from their parents, faculty, and staff watching from the audience.

The Harvey Class of 2021 had their share of disappointments and lost opportunities since the spring term of their junior year, but all eyes on this particular day were turned toward the future. The golden sunshine on their graduation day served as a harbinger for the bright future awaiting these 71 classmates.

Senior Lauren Siegel’s beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” set the stage for the ceremony to start as Mr. Knauer welcomed all to this highly anticipated commencement ceremony. Acknowledging that the state of the country has been rife with conflict and crisis, he said, “We have stood, and continue to stand, on the precipice of a ‘change point’ of epic proportions.” He went on to say, “While we will undoubtedly continue to face crises in our lives, what matters, always, when challenged by these moments of change and uncertainty, is how we respond.” Mr. Knauer praised the seniors for their courage, resilience, tenacity, hope, and optimism. “Most importantly, you have stood together throughout, supporting and inspiring each other,” said Mr. Knauer.

Performing for the first time since the winter of 2019, the Harvey Chorus seniors performed “Your Song” by Elton John, accompanied by Harvey music teacher Zachary Wright, leaving everyone a bit misty-eyed and overwhelmed at just being together once again in celebration.

It was a special treat for the graduates to have this year’s Commencement Address delivered by highly acclaimed and award-winning television journalist Bill Whitaker of “60 Minutes” and CBS News. Graduating in the tumultuous year of 1968, Mr. Whitaker shared something in common with the graduates. Like the 2021 graduates, upon his graduation, he was entering a world of chaos, bitter politics, and social unrest. Mr. Whitaker commended the seniors for being “a phenomenal class, part of a transformational generation.” As children of the digital age, he praised them for being “the best informed, most connected, most diverse generation in American history.”

Valedictorian Joseph DiGrandi displayed wisdom beyond his years, saying, “I think it’s important to not gloss over what has been lost” during the pandemic, including all the senior privileges students wait anxiously for leading up to a senior year but were not to be offered this year. But he exhibited optimism and driving ambition that is the hallmark of this class, looking for the dawn on the horizon. Joseph advised his classmates not to let the circumstances of the past year “hold you down or shape your future any more than it needs to. Don’t give it that power,” he said, encouraging them to “stay motivated.”

Awards and diplomas were then given out to a senior class more than ready to remove their masks, breathe deeply, and take on the world. They survived 2020. They came out on the other end stronger and wiser.

Best of luck, Class of 2021!

Valedictorian Joseph DiGrandi

 The Harvey School Class of 2021