June 03, 2019
Andover’s 241st Commencement
320 in the Class of 2019 earn diplomas320 members of the Class of 2019 graduated Sunday, June 2, in a spirit-filled Commencement ceremony, the school’s 241st.
Some 3,000 guests attended the exercises, which took place in front of Samuel Phillips Hall on the Richard T. Greener Quadrangle. The traditional procession of trustees, faculty emeriti, faculty and seniors was led by the stirring sounds of Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums. The jubilant seniors each carried a red Abbot rose.
Head of School John Palfrey P’21, ’23, in his final Commencement address, imparted the following to the graduates:
“I hope that our shared connection to enduring ideas and values, as yet unfulfilled but within sight, has found its way into your bones, as it has for me. And I hope that you will leave this place with the knowledge that once you’ve done Andover, you know you can do just about anything. Use this sure foundation – this extraordinary foundation – wisely and for good, in the spirit of non sibi.”
Palfrey also announced the five major prizes traditionally awarded at Commencement:
- Emily Ortiz — Non Sibi Award: to the student who has honored Phillips Academy’s non sibi (not for self) tradition through their efforts on behalf of others
- Eric Osband — Yale Bowl: to the member of the senior class who has attained the highest proficiency in scholarship and athletics
- Christopher Ward — Faculty Prize: for outstanding scholarship during the senior year
- Allison Zhu — Madame Sarah Abbot Award: to a young woman for strong character, leadership and outstanding scholarship
- Miles McCain — Aurelian Honor Society Award: for sterling character, high scholarship and forceful leadership
Commencement Weekend festivities kicked off Friday, May 31, with our Community Convocation, where seniors were presented with their class banner and reflected on the past four years. Saturday afternoon offered one last chance for student musicians to perform in Cochran Chapel at the Senior Concert. Once the sun had set Saturday night, graduates and their families returned to Cochran Chapel for the candlelight Baccalaureate ceremony.
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