Portions of this article contributed by Jamie Dalgleish '13

Sunday, June 5, 2011, marked the day for the Commencement of the Dwight-Englewood Class of 2011.  The ceremony was held earlier today under the "Big Tent" on Leggett Field.  By all accounts it was wonderful celebration in honor of the 107 graduates and the more than 1,000 people in attendance.

Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett provided welcome and congratulatory remarks to the Class of 2011, members of the D-E faculty and staff,  and all the graduates' family and friends. Dr. De Jarnett thanked all those in attendance for their incredible commitment to the School, and then proceeded to present three several special awards to select students who, in his words, epitomize the D-E School mission of 'seeking excellence'. The Bailey Award was presented to Kathryn Cooperman '11; Minsun (Jodie) Kim '11 received the Trustees' Award; and Debbie Marie Rivera '11 and Zachary Hodges '11 both were honored with the School's Senior Citizenship Award.

The ceremony then continued with several memorable speakers, starting first with Amanda R. Turen '11, Senior Class Reader.  Turen gave a delightful reading of “Ithaca” by Constantine P. Cavafy, which suggests, “hope your road is a long one” so that you can, “learn and learn from scholars”.

Featured Senior Class Speakers were Zachary Hodges '11 and Jeff Spingeld '11; both gave inspirational remarks, though of different natures, inspiring thoughtful reflection and tears-inducing laughter.  Hodges spoke admiringly of his classmates' many individual and collective accomplishments, and detailed the life of an individual on the maintenance staff of D-E who for him has achieved true personal success.  Hodges also referred to a Will Smith video about the power of positive thinking and the importance of taking on your dreams in the most active way possible, building them "brick by brick."  Click here for a video of Zach's speech.

Spingeld gave a comedic speech, in which he very elaborately and hilariously detailed his dreams for the world, including injections of turtle genes for humans to enjoy an indefinite lifespan and, more seriously, working toward the ultimate goal of having ample free time in order to enjoy life as fully as possible,  Click here for a video of Jeff's speech.

Following the student speakers, D-E President of the Board of Trustees Karen Silvera Aboodi, whose own daughter Gabriella '10 graduated from D-E last year, provided remarks.  She spoke to the gratifying but also bittersweet aspects of watching young people grow and achieve, no longer needing constant advisement from their parents.

Keynote remarks were then provided by Robert M. Bakish D-E '81, a recent recipient of the D-E Distinguished Alumni Award and CEO and President of Viacom International Media Networks. In describing his own path to personal and professional success, Bakish outlined a list of essential values, including sound judgment, honesty, courage, and commitment. Bakish also noted the importance of seizing new opportunities even when you may not know their outcomes, referring to the timeless Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You'll Go.   Bakish also advised all the new graduates to not simply rely on technology to stay in touch ("nothing replaces face to face interactions"); and to continually strive to do their best.

Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant also provided thoughtful commentary about his impressions of the Class of 2011 and their indelible, exceptional impact on the School's community and legacy.   He then concluded the ceremony with the traditional presentation of diplomas to all the graduates.  In addition to Dr. De Jarnett, Mr. Algrant, and Ms. Aboodi, those on-stage to present the diplomas included Dean of the Class of 2011 Alan Brown, and Dr. John Hajjar, incoming President of the Board, who is also parent to new graduates Brian Hajjar '11 and Michael Hajjar '11.

A reception on Leggett Field immediately following the ceremony provided all those present with the chance to mingle one last time with the Class of 2011, enjoy picture-perfect weather, and delight in a shared milestone.