KMS graduates are ready to take on the world
Student-athletes at Killington Mountain School are no strangers to spending a great deal of time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and the class of 2017's graduation day kept that tradition alive! From brisk wind, to clouds, to rain, to brightening skies, Friday's ceremony ran the gamut, and KMS students did one of the things they do best: adapt to a variety of conditions with grace, resilience, and positivity. The ceremony began outside, and transitioned into the gym when it became evident that the area's recent weather pattern was once again taking hold of our region. Yet while the rain may have dampened the graduates' green caps and gowns, it did not damper anyone's spirits; it was an outstanding celebration from start to finish.
In its sixth year of existence, the school's full-term program graduated the largest class to date. The group consisted of athletes from a variety of disciplines: alpine skiing, snowboarding, cycling, and rock climbing, to be exact. Over 90% of the group got into their first choice colleges, with acceptances to Middlebury College, Colby College, Boston College, Northeastern University, Bates College, and Union College, to name a few.
After an address by Head of School Tao Smith, as part of a long-standing KMS tradition, a speech was given for each member of the senior class by an adult member of the KMS community. Seniors choose their speaker ahead of time, and are called up to stand alongside the person giving their address, speeches that generally include memories that are both special and amusing, as well as words of wisdom and love.
After the senior speeches, two members of the senior class addressed the group; Hannah Soar and Becca Clark thanked their parents, teachers, coaches and school administrators for a wonderful high school experience, recounted the hard work expended to reach their graduation day, and spoke of the exciting journey that lay ahead of the group as they embarked on the next stage of their lives.
After an a graduation address by English Department Chair Alex Crivici, the group received their diplomas and with caps tossed to the sky, the celebration began.
Many often speak of the family-like atmosphere at KMS, and that feeling is certainly incredibly palpable at events like these. Students, coaches, teachers and staff at KMS become uniquely bonded due to the school's small-size and daily connectivity. Coupled with excitement for future pursuits, was a feeling of poignant sadness for friendships and connections made, and many good times shared. The bond is one that will last well beyond time spent on this campus. As these 13 wonderfully unique and talented graduating seniors end their time as high school students, they head off to the world uniquely prepared for future pursuits, and yet eternally connected to their Killington roots.
Congratulations to the Class of 2017! #kmstakesyouplaces
