Graduation 2023
Glen Urquhart School Class of 2023
On Wednesday, June 6, Glen Urquhart School (GUS) celebrated the 28 members of the Class of 2023 during the 43rd graduation exercises at their campus in Beverly Farms, MA.
Family and friends gathered on Bartlett Field for the intimate ceremony where, as is tradition at GUS, each student was individually recognized and celebrated for their unique contributions to the school community. These ‘graduate introductions’ are presented annually by Head of School Gretchen Forsyth, but are representative of the collective voice of the GUS faculty.
“These last nine years, these last few especially, have tested us all. The determination, resiliency, and spirit of the class of 2023 truly shined through,” said Head of School Gretchen Forsyth. “We have all watched as they questioned and explored their understanding of everything from math concepts to current events. They worked to respect each other and support one another as they strived to find not only the best within themselves, but in every situation. If they can continue to find the learning, the joy, the positive, and the inspiration in everything, just as they did here, there is absolutely nothing they can’t do. This is a group headed for great things and it is an honor to celebrate them today.”
Alumni speakers are a treasured and impactful annual tradition at GUS graduation. Alumni speakers are always selected from the class that was graduating themselves as eighth graders when the current eighth grade class was in Kindergarten. They return as recent college graduates to speak to share words of wisdom and advice with the graduating class. This year’s alumni speakers were Cameron Kirwin ’15, who recently graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in business administration, and Justin McNiff ’15, who is recently graduated from Providence College with a degree in business management.
“The support system instilled in you by the GUS community remains a part of your life whenever you may need it,” assured Kirwin. “As I look back, having just graduated from college, I can tell you that I had no idea where I would end up when I was in your shoes. There were certainly times between then and now that did not go my way. However, Glen Urquhart gave me the independence and confidence that I needed to trust the path I was on and to go forward knowing that everything would work out in the end.”
McNiff encouraged graduates to “enjoy the butterflies,” a quote from racecar driver Daniel Ricciardo. “We don’t get nervous for the little things, it’s the big moments that make us the most nervous. I’ve come to understand that this feeling is a part of the complete human experience, just like being happy and sad. It is our way of knowing we have an opportunity ahead.”
Next fall, GUS graduates will head off to a number of high schools, including Academy at Penguin Hall, Beverly High School, Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Gloucester High School, The Governor's Academy, Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, Holderness School, Ipswich High School, Kennebunk High School, Manchester Essex Regional High School, Marblehead High School, Pingree School, Saint John's Preparatory School, and Tabor Academy.
Glen Urquhart School Class of 2023
Emily Aliski, Lorelai Blume, Sarah Broadbent, Henry Crafton, Sam Fogelgren, Hana Garriepy, Abigail Hansen, Stormy Kacyvenski, Hugh Kelley, Rhoads Kent, Fiona Long, Margaret Miller, Brogan Patch, Avery Paul, Meadow Anderson, Aoife Bartok, John Costello, River Franz, Carter Glahn, Milo Jorgensen, Lorelei MacKilligan, Sienna Mercaldi, Grace Shannon, Leo Somma, Anja Suomi, Skyler Thompson, Jake Walor, Harley White