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| on the mountain Summer/Fall 2012
Senior Service
T
he event that differentiates
SKS graduation celebra-
tions from other schools is the Senior
Service ceremony, which takes place in
the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre the night
before Commencement. It is attended
by the senior class, their families,
friends, teachers, and staff. At the start
of the ceremony, each senior’s name is
announced along with the college they
will attend. The students enter carry-
ing candles, which are placed in a row
across the stage. Speeches are given
about moving on to the next phase of
life. Kathy Syvertsen who works in the
business office, produces an annual slide
Kathy Syvertsen; Butterflies © Adimas/Fotolia
show highlighting each graduate. The
audience applauds, laughs, and cheers in
delight as faces appear on the screen.
Each senior is offered a chance to
give a speech about their SKS experi-
ence. This year, 17 students spoke of the
relationships they developed at School;
the teachers who supported them; and
how they changed at SKS. Senior Service
is a real life testament to what SKS does
best — nurture the individual in a caring
community.
Before Senior Service, seniors partici-
pate in a butterfly release ceremony,
which represents the transition to the
next phase of life.
Commencement
Ceremonies
2012