This year we began a few new traditions! The College Counseling Office teamed up with the Alumni Association to co-host the First Annual Senior Class Cookout and induction into the Alumni Association. It was a casual afternoon in the Science Courtyard. With the grill blazing, the event was opened with remarks by Dr. Sherrill.
Asha Ramakumar was announced as the Class of 2016 Class Agent. She will assist the Advancement Office in planning reunions, maintaining contact information, and raising funds for projects associated with this class. The students brought $1.00 with them to the picnic, and each made their first Annual Fund donation.
Several alumni offered bits of wisdom in the form of “A Note to My 18-Year-Old Self.” The quotes were read by Mr. Schindel, Ms. Babbitt, and Dr. Sherrill.
During the week, seniors were given two index cards and asked to write 1) the TGS memory they were most proud of and 2) the memory they’d like to leave behind/forget. During the event, the second card (what they’d like to leave behind) was returned, and the students proceeded to burn it ceremoniously in a fire pit.
Each of them received a copy of the book, The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen from Mr. Schindel and a Save-the-Date notification for Homecoming 2016. They then joined the Alumni Association by signing into a beautiful leather-bound book with Mr. Schindel’s “really nice” MontBlanc pen!
This event was the first in a series of celebrations for the senior class leading up to Commencement on May 20th. It was fun to watch the realization of graduation sink in! We wish them well on exams this week!