Recent Events
Inspiring Compass Graduation!— (written by Rick)
A comedian has joked that “A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that "individuality" is the key to success.“ Compass School’s 5th graduation, held at the school on Saturday June 2nd, was far from typical as each student was celebrated by teachers, peers, and family members.
The largest graduating class in Compass history at 19, each student was nattily attired in unique dress wear— dresses or sports coats and ties or suits adorned by one student with his best cowboy hat, another boasting his “West Coast Choppers” knit hat.
Departing teacher Phil Grant framed the ceremony, observing the diversity of experiences represented by this class “of committed, dynamic, and adventurous souls. They’ve touched nearly every continent, surpassing our, and perhaps their, wildest dreams along the way. Among them we find inventors, artists, writers, soldiers, rappers, composers, activists, academics, world travelers, directors, comedians, musicians, state champions, dreamers, and much, much more.”
Senior advisor Bruce Chase honored each student for the mark they left on Compass. Chase concluded by noting “Today, you are all successful—you know who you are, where you are heading, and you can advocate for yourselves.”
School Director Eric Rhomberg added more personal observations about the significant learnings he had witnessed in each of his advisees. For Anna Bowler, Rhomberg emphasized “integrating your own incredibly high standards for yourself with the ability to compassionately lead your community.” Zack Bickford was recognized for finding “the power and sheer joy of truly embracing and pursuing your passion.” Ora Howe learned “you can connect to all people; that not only are you good with your hands, but also with your heart and mind.”
The most moving part of the ceremony came through the heartfelt words of seniors, two thirds of whom got up to speak and thank the school and community for helping “make me a person I could never have dreamed of four years ago.”
Wilson Schreiber confidently spoke about how he came to Compass an almost silent 7th grader and leaves with his curiosity and his thinking continually stretched. Marika Witkus courageously reflected on her struggles in her senior year and while there were times she wasn’t sure if she would sink or swim, in the end she actually soared, thanks to the individual attention and continued faith of her teachers.
Sierra Gaffney spoke eloquently of her transformation as an artist and a person, stating, “The fact is, I care more now. I care more about being open; I care more about being myself. But in that care, is also lack of concern, in that I don’t feel I need to prove to anyone any longer that I am capable of being myself.”
And Matt Blazej, who came to Compass from a very challenging prior school experience, captured many of the best elements of Compass in teaching him to trust in others, to be honest, to be accepting and open.
After honoring Anna Bowler with the Vermont Scholar Award and former Board members Leslie Goldman and Ernie Saunders with the Friends of Compass Award, the ceremony reached its highlight with Board President Tom Lowell awarding a personalized, hand drawn and illustrated diploma to each of the unique, confident, and immensely proud members of the class of 007.