June 8, 2014

Greetings -

As we head into the last week of school, let's pause to reflect on Friday's beautiful ceremony at which the 27 members of the Class of 2014 graduated from The Swain School.

Click any photo to take you to more pictures from the day.

The festivities began with a

brunch in Rogers' Commons, hosted by the Board of Trustees. This was a great opportunity to gather for photos, and to enjoy a slideshow featuring photos of the class during their 11-year journey at Swain (you can view the slideshow here).

While family and friends gathered in The McCann Center, the soon-to-be graduates gathered in the Umansky Library - the girls each received a red rose to carry, and the boys were given red rose boutonnieres - and they got one last pep talk before beginning their processional.

The ceremony included remarks from Swain alumna, Michelle Walson '91, who encouraged the Class of 2014 to keep using the lessons learned from Swain - those of trying new things and persevering - as they continue with their education and adult life. Then four members of the class addressed their class with memories and advice. (See the students' speeches in their entirety here.)

A favorite part of the ceremony is

the vignette for each student - a short paragraph highlighting accomplishments and special memories, written and read by Associate Head for Academics, Kyle Armstrong. Each student took the stage, accompanied by his or her advisor, then Mr. Armstrong read the vignette before the student received his or her diploma from Board Chair Linda Noonan, and congratulations from Head of School Todd Stansbery.

Another special feature of a Swain graduation is when Stanley Moyer, long-time band instructor, plays the moving "God and God Alone" for the graduates.

The audience honored Mr. Moyer with a standing ovation as he completed his performance.

Several students were recognized, including the Head of School Society honorees (pictured below) and three-sport athletes. These awards were also presented: the James Edgar Swain Memorial Award (Ben Wax), The Swain School Award (Mary Kenyon), Susan E. Clegg Memorial Award (Katie Keller), and Krista Kelly Memorial Award (Mia Roman).

After some parting remarks from Mr. Stansbery, the graduates recessed to the Trexler Courtyard, where the eight "Lifers" (those who have attended Swain since Preschool) rang the old school bell, surrounded by their classmates.

Then it was out to the front of the

building, where the newest Swain alumni posed on the front steps for their final portrait (at the top of this newsletter). Members of the Swain Class of 2013 were on hand to retire their class flag, then the new graduates raised their class flag, which will fly in front of the school for the next year.

It was a great day to honor a wonderful class, who will certainly be missed! Thanks to all who shared in this special celebration.

This Week on Facebook...

If you're not a regular viewer of our Facebook posts, here are our top two posts of the week*.

From Sunday:

Happy to share this beautiful photo of Kindergarten teacher, Jillian Zepp, and Nolan Beers at their wedding yesterday.

Congratulations and best wishes to one of our favorite couples!

From Thursday:

So proud of our "Girls on the Run" program participants - and their coaches - who did their 5K at Lehigh Parkway earlier this evening. Go Swain!

* You can help us reach more of our Facebook friends by hitting 'like', or sharing or commenting on our posts.

Thank you for reading our weekly e-newsletter!

1100 South 24th Street Allentown, PA 18103
610-433-4542

www.swain.org