The graduation ceremony for Saklan’s 8th Grade held on Wednesday heralded the triumphant passage of nine Saklan students into a new phase of young adulthood.  Each of these delightful young people is now on his or her way to success at a first tier secondary school and, with a little grace, to rewarding careers and fulfilling lives.  I have no doubt that we shall hear great things from every member of this class.

The commencement ceremonies presented a unique opportunity for those of us who are not daily participants in Saklan life to witness the remarkable fellowship that has developed within the graduating class.  We were all moved by how our graduates expressed their mutual respect and camaraderie with such genuineness and innocent confidence.  And we were even more moved to see the younger students conclude the event by joining their graduating fellows in an unrehearsed celebration of their obvious affection for and comradeship with one another.  The conclusion of the ceremony, with dozens of singing, dancing and cavorting students on stage, was for this observer the emotional apex of an event we shall not soon forget.

Such experiences are precious because they are so rare in life – and hence I must conclude we witnessed something truly special that morning.   Our young people showed they are a team, a family, and a student body in the grandest sense. And they shared this gift with everyone in attendance.

Saklan Valley School presents a culture that welcomes as well as it challenges.  This quality is rare.  We have much to do in the coming years, but today’s events once again remind us of the grand purpose of and reward for those efforts. 

Sincerely,

Paul Felton

Chair, Board of Trustees

Parent ‘10