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News & Photos
To Upper School for the Class of 2011
Members of the Class of 2011 were officially promoted to Upper School on Tuesday, June 5, during the Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony on Childs Memorial Terrace.
Family and friends watched the 107 eighth graders receive their certificates and bask in the glory of having graduated from Middle School.
The ceremony began with student speakers MaryJoe R. and Matt T. focusing on their educational journey. MaryJoe looked back; Matt looked forward. MaryJoe likened their growing up to the experiences on different Hershey Park rides. Matt took a humorous look at the eighth grade ski trip, comparing it to what's ahead in the Upper School.
Following an interlude by the Eighth Grade String Ensemble, Head of Middle School Darren Ford announced class award winners. Then came presentations of certificates to all the rising ninth graders.
Headmaster Bo Dixon, who will retire at the end of the school year, walked over to the graduates to deliver the following wise words:
Good morning – faculty, parents, relatives, and members of the Class of 2011. It is a privilege to be with you, and, yes, I have feelings of regret that I will not be a part of your Upper School experience. Since I have only one more chance to share some thoughts I have chosen to stray from the podium so I can “get in your face” – respectfully.
At your age I thought I had most – if not all – the answers. I was suspicious of anyone who tried to offer me free advice. Therefore I will keep it short – to the point –with hope you might remember a little.
About a week ago one of you asked me if there was a secret to success in the Upper School. Great question. I have four brief thoughts.
First, grow another heart. The heart you were born with serves you well, physically. Take good care of it: eat smart, exercise regularly. But grow another heart. i.e. Develop a love for something – a passion for something: a subject, an author, a period of history, a sport, community service, a club, a cause. Each of you should wake up and say, I can’t wait…
Second, think before you act. This fall I was talking to a junior who was suspended from school for drinking a beer before a dance. He was truly sorry. I asked, “What were you thinking?” Answer, “I wasn’t.” A sophomore was put on probation for violating the Honor Code. “What were you thinking?” She said, “I wasn’t.” I don’t want to scare you but the reality is that a failure to think before acting will cost you. Both - report to college – it is a matter of record. We try to teach you to think. Apply it! Do it!
Third, read great books. I am reading a wonderful book, In An Instant. A story about Bob and Lee Woodruff. Bob – about to be ABC Anchor for the Evening News, seriously wounded in Iraq. His wife, Lee, speaks about a family tradition/saying: “It only takes a minute.”
- To say ‘thank you’ or ‘I love you.’
- To write something thoughtful to someone
- To do someone a favor
- To think of someone else before yourself
That minute can be meaningful beyond words. That minute can last a lifetime.
Finally, consider these words that a senior, Class of 1993, wrote:
“The term ‘McDonogh Family’ is frequently spoken by many students and faculty members. Yet, to be a member of this, or any other family for that matter, you must be willing to see it as a two-way street. You will get out of the family exactly what you put into it. If you accept solitude you will be lonely. If you choose to ignore, you will not learn. If you adhere to pessimism, you will not experience the enlightenment McDonogh offers. Be not alone, learn all you may, and open your heart and mind (if only for a brief moment) to the McDonogh family, and in doing so – become a member of your family.”
View Photos
Members of the Class of 2011 were officially promoted to Upper School on Tuesday, June 5, during the Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony on Childs Memorial Terrace.
Family and friends watched the 107 eighth graders receive their certificates and bask in the glory of having graduated from Middle School.
The ceremony began with student speakers MaryJoe R. and Matt T. focusing on their educational journey. MaryJoe looked back; Matt looked forward. MaryJoe likened their growing up to the experiences on different Hershey Park rides. Matt took a humorous look at the eighth grade ski trip, comparing it to what's ahead in the Upper School.
Following an interlude by the Eighth Grade String Ensemble, Head of Middle School Darren Ford announced class award winners. Then came presentations of certificates to all the rising ninth graders.
Headmaster Bo Dixon, who will retire at the end of the school year, walked over to the graduates to deliver the following wise words:
Good morning – faculty, parents, relatives, and members of the Class of 2011. It is a privilege to be with you, and, yes, I have feelings of regret that I will not be a part of your Upper School experience. Since I have only one more chance to share some thoughts I have chosen to stray from the podium so I can “get in your face” – respectfully.
At your age I thought I had most – if not all – the answers. I was suspicious of anyone who tried to offer me free advice. Therefore I will keep it short – to the point –with hope you might remember a little.
About a week ago one of you asked me if there was a secret to success in the Upper School. Great question. I have four brief thoughts.
First, grow another heart. The heart you were born with serves you well, physically. Take good care of it: eat smart, exercise regularly. But grow another heart. i.e. Develop a love for something – a passion for something: a subject, an author, a period of history, a sport, community service, a club, a cause. Each of you should wake up and say, I can’t wait…
Second, think before you act. This fall I was talking to a junior who was suspended from school for drinking a beer before a dance. He was truly sorry. I asked, “What were you thinking?” Answer, “I wasn’t.” A sophomore was put on probation for violating the Honor Code. “What were you thinking?” She said, “I wasn’t.” I don’t want to scare you but the reality is that a failure to think before acting will cost you. Both - report to college – it is a matter of record. We try to teach you to think. Apply it! Do it!
Third, read great books. I am reading a wonderful book, In An Instant. A story about Bob and Lee Woodruff. Bob – about to be ABC Anchor for the Evening News, seriously wounded in Iraq. His wife, Lee, speaks about a family tradition/saying: “It only takes a minute.”
- To say ‘thank you’ or ‘I love you.’
- To write something thoughtful to someone
- To do someone a favor
- To think of someone else before yourself
That minute can be meaningful beyond words. That minute can last a lifetime.
Finally, consider these words that a senior, Class of 1993, wrote:
“The term ‘McDonogh Family’ is frequently spoken by many students and faculty members. Yet, to be a member of this, or any other family for that matter, you must be willing to see it as a two-way street. You will get out of the family exactly what you put into it. If you accept solitude you will be lonely. If you choose to ignore, you will not learn. If you adhere to pessimism, you will not experience the enlightenment McDonogh offers. Be not alone, learn all you may, and open your heart and mind (if only for a brief moment) to the McDonogh family, and in doing so – become a member of your family.”