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News & Photos
Convocation Ceremony Sets Optimistic Tone for School Year
The McDonogh community gathered from homes across Maryland and classrooms across campus for the annual Convocation ceremony, held virtually, on Wednesday, September 2. The traditional gathering, which marks the start of the school year, began with a prayer by Bridget Collins ‘90, the Charles Britton Director of Character and Service, who reminded those watching, “Distance and masks cannot separate the love and joy of the McDonogh family.”
Then, Head of School Dave Farace ‘87 welcomed all students, especially those new to McDonogh, and spoke of celebrating the school’s “oldest and wisest students in the great class of 2021.” He called on the senior class to be strong leaders of good character as they rise to the challenges of the new year.
Farace’s remarks concluded with a passage from a poem by historian and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois. He said, “Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow.”
Convocation continued with remarks from representatives of each division. Senior speaker Sonali Gunawardane recalled past Convocation ceremonies and the challenges the speakers issued. “This year I have the honor to give the challenge,” she said. “I challenge each and every one of you to live in the present moment.”
Sonali encouraged students to take advantage of the many opportunities available at McDonogh. “Don’t let the virtual start keep you from trying new things. Try them now, because there is no time like the present.” She concluded, “This year we are embracing change and living life in the moment. This year is our year!”
Next, Sebastian P. ‘25 reminded viewers, “We all need to be flexible and find joy in each passing day” and he issued his own set of challenges to the community. He said, “First, see this experience not by the bad, but by the good within. Second, do something to help someone else. Finally, be kind to everyone you meet.”
Lower schoolers Sophia S. and Tomiwa A. of the Class of 2033 were the final speakers of the ceremony. Sophia gave an enthusiastic welcome to the school year and Tomiwa shared best wishes from the prefirst class to the Class of 2021.
The virtual Convocation concluded with McDonogh’s longest-tenured faculty members, Bob Mahon and Jon Aaron ‘72, ringing the school bell to officially start the 2020-2021 school year.
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The McDonogh community gathered from homes across Maryland and classrooms across campus for the annual Convocation ceremony, held virtually, on Wednesday, September 2. The traditional gathering, which marks the start of the school year, began with a prayer by Bridget Collins ‘90, the Charles Britton Director of Character and Service, who reminded those watching, “Distance and masks cannot separate the love and joy of the McDonogh family.”
Then, Head of School Dave Farace ‘87 welcomed all students, especially those new to McDonogh, and spoke of celebrating the school’s “oldest and wisest students in the great class of 2021.” He called on the senior class to be strong leaders of good character as they rise to the challenges of the new year.
Farace’s remarks concluded with a passage from a poem by historian and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois. He said, “Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow.”
Convocation continued with remarks from representatives of each division. Senior speaker Sonali Gunawardane recalled past Convocation ceremonies and the challenges the speakers issued. “This year I have the honor to give the challenge,” she said. “I challenge each and every one of you to live in the present moment.”
Sonali encouraged students to take advantage of the many opportunities available at McDonogh. “Don’t let the virtual start keep you from trying new things. Try them now, because there is no time like the present.” She concluded, “This year we are embracing change and living life in the moment. This year is our year!”
Next, Sebastian P. ‘25 reminded viewers, “We all need to be flexible and find joy in each passing day” and he issued his own set of challenges to the community. He said, “First, see this experience not by the bad, but by the good within. Second, do something to help someone else. Finally, be kind to everyone you meet.”
Lower schoolers Sophia S. and Tomiwa A. of the Class of 2033 were the final speakers of the ceremony. Sophia gave an enthusiastic welcome to the school year and Tomiwa shared best wishes from the prefirst class to the Class of 2021.
The virtual Convocation concluded with McDonogh’s longest-tenured faculty members, Bob Mahon and Jon Aaron ‘72, ringing the school bell to officially start the 2020-2021 school year.