My daughter Rossella‘s graduating class.
Gallery: Woodstock School Baccalaureate Ceremony 2008
The Baccalaureate ceremony of my daughter Rossella’s graduating class. The students wear their national/regional costumes for this event. Ross, logically, wore Italian couture. Yes, one of her classmates is actually a Cossack (I think the uniform was his father’s), who has since attended the London School of Economics. Others in the class are from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, various parts of India (including Nagaland), Korea, Finland, US, Japan (they arrived late, it took so long to get into their traditional dress!).
Celebrations: Parents’ Banquet 2008
In the evening after Baccalaureate, a dinner is given by the parents (actually cooked by the school – and it was good – but we paid for it) for their graduating children and a small selection of administration and staff.
I enjoyed being emcee for the evening. I didn’t actually do much of the talking myself, but encouraged others to do so, with very pleasing results – if somewhat embarrassing to the kids whose parents got up to speak!
^ since Enrico was not present, my classmate Teeran, who supervises Woodstock’s catering, stepped in as surrogate dad
I had been amazed to be told that this was the largest turnout of parents for graduation in recent memory. In my day, it was highly unusual for parents not to attend. I regret that I said as much to the audience during the banquet – it was an unnecessary reminder for some whose parents were MIA, including Ross (who probably felt over-mothered and under-fathered throughout).
I suppose that for some parents (particularly those of SAGE program students, who had travelled the furthest to attend Woodstock), it was too far and/or expensive to travel. Others whose own cultural background does not include American-style graduation festivities perhaps did not understand the importance of this rite of passage. Perhaps in future the school can try a little harder to explain it to them.
Although having to juggle parents during one’s final, highly emotional, days at school can add its own set of stresses!
The students repaid us with entertainment: some very fine jazz which inspired some (including some staff and parents) to dance.
And some students got up to respond very eloquently to the statements of their elders.
^ top: souvenir placemats and napkins in the class colors, embroidered with the class word “Renaissance” – one of the mothers supervised this project. The souvenir Kashmiri papier maché boxes also are inscribed with “Renaissance”
Woodstock School Celebrations: Baccalaureate 2008
^ above, foreground: Anja (Netherlands/USA), Jaju (India), Sangi (Nagaland, India), Kayo (Japan)
Graduation from Woodstock is a long series of rites, starting with the Senior Music Recital. Then comes the Baccalaureate service, for which all students are requested to wear the formal costumes of their native countries.
For some students, it can be hard to decide what country they’re natives of. Many Woodstockers are culturally and/or ethnically mixed, and may hold multiple citizenships.
^ Nishant (India), Dzung (Vietnam), Aman (India), Sidhant (India), Shabab (Bangladesh), Tushar (India), Dhruv (India)
^ Benjamin models the traditional costume of his native Bhutan. No, “Benjamin” is not a traditional Bhutanese name; his family is Christian
^ Gonpo (Tibet/Nepal) and Roli (India)
^ Rossella representing for Italy in Dolce & Gabbana, Elisa for Finland
^ Jim Geddes’ advisor group: Kunga (Tibet), Shalvi (India), Shema (Nepal), Alamdar (Afghanistan), Laura (USA), Boris (Russia), Ross (Italy/USA), and Misha (India). Unfortunately, this photo does not do justice to Mr. Geddes’ sexy waxed mustache!
^ the two Japanese girls arrived late, because donning their traditional costumes takes a long time!
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Woodstock High School Awards 2008
Woodstock School held its annual high school awards assembly. I didn’t film every moment of it, but got the highlights for the benefit of parents and other relatives who couldn’t be there.
Those of you who have no connection whatsoever with Woodstock may nonetheless be intrigued by the school’s demographics on display in these videos!
- Scholastic Achievement Awards
- Music: Aidan Lewis and Band – download for iPod
- Centennial Shield & Citizenship Awards
- Community Service & Journalism Awards
- Drama Awards
- Writing Awards
- Cassinath & Music Awards
- Presentation of Documentary
- Senior Awards
- Music: Gonpo & the Rockers