Before graduation festivities at Arete Prep [1] commenced, the Class of 2025 seniors and their families joined the faculty in the gymnasium-turned-banquet hall for a time-honored tradition at the academy, the Senior Tribute Dinner. Dressed in semi-formal eveningwear, guests enjoyed a catered meal while taking selfies and catching up with friends and family, but the highlight of the evening was when the faculty, one-by-one, stepped up to the podium to personally share a poem, antidote, or story about one of the seniors.
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“Good evening seniors, families, guests, and staff,” announced Headmaster Melanie Attridge as she opened the night with a greeting. “On behalf of our dedicated faculty and staff, I welcome you to the Senior Tribute Dinner for the Class of 2025!”
This event is something many of our high school scholars look forward to during their senior year. It’s an opportunity for them to feel truly seen by the faculty that they have spent the last several years with, joined together on the pursuit for Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
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For parents, it is a surprise glimpse into the mark their child has left on the academy and their teachers, pulling the curtain back on the relationships they have created with the other formative adults in their life. It’s a chance to see their child through the eyes of another, albeit tearful eyes by the time the short speech concludes.
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For the staff, it’s an opportunity to pay tribute to their students, sharing a laugh about the funny or awkward memories of high school, and for some, even middle school. While sharing a few tears for the struggles and the triumphs they have shared, they complete the narrative portion of their speech and turn to their student, asking them to stand where they are, as they directly encourage them to continue in their thirst for knowledge and their quest for a fulfilled life.
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The entire evening is a beautiful moment to reflect and celebrate for everyone in attendance. It further shows the connection between scholars and their instructors at Great Hearts. It goes deeper than a traditional lecture-style classroom, where little more than information is formally presented. The scholars are involved in a daily exchange of Socratic discussion with their teachers. The classroom is a safe space where ideas flow freely. Deep thoughts and concepts are wrestled with in a cooperative setting, where meaningful and mutually respectful teacher-apprentice bonds are formed.
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Once the last senior was honored, Attridge announced students who were recipients of recognition for academic achievements, special awards, and the Class of 2025 Valedictorian, Brook Stoops [7].
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Attridge concluded the evening, addressing the Arete Prep [1] community one last time. “I want to end with a final message of gratitude for each of you. Thank you for everything you bring to our community and the lasting impressions you leave behind.” And with that, the seniors rose to their feet, while receiving the roaring applause of those who walked with them through high school and shaped them into the great-hearted people they have become.
Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org [9].
Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/ [10].