05/28/10

“Working hard is one of the keys to success, and each one of you has one of those keys.”  Jay Savage ’83

On Friday May 28^th Linden Hill School held its annual Prize Day ceremony. Students, parents, trustees, family members and faculty convened on the final day of the school year as Deerfield resident Jay Savage, a fourth generation farmer and a graduate of the Linden Hill School class of 1983, delivered Linden Hill’s Commencement address.  Stressing the importance of “hard work” in life, Mr. Savage recalled his graduation from Linden Hill as his “first major accomplishment.” He also said that students should keep a “positive attitude” and “don’t settle” for less than what you know you are capable of achieving.

It was an emotional day for Mr. Savage, and for one his teachers and mentors who was in attendance, former faculty member Peter Walter.  In his address to the Class of 2010, he said that “I was once sitting in those seats.  Speaking to you on this day has brought me full circle.”

The Prize Day ceremony came on the heels of a powerful Evening of Recognition honoring the boys’ accomplishments in athletics, academics and the community.  Just like the first Prize Day in 1961, each boy received his prize (a thoughtfully chosen book) from a teacher who shared with the audience a beautiful speech about the boy. Seven ninth graders graduated as well during the ceremony including Saeed AlNaqbi of the United Arab Emirates, David Bartolotta of Torrington, CT; James Burke of Conway,MA; Christopher Cinar of Weston,MA; Bennett Hoffmann of Cortland, NY; Sean Hooper of Huntsville, AL; and Christopher Kelly of New York, NY. Five graduates enjoyed a celebratory dip in the pond with faculty after commencement still in their LHS dress! The graduates will be completing their secondary education at the following schools: Brehm School, Eagle Hill School, Forman School, Kildonan School, Miller School, and White Oak School. Congratulations graduates!