By Hannah Cha & Vanessa Leung’25
It is a St. Mark’s tradition to begin the academic year with Convocation, where the whole school body gathers for the first time. Convocation welcomes new students and faculty, celebrates achievements, and sets the tone for the year.
This year’s Convocation took place on September 8, from the Class of ‘45 Hall in Putnam Family Arts Center. First, Crystal Hui ‘24 welcomed all St. Markers with her splendid piano performance, and St. Mark’s Head of School John C. Warren ’74 officially commenced Convocation with his inaugural speech.
As a reflection of the year, Mr. Warren delivered a speech about “Maintaining Hope About the Future of Our Planet.” Mr. Warren discussed the conservation steps he has taken to preserve the ecosystems around the cabin his family owns. By stating his actions toward sustainability, Mr. Warren shared his belief in remaining optimistic about our planet. He says that “the habits we develop and practice every day make a positive difference to the world we inhabit now and the world that we will inhabit in the future.”
After the speech, the school recognized several faculty members for reaching their teaching milestones at St. Mark’s. The whole St. Mark’s community celebrated faculty members in their fifth, 10th, 15th, and 20th years of service. Certificates were also given to the three faculty members, Caitlin Kosow, Rob Kuklewicz, and E.J. Valitutto, to celebrate their installation as honorary alumni of the school.
Recognitions to faculties each in their 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th in St. Mark’s
The school also prized the rising VI formers who performed outstanding qualities as a St. Marker. This day, the Walter Clair ‘73 Prize, Alice Hung ‘86 Prize, the Peter Saccio ‘58 Prize, the Dorothy Anderson Prize, the Peter M. Schuh ‘92 Award, and the Sheridan Prize were each presented to a student who most well demonstrated the qualities of the prizes. Commemorating the achievements of the past alumni of St. Mark’s while also celebrating the future of new students of the school, the Convocation is a meaningful yearly tradition.
As the first formal event of the school year came to an end, this signifies the official start to the 2023-2024 school year, welcoming inspired students to start the year strong.