Class of 2021 Graduates

In this year's Commencement exercises, speaker Erika Bachiochi P '20, '21, '23, Valedictorian Neha Sunkara '21 and Salutatorian Gabriella Bachiochi '21 shared their wisdom, joy and inspiration with the graduates and their families.
The 28 women in the class of 2021 gathered under the tent on Miracle Field on Friday, May 28 to celebrate the end of high school and the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in their lives.

Gabriella Bachiochi '21 offered the opening salutation to the graduates, reminding them of how they have grown at Montrose and experienced its "unique and transformative" education. But mostly, she spoke about the class's sisterhood, which has provided each member with support and allowed them to succeed. "The Montrose sisterhood has helped each of us become more fully ourselves," she explained.

A legal scholar, Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and Senior Fellow at the Abigail Adams Institute in Cambridge, MA, Erika Bachiochi P'20, '21, 23 offered the keynote address, inspiring the class of 2021: "Helping you each find your unique mission, your deep gladness, helping you ask and answer life's questions has been the mission of each of us here today -- parents, teachers, family and friends. . . . As a Montrosian, you have a leg up on the noble quest for wisdom, and for happiness too." Mrs. Bachiochi's entire Commencement address, "To Find Your Life's Mission, Follow Your Questions" is available here.

After Head of School Karen E. Bohlin, EdD, offered a tribute to each graduate and presented each with her diploma, Neha Sunkara '21 offered the valedictory address. Noting that "life is full of hills and valleys," she shared her confidence that she and her classmates had "gained the strength [they] need to conquer [their] fears and uncertainties." "We have learned the power of kindness, joy and love to inspire everyone around us," she said.  With their growth mindset, strengths, habits and relationships, they are well equipped to thrive in the face of face whatever the future should bring. Ms. Sunkara exhorted her fellow graduates to remember what Aristotle had written about finding their "telos," or purpose in life, and to focus always on what they're aiming at.

The 2021 Commencement can be watched in its entirety on the Montrose Vimeo page
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