The Sharon Academy Graduates Its Largest Class Ever

The Sharon Academy Graduates Its Largest Class Ever

On Sunday afternoon, June 19, the nine-year-old Sharon Academy graduated its largest class yet, as 27 seniors received their diplomas under bright, sunny skies. Each of the graduates spoke before the audience of 500 friends and relatives gathered at the ceremony, although valedictorian Nigel DeFriez sang the greater portion of his speech.

As a transfer student, Naps Tung noted that he had "evolved from a follower to an individual" at TSA. Simon Willbanks paid tribute to the faculty. Ryan Spittle said "it’s not possible" to remember how many times Assistant Head of School Michael Livingston helped solve his problems.

"I’m leaving here with a lighter spirit, but a more grounded sense of self," said Jana Thein.

Heidi Connor urged her fellow graduates to "devote yourself to a cause. Save the world."

Guest speaker Windsor County Senator Peter Welch recalled the time he had an unexpected encounter with TSA founder and Head of School Judy Moore and her husband on a remote Mexican beach. He noted that this experience proved that Moore actually could relax, although he had to see it with his own eyes to believe it was possible.

Welch went on to note that any time the graduates felt confused about their future they should "just take the first step."

The junior class and their parents were in charge of the set up and take down for the graduation event, which included "Pomp and Circumstance" played by an 11-member-steel drum ensemble, and a potluck meal that was topped with an array of homemade cakes.

2005 TSA Graduates

Chelsea A. Armstead, Rose Preston Baldwin, Evan Anthony Caparis, Josephine Rue Colburn, Heidi Elizabeth Conner, Jesse Barrett Danner, Nigel Painter DeFriez, Noah Lee Dion, Caitlin V. Edney, Jackson Hackett Ellis, Anna Huber Kristensen, Asa Gardner Manning, Johanna Langtree Matson, Caitlin L. Romeo, Lucas Ruiz, Robert Scott Runnels, Todd Michael Sensenech, Karina Jaclyn Spiegel, Ryan Spittle, Jana Fee Thein, Tipapron Thirasopee, Tina Tomaszewski, Navpreet S. Tung, Erica Jane VanAlstyne, Rajani Marie Ward, Simon Alexander Tarara Willbanks, and Sara Michel Andrea Zwikelmaier.

By Martha Slater