On Sat. May 20, The Archer School for Girls’ Class of 2017 celebrated its annual graduation ceremony.
Chairman of the Board Frank Marshall welcomed the families and friends of Archer’s 70 graduating seniors, and Head of School Elizabeth English began the ceremony with a powerful message: “We are looking to your generation to restore dignity and integrity to our nation.”
Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel investments, delivered the commencement address. Along with a thoughtful lesson on making an impact on society in an empathetic way and embracing discomfort as an opportunity for growth, Hobson encouraged the Class of 2017 to have ambition, saying, “If you can wrap your brain around your goal, it’s not big enough.”
Student speaker Anika R, addressed her class and the audience about her experience as an Archer girl and the relationships that she has formed with both her classmates and the larger Archer community. “No faculty is as uniquely caring, honest and trustworthy as this one,” she said, looking to her teachers with tear-filled eyes.
During the ceremony, the seniors performed an original class song entitled, “Best Time of Your Life” composed by Annie S., Meg S. and Sophie S. as well as a unique rendition of the Archer School Song, “Within The Walls of Archer.”
The ceremony ended after each girl crossed the stage and received her diploma from Head of School Elizabeth English, and one of Archer’s founders, Dr. Diana Meehan. Thirty percent of the Class of 2017 intend to major in STEM fields and about 20 percent are headed into film or communications.
Congratulation Class of 2017!
