Commencement & Senior Tributes 2012

Anouk Marie-Justine Ackerman

Of Anouk, one freshman girl wrote: “My role model...always positive...goddess-like, inside and out.” And to be sure, the rest of her proteges in Casa share this adoration for their beloved Head Prefect. It’s impossible not to notice Anouk, whether she is ever so fluidly striding toward a new 800-meter record on the track, animatedly rallying her teammates on the volleyball court or surprising us all with her divine singing during her family’s TOADfest performance. And then there is her devotion to her academic work, fueled by a genuine intellectual curiosity and an unsurpassed work ethic. Her Senior Exhibition on the Jewish Ghettos vividly conveyed her stunning intelligence and passion for scholarly research. Yet despite her impressive list of accomplishments, what stands out most about Anouk is her humility, compassion, and integrity. Never one to draw attention to herself, she focuses, instead, on inclusion and building up others. Thoughtful beyond words, she lifts spirits with surprises both big and small, and more behind-the-scenes listening, counseling, and encouraging than most will ever realize. And when we talk about honor, fairness, kindness, and truth, another Casa girl said it best: “Anouk inspires me every day to be a better person.” In word and deed, with heart and mind, Anouk has gracefully and graciously inspired us all.

Don’t be fooled by Andrew’s self-effacing manner, his direct kindness, his authentic humility. This young man consistently and quietly achieves some very lofty goals, all the while carrying himself with grace and dignity. Relentlessly fine-tuning the nuances of his argument on an English paper, taking home the MVP award for the Condor League track championship, leading the Chamber Singers to another “superior” rating, or extending honor code discussions with sophomores into the wee hours of the morning, Andrew patiently pursues his very best self. Through it all comes his very distinctive sense of humor: an understated yet inordinately clever twinkle that quickly and pervasively infects the room with mirth (a phenomenon illuminated by his informative and rather ticklish Senior Exhibition.) Andrew’s teachers and peers admire his ability to lead by example. They know he always gives his best; they know he inevitably maintains serenity in the face of adversity; they know he is always eager to try something new (like lacrosse goalie… or the pit band… or riding a unicycle… we could go on and on). We could all learn a thing or two from Andrew’s constructively critical self-reflection and his quirky, highly motivated optimism. Thankfully, in his four years at Thacher, he has shared these unique gifts with us every single day.

With her signature rhythmic sway, her soothing voice, and the cool factor she brings to everything she does, Eva knows how to put on a great show. When she sings or dances or acts, she draws us in and makes us feel a true connection to her art. Her relaxed and easy demeanor on stage belies her intensity and focus, just as her even-keeled nature and mature perspective mask the seriousness with which she approaches her studies. Eva understands profoundly that education serves as a way to understand humanity and to challenge injustice. When she perceived the connections among women’s health, women’s education, income levels, and overpopulation, she interned in the office of an OB-GYN clinic that serves an economically depressed neighborhood, an experience that led to her choosing Maternal Health in Mexico as her Senior Exhibition topic. Comfortable in her own skin, Eva is ever aware that there is much to be done -- globally, as the head of our chapter of Amnesty International, and quite locally, as a respected and adored prefect in Casa. It’s all about connection, when she sings, when she inspires, when she leads us to a heightened awareness through her complete authenticity. It is a rare gift and one that Eva shares selflessly and wholeheartedly.

Pounding the pavement, putting in the miles – Ian knows that it’s sweat that gets you to that finish line knowing you’ve done your best. For Ian, doing his best is all about team; about making sure that everyone around him has the opportunity to thrive. In the classroom, on the sports field, in the dormitory, on the Judicial Council–Ian is trusted by all to lead by example, to shoulder more than his fair share, to make decisions with integrity and honor, to share in the glory. Yet his popularity among both students and faculty is grounded in more than trustworthiness—Ian is kind and level-headed, an acute problem-solver and dedicated worker. Whether anchoring a championship cross-country team or cajoling recalcitrant freshmen to step up in the dorm, organizing a group project in psychology or delving into the politics of Waziristan, taking the lead on the most challenging hike or deftly passing the ball to an attackman at the goal, one thing you never get from Ian is hubris. Described by his friends as “strong and brave and never afraid to be himself,” Ian, surrounded by his team, will always leave his best effort on the field.

Joe’s feet never seem to stop, always carrying him towards one of his myriad goals and projects. 211 miles on the John Muir Trail? What better way to enjoy July! Defending a Division I center? Sure, Coach, I’ve got him. Making our campus sustainable? Hey, let’s bring in pigs, bees, and a pizza oven... and let’s get a bunch of other students excited about pitching in. Hurricane cancelled all flights from Boston to Los Angeles for early football? No problem; I’ll drive to Cleveland and fly out of there. AP Bio test tomorrow? Awesome! But first a munch-out for sophomore prefectees and then on to mastering the material. But then again, the magic of Joe is also in his hands. They are the hands of an athlete, fluid, ready to catch a fastball; they are the hands of a boy who values physical labor, calloused from clearing brush from the Twin Peaks trail and from work at Golden Trout. They are the hands of a leader, guiding us at assemblies. These hands never miss an opportunity to gesture towards the natural beauty that surrounds our school, because Joe never fails to appreciate these gifts, nor his own, and he shares his joy with us all. And today, we are glad to savor one last, beautiful Ojai day by his side.

You can take the boy out of Texas, but you can’t take the Texas out of the boy. And with James, it is always the best of Texas. A straight shooter, honest as the day is long, with a drawling wit, and an unfailing “yes ma’am/yes sir” politeness, this young man immediately won us over. How can anyone not love and appreciate someone with the grace to lose a bet and pay it off with an unforgettable rendition of “The Yellow Rose of Texas” in assembly? From the moment he set foot on our campus, his steely work ethic and the undaunted power of the joy he takes in life have left an indelible mark--in the barns; on stage; and as our own Uncle Jack in Celebrity Jeopardy. On the bigger stage, he has led our Community Service Program, visiting the elderly and helping to bring Christmas to local families in need. James presents us with a genuine sense of how to face life, with strength and compassion, with fortitude and grace, with optimism and commitment, always surrounded by family and friends. If you want to win the next bet, put your money on James.

Beneath the laser focus of this dedicated scholar; beyond the hammered volleyball and the straight out go-for-it dive into the corner intensity of this hustling athlete; and beyond the staid equipoise of the accomplished equestrienne -- lies the wit of the comedian, the spontaneity of a bon vivant, and the buzzing electricity of a live wire. When she is about her business, she is all business. Working hard and well, she keeps her eye on the prize. She reads, writes, computes, studies and analyzes with clarity, insight, and creativity. Not merely sharp as a whip, she is also disciplined and goal-oriented. But come the break, watch for the slight crease in the smile, check out the incipient sparkle of the dancing eyes, listen for the levity, and get ready for the comic relief, because Paige is revving up and ready for action. She is the yin and the yang: humor, energy, and fun balanced by hard work, intelligence, keen insight, and total determination. While this girl did not have to travel far from Orange County to the Ojai, she is going far. Keep your eye on her while you can.

Watch Helen fly around the Washington Poles or carry the colors with pride, and you already know how she combines commitment and passion to make her life more complete. Helen follows a couple of simple rules: Do your best, all the time, and always be there, tenaciously, unwaveringly, joyfully. And so she is, be it in the barns, at an Indoor event, or for her girls in the dorm. Though coming to Thacher meant leaving her beloved Peruvian Pasos at home, Helen has established herself as an experienced and committed rider, finishing as a co-captain of the champion Green Team and the high point rider at the Big Gymkhana. Helen loves all animals—witness her own pet, Charlie, that she trained as a therapy dog, a process which led to her self-assured Senior Exhibition on Canine Therapy. An unusually self-sufficient learner, Helen pays attention to the details—in mathematics, Spanish, or art, where she is meticulous, creating “balanced compositions that exhibit a sense of scale and dramatic contrast.” No surprise, she is beloved in the dorm, where her steady warmth and nurturing are a boon to the sophomore girls. Do your best and always be there—sounds like a formula for success.

Why would anyone willingly choose to be a lacrosse goalie? To put oneself intentionally in the way of a hard rubber ball flying at blinding speed is—as Lauren no doubt believes— certainly not something either of the two political parties seems willing to do. But Lauren, as her Senior Exhibition demonstrated, has a penchant for other parties and other ways of doing things—and her choice to be a goalie aptly illustrates her steely determination, competitive spirit, and independent mindset that she has also brought to everything she has taken on at Thacher. Recognized last night as Thacher’s top female athlete, Lauren has also shone in the classroom, where her teachers are some of her biggest fans, applauding her peerless work ethic, thorough preparation, and ability to deliver in the clutch. And tread lightly if you dare tangle with this masterful and passionate debater in a class discussion: if you don’t have your facts straight, she’s liable to fire her own shots at you. But beneath the goalie gear, swinging elbows on the basketball court, and crisp baseline winners is a soft and caring side, one that has been a refuge for the girls in Middle School this year and her closest friends. Thanks for everything, Lo. It’s been a great run!

Walker’s intellectual curiosity, incisive mind, and perceptive insights have enriched many a classroom here; however, it is Walker’s connection to the natural world that, perhaps, begins to define him. While this personal bond to the physical world is strongest in his native Montana, Walker has indeed blazed his own trail at Thacher. From finding the “correct” path on an Extra Day Trip in the San Rafael Wilderness to his sojourn at Chewonki, Walker has never been satisfied with the easy or well-trodden trail. For Walker, the joy in learning comes from exploring the subtle connections between humans and the environments they inhabit, as evidenced by his Senior Exhibition on Jack London. That’s why the wilderness, be it the mountains back home in Montana, the rugged hills of Ojai, or the damp seacoast of Maine, has been so central to his identity over these four years. Of course, this avid outdoorsman is not just a walker; he’s a deep thinker, a gifted photographer, and a perceptive observer. As he sets out to explore new trails, we can say that Walker’s presence has enriched this school and created enduring connections. We’re certain that the next stop on his travels will result in a similar link between himself, the people, and place there.

Patrick might just be The Most Interesting Man in the World. Whether on the soccer pitch, in the classroom, on the trail, or at the helm of a sailboat, he meets every challenge with a distinctly suave and debonair grace. He somehow always knows just what to say, where to pass the ball, or which sail to trim. And while he makes it look easy, we know that his broad excellence is firmly rooted in good old-fashioned hard work. His indomitable spirit and unflagging commitment have allowed him to meet the challenges of a difficult course load while also taking the time to develop life-long friendships. Whether as two-time captain of the soccer team or prefect in Upper School, Patrick provides responsible leadership, wise counsel, and carefree fun. A trilingual global citizen, Patrick seeks creative solutions to problems big and small, from creating a glass top table with an intricate wooden base to coming up with practical approaches to the Mexican drug wars. And while Patrick doesn’t always do Trans-Sierras, when he does, he prefers Tevas.

Beneath that steely-eyed Oklahoma Cowgirl toughness lies the heart and mind of a young woman who is loyal, determined, strong, invariably caring, fiercely protective, startlingly quick-minded, and forthrightly look-you-in-the-eye straight-on honest. In her time here, she has learned who she is and what she can do, and as far as we can tell, there is no limit to it. Whether it is putting up points for the Orange team, coaching her teammates, throwing a hitch, doctoring a horse, writing an authentic and honest exposition-- and for the first time ever this year -- tearing a swath down the soccer pitch and taking to the stage and lighting it up -- Cayce is one for whom growth and challenge go hand in hand. At Thacher, she has learned to look fear in the eye -- and stare it down. John Green wrote that “Some infinities are larger than others,” and what we see in Casey are those infinities coming together to point to a life of unbounded achievement and contribution. For Cayce, even the sky holds no limits.

For all of her well-documented academic success, Sarah’s commitment is not to performance but to gratifying her incredible desire to know and to understand. She is willing to throw the whole self into the process because she considers knowing as much as she can a necessary part of living in the world. It is in this way that she derives meaning. Great passion, focus, respect for others, and intellectual curiosity have defined Sarah over her Thacher stay. Blessed with impressive raw talent that has allowed her to carry a Herculean work load, Sarah is innately curious and tireless, qualities she has extended beyond the classroom. She helped found the Microfinance Club, which raises money to be loaned to small businesses in third world countries; she undertook an independent on early Christianity in Rome; she has anchored the defense on the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams, and she so dominated the annual U.S. History Constitution exam that her teacher has since name it “The Cresto.” As one Middle Schooler said earlier this year, “Sarah is the coolest prefect; she is so positive and upbeat. What’s not to like about her?” Good question. We haven’t found the answer.

When Lucas gets that twinkle in his eye, nobody is quite safe. He is able to cut right to hidden moments of kooky irony in mundane situations. This gift stems not only from Lucas’s social nature and his sense of the moment but also from his tremendous linguistic talent. A clever and disciplined student across the board, his particular area of expertise is Spanish, in part the result of summers in Guatemala and Ecuador. His teachers have described his work as “among the most impressive I’ve seen” and have referred to Lucas himself as “el estudiante perfecto.” The brains and tenacity that create Lucas’s academic successes are the same qualities that have helped him blossom into one of the best athletes in the school. He hits the big shot at the end of the game; he trains for and completes an Olympic-length triathlon; even when he breaks a bone in his hand, he wraps the cast in foam and continues to throw touchdown-springing blocks. Lucas is there for those who need him: his teammates, his fellow seniors, and the sophomore boys who idolize him. Lightening the mood, lightening the load to take the weight on his own shoulders, and being plenty strong enough to bring it off, these are his special qualities.

Raised in Chicago and now off to embrace the diversity that she thirsts for in Paris and New York, Liza blessed us for four years in our western world of horses and camping without for a moment forgetting how to dress every day for the Miracle Mile. Slight, yet undaunted, she has taken on every challenge presented, from driving draft horses to facing serious illness, which she described as being a “colorful” experience. Her desire to throw herself completely into the maelstrom of life is what drives her. Acutely aware that life tries always to erect obstacles, Liza will not allow herself to be defined by formulated phrases, and she is reciprocal in remaining open in her view of others. Her great success in assisting pre-schoolers with special needs stems from her refusal to limit her view of who these children are and what they can become. Possessed of a wit that is every bit as sharp as her intellect, Liza has a finely tuned ear for pretension. You don’t ever want Liza to catch you patronizing. With her fluttering fingers, she can yell at you with the best of them. And when Liza yells, you had better listen.

Quick to shower friends and strangers alike with her big smile, Cassie excels at putting others at ease, from visiting parents to baby Gavin. Her particular brand of comfort blends equal doses of concern, optimism, and kindness which expressed through Cassie’s naturally ebullient and bouyant self, make her exactly the girl you want in your corner when the going gets tough. Ask one of her charges in Middle School how they survived the rough patches and their answer is quick and whole-hearted: Cassie. Whether she’s striding across the stage, singing at St. Joe’s, pushing through long miles on a trans-Sierra Extra Day Trip, or leading the JV soccer team to victory, Cassie is thinking about how to make things better--not for herself, but for others. She’s not afraid to exclaim, “This sounds fun!” when a teacher introduces a new project, or to challenge a classmate to backup a comment with evidence, or to push the limits of her self-expression in a foreign language (Spanish or French!). Cassie knows that making something better doesn’t mean making it easier. Instead, she puts us at ease by showing us, with humor, grace, purpose, and poise, what really matters.

To discover the essence of Anton, listen as he describes the process he goes through to create music—in his case, electronic music. He explains, “This genre is very straightforward; it follows a large set of rules, and the way that you bend those rules is really what makes the sound individual.” Whether it’s “layering a lot of soft synths above the grungy baseline,” or contributing a unique interpretation to the discussion of Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury, or pumping up the volume as DJ at a dance, or jumping impossibly high at a track meet, Anton approaches each task with individual flair. He loves to grapple with ideas, to solve a tricky problem, to bitcrush and resample, to drop into flow. When something strikes his passion, he sets high standards for himself and is motivated from within. In classes, “he questions previously held assumptions and makes connections between seemingly unrelated events.” On the dance floor, he reads the crowd flawlessly. Deeply intuitive, thoughtful, and possessed of a cool amiability, Anton has earned love and respect from both friends and teachers. His presence has loomed large on this campus, and he leaves us with that “upbeat and happy feeling that Liquid Drum and Bass always give listeners.”

A unique blend of brilliance and modesty, independence and rootedness, Christina has forged a unique path at Thacher. Bringing passion to a wide range of topics and activities that capture her interest, she tackles the most difficult courses available to her just because they are also the most stimulating. From inventing her own proof of the Pythagorean theorem to writing a compelling Scarlet Letter essay, from finding the perfect blend of voices in a madrigal to publishing an editorial with just the right balance of respect and cheek, Christina wows us with her tenaciousness and obvious joy in grappling with a challenge. Quick to question, she never leaps to judgment, as her balanced and disciplined dissection of the SAT in her Senior Exhibition amply demonstrated. Through it all, Christina is unfailingly unpretentious, full of humor and warmth, respected and admired by her peers. The fact is that she doesn’t just hear, she listens, a quality that allows her to puncture the absurd, understand what her friends are really saying, and penetrate to the heart of any matter. Rooted firmly in her family and her rock-solid values, Christina steps confidently into her future.

In baseball, when a major brawl is narrowly averted, the sportscaster always trots out the old cliché that “cooler heads prevailed.” Charlie has spent four years here proving the wisdom of that old trope. His cool head has prevailed over complicated mathematical concepts, subtle computer programming puzzles, and tricky physics problems. Quietly but tenaciously, Charlie has plumbed the depths of our math and science departments, earning deep respect from his instructors. Charlie’s friends know the value of his equanimity as well, as he’s steady, reliable, and unfailingly kind. Charlie’s passion for baseball should come as no surprise. First, as his Senior Exhibition impressively showed, it’s a game that yields to cool, logical statistical analysis, which fits hand in glove with his computational mind. Second, it’s a team endeavor, with the word sacrifice central to its basic vocabulary. On the trails, too, Charlie is selfless, ready to put his Wilderness First Responder training to use in an emergency or just pump some water for the group. Whatever the endeavor, we’ve all learned that Charlie is a guy you can rely on to get the job done. Charlie’s cool head has but one flashy element, that million- dollar Chevans smile that warms all of our hearts.

Hailey is a breath of fresh air. Or, as one of her Casa prefectees put it, “Hailey is the sunniest, most outgoing, beautiful, wonderful person. She brings a smile with her wherever she goes, and those around her cannot help but feel their moods lighten in her presence.” Always ready to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty, Hailey is grounded in the importance of hard work and gives every task her best in effort and attitude, whether that task is preparing for classes, training a colt, or working the soil at her family farm. As this year’s captain of the English Riding program, she spent countless hours grooming horses and taking care of the logistics required to host a big show--all while riding her own horse every day and leading her teammates; as a prefect, she supported her freshman girls through their ups and downs while providing an incredible example of enthusiasm, selflessness, and community awareness; and, as a student, Hailey brought her trademark enthusiasm and enviable work ethic to every arena, including her enlightening Senior Exhibition on Industrial Farming. With her optimistic nature, generous spirit, and undeniable character, Hailey has unassumingly and unquestionably lifted us to a higher level just by being herself, that lovely breath of fresh air for which we are always truly grateful.

Self-sufficient, level-headed, thoughtful and utterly charming, Garen is treasured for his conscientious approach to classes, his warm friendships with everyone, his embrace of leadership and responsibility, and his joyous athleticism. A key player on both the soccer and lacrosse teams, he continually dazzles us with his physical intensity and his uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time. We all admire Garen’s unwavering focus and strongly held work ethic, both on the athletic field and in the classroom, and we appreciate his hard-earned success. But it is this young man’s easy-going friendliness and innate fairness around that endear him to us. Energetic, outgoing and positive, Garen seeks the best in everyone, and who can resist? His welcome is genuine, his interest in others is authentic, and just as a rising tide lifts all boats, it is impossible to feel anything but happy when you are around Garen. His friends describe him as upbeat, awesomely goofy, and always ready for fun; his psych teacher might call him a perfect example of reciprocal determinism! Whatever your definition, we know that kind and gentle Garen has been a big part of what has been good this year.

Miles often marvels at the apparent timelessness of riding, explaining: “A fifteen-second race seems to go on forever!” Perhaps that is true for him… but for those of us watching Miles fly over cavaletti or bend perilously close to poles, we are awed by the fluidity of horse and rider moving as one. All too soon, the moment is over. As a Top Horseman, Miles, along with his alter-ego Russell, is “the man” at the barns: he’s gymkhana champion, captain of the victorious Green team, mentor for greenhorn riders, and faculty colleague. The keys to his success? A rock-solid work ethic, a healthy dose of respect for his teachers, both equine and human, and an understanding that the quest for control is not always possible or even desirable with a 1000-pound animal. Not surprisingly, these same qualities have translated well in the classroom and in the dormitory, and Miles has emerged as a strong and beloved leader in these arenas as well. Friendly, responsible, tenacious, independent, and always impeccably polite, Miles embodies the Thacher spirit. He arrived here nearly four years ago hoping to grow into a man he could be proud of. We can assure him that “it’s a job well-done.”

Principles guide Julian’s actions, supporting him as he stands tall, quiet but always firm in his convictions. These principles are borne from values that are embedded deep in the granite of Julian’s fundamental makeup, values like pertinacity, freedom of dissent, self-respect, and most importantly, loyalty. Steeped in his family’s history--maternal grandparents who escaped the threat of Nazi Poland and a paternal grandfather who fled from Franco’s Spain--this trilingual citizen of the world learned from an early age the profound significance of standing up for what is right. Friends can and often do count on Julian’s steady presence and his unflinching support. But the beneficiaries of Julian’s integrity of character are not limited to his inner circle. Classmates and teachers find themselves in the presence of an arresting young man, thoughtful and capable. His sophomore boys in Los Padres look to him for a sympathetic ear and sound, well-considered advice. And when Julian checks into a varsity basketball game, his teammates know what to expect: relentlessly energetic defense, pogo-stick rebounding, and a reliable jump shot honed through more than 10,000 attempts over the summer. Julian has provided our community with a consistent touchstone, steady as the Topa Topa Bluffs looking out over his Ojai home.

Jesse has become our Man on the Wire. Etched in our minds will be the image of Jesse delicately, yet confidently striding along a “slack line” attached to two approving trees. While it reminds us of one of his favorite pastimes, this image also symbolizes Jesse’s tremendous physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. As he has learned to balance the challenges faced in his classes, on steep rock walls, and in a variety of artistic genres, Jesse’s infectious smile has widened, inviting us—as he so often does when walking on the wire—to join the pleasure-filled world that he continues to carve out. And speaking of carving, Jesse’s unique Senior Exhibition—which featured his own specially designed skis—provided a peek into the artistic creations that inhabit his expansive and imaginative mind. This intellectual maturation, however, has not been limited to ceramics, photography, and studio art, as Jesse, too, has come into his own as a scholar, making valuable insights in English and psychology classes and producing thoughtful analyses in AP Art History. Though Jesse’s next journey will take him away from us, it won’t surprise us one day to see him peering down from a precarious perch inviting us to join him; and while we may initially hesitate, he’ll ask again and how can you refuse that warm and inviting smile?

Unlike the mighty Samson, Marshall derives plenty of his strength from sources other than his flowing locks. Marshall has used his mental and physical fortitude to make himself indispensable to every team, organization, and class that he has been a part of during his time at Thacher. On the football, soccer, and lacrosse fields, Marshall is easy to spot: he’s is the lion, the one who doesn’t tire, can’t slow down, and won’t give in. Whether covering the entirety of the John Muir Trail, skimming along the Pacific on a boat on last fall’s EDT, racing in triathlons, or taking amongst the most ambitious of course loads, Marshall’s boundless energy has taken him to places few of us mere mortals will ever go. A model of purpose and determination to the junior boys of Upper School this year, Marshall has exhibited his might in the academic realm, most notably through the enthusiastic and contagious participation that he has brought to his classes. Along with his work in EAC and the Student Alumni Council, Marshall has focused his indefatigable energies to raise the spirit of the School, by electrifying Indoor, becoming a one-man cheering section at basketball games, and even donning the Toad costume. We hate to see him hop along, but the juggernaut that is Marshall is sure to continue to inspire us.

An unforgettable laugh and a big smile, Shane’s trademark calling cards are the outward manifestations of his inner spiritual being. Positive, ambitious, disciplined, and powerfully independent, he has used his day student status to pursue with singular success his swimming career without missing a thing in the busy 24/7 life of the School. The amount that Shane can accomplish in a given week is staggering, and everything is done at the highest level and with an absolute sense of calmness, of ease, and of joy. He sings, he acts, and he plays the tenor sax. He finds himself chosen for all kinds of leadership, from class president to Judicial Council member to prefect. He takes the time to volunteer at local elementary schools. He chooses a demanding course load, then, naturally, commits the long hours necessary to master that load. His goal is beyond simple mastery: he feels the need to lift the spirits and the caliber of any class he is in, where he consistently helps foster a focused yet lively atmosphere. The smile, the laugh, the spiritual integrity, the concern for others, the expression of the self: with Shane, what you see is what you get.

Curious, pensive, astute, clear-headed, and determined, Giovanna is also joyfully competitive, hard-nosed athletic, and yes, drop-what-you-are-doing-let’s-have-some-fun-energetic-now-no-excuses-please. She leads the lacrosse team both as a tough defender and as a leader in warm up dances in the parking lot. Neither authority nor dreaded routine will stand in her way; she has her own ideas and she is unquestionably the captain of her own ship. Her manner bespeaks strength and independence. She listens carefully and quietly contemplates her course. Tough-minded and whip-smart, she will stand up to the crowd and hold her own, arguing always for what is right. A lover of the wild and of the natural whose youthful instinct was honed into practice by her semester at Chewonki, she uncomplainingly embraces hard and physical work along with her academic scholarship.She gives everyone his or her due and insists only on having the opportunity to respond, carefully and intelligently, to opinions she does not hold with. Her first response involves always an embracing if quizzical smile, for while she understands irony, she is more comfortable dealing with truth in a serious but friendly manner. In this way, her intelligence is augmented by her integrity, her inclusion, and her deep caring. A one-in-a-million, Giovanna not only dances to her own drummer, she often gets the rest of us dancing with her drummer, too.

It seems almost an injustice in Derek’s life that his days are limited to 24 hours. A talented actor, a fearless athlete, a natural leader, an insatiably curious student, Derek embraces his life here fully. We all laughed as we watched his hyperactive, hyper-enthusiastic performance in Curtains; we cheered when he eluded defenders guards and flew down the field for a touchdown; we were not surprised by his shattering of the unofficial school record for dugout chatter; we were swayed by his well-crafted argument in the debate; and we were wowed when he delivered a fire hose of a Senior Exhibition that blasted the audience with a sustained, timed-released charge of foot-stamping, Prezi-spinning, Swedish-Marxist fury. His excellence at everything he does—academic, artistic, athletic, social, and on and on and on—inspires all of us to do better, simply because Derek approaches all challenges with utter joy. A teacher once wrote, “The reason why Derek and Thacher are such a perfect fit is because neither sees excellence in one or two areas as enough. Derek seeks challenges in all aspects of his life and perhaps best of all, at the center of all this activity and achievement is a young man who is genuinely kind, humble, and honorable.”

As we well know here at Thacher, some of the best cowboys aren’t boys. Some are artists, dancers, musicians. Lilly happens to be all of the above and a cowgirl to boot. Having earned her Advanced Rider and Horsewoman ranks, Lilly has thrived in the saddle. This two–time captain of the Orange team has proven herself not only a trusted leader of her peers, but a fierce competitor on the Gymkhana Field. Yet, she easily turns in her boots and spurs for the bare-foot elegance of the Balinese dances she’s spent her last few summers studying. Performing fictionalized accounts of the Barang and Radha for her enchanting Senior Exhibition, Lilly exhibited the tell-tale characteristics of the artist’s soul: passion, dedication, and deep connection with her subject. Long hours and weekends spent in the art studio give further credence to this young woman’s willingness to give herself over completely to the creation of meaningful work—be it on canvas, on stage, in an English essay, or at the Washington Poles. We say goodbye to this cowgirl-artiste with equal parts bitter and sweet. Bitter that she has to leave at all, but sweetened by the knowledge that she will always remain our Lilly.

Lucy combines a direct passion for life and learning with an equally powerful sense of their absurdities. On the one hand, Lucy epitomizes the values of education, moral excellence, and service. The agricultural crisis in Korea drew Lucy’s attention so strongly that she and a friend produced a bilingual book that emphasized individual, community, and global issues concerning sustainability. On the other hand, she is fully cognizant of how silly our culture and her participation in it can be. Thoughtful, direct and candid without a shred of cruelty, Lucy has a sly sense of humor. In discussing the genesis of her Senior Exhibition on modern advertising, she said, “I saw a documentary on David Ogilvy and immediately had a crush on him. He was so debonair—so British.” Given her understanding that true scholarship comes from a passion for understanding rather than outcome, her presentation, like all of her other academic work, was superb. In her junior year, Lucy wrote her own version of Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself.” She ended with the line, “I am a particular and singular universe.” We have been fortunate indeed to have shared four years with this particular, singular young woman.

Sarah is one high-flying hard hitter. On the volleyball court or in the soccer goal, Sarah is possibly as commanding a presence as the queens of Ancient Egypt, of whom she spoke during her Senior Exhibition presentation. Her positive energy is infectious, whether she’s pumping up her teammates in a close match, or egging her classmates on in a rousing Jeopardy game in psychology, or whipping up enthusiasm during an assembly to announce the weekend’s activities, or scoring the winning touchdown in the final minute of the powder-puff football game. Sarah thrives in an environment where tough-minded focus is key; she dedicates herself to giving each moment her best effort. Voted MVP in both soccer and volleyball for her agile and quick-witted play, Sarah wins the unofficial title of Most Vocal Player in both sports as well. Sarah understands to her core the value of spirit and support. She also knows the importance of teamwork and community, and she cares for others around her in the most unbridled, genuine way. She is a grounded, down to earth, positive young woman, a conscientious and hard working student, a team builder, a clutch player, a unifier—in short, Sarah is someone we all want on our team.

Jackson is a gem--talented student, gifted writer and musician, extraordinary human being. At a school that places the highest value on the transformative power of the residential experience, Jackson epitomizes the meaning of the word “community.” As senior class president, he has been in word and deed part of the glue that holds us all together. Leading a hard-fought junior varsity basketball game, a late night zumba session during finals week, enjoying a visit with the elderly folks at Los Robles, or whipping up some Mac n’ Cheese for the seniors during wandering, this young man is always looking out for the other fellow. Intellectually curious and broad-minded in his approach, he is a natural student of the human condition with a passion for recounting what he sees and understands in fiction, poetry, music, and life. Not surprising, whether in a charla, musical performance, creation of our literary magazine, or his Senior Exhibition on The Wire, Jackson inspires and provokes us to think beyond our boundaries. Still, he understands that it is in and through our personal connections and the joy they bring us that we thrive best. Original, smart, creative, always kind and generous, Jackson is a constant reminder of what “community” is truly all about.

Hackneyed though it sounds: It is the journey, not the destination. But few take this to heart the way Margot has in her time with us at Thacher. She has tried new sports, learned how to saddle up, and left our valley to explore the coast of Maine. With each new experience, Margot engages with an expectancy that she will learn; that she will encounter challenge; and that she will be the better for it in the end. Her journey has led her to a deep love of the natural world and a passion for its protection, and she lives this in her daily life, whether it is through chopping wood to understand how carbon emissions are saved by her work, planting trees on campus or studying fish farming and its environmental effects. Margot’s scientific mind stays in tune through her fine work in the academic realm, where she regularly delves into chemistry and biology labs or unpacks a new calculus concept. But this is no cold scientist. Margot mixes seriousness of purpose with genuine concern for others and a healthy dose of goofiness in all that she does. She is the person to spend time with when you need a good laugh, a pat on the back or a listening ear.

Alice, I apologize. You are English but some French comes to mind. The phrase? Tour de force. A scintillating intellect; a master of the broad sweep and the poignant detail; a ravenous curiosity that transcends disciplines; a writer whose detailed analysis is overshadowed only by her creative insight and her scientific literacy, Alice is first and foremost a scholar. Yet this is just the beginning. She also is the woman in black master-minding the action in the Milligan Center--sometimes spending entire days orchestrating, solving problems, and helping others with their presentations--graciously and without complaint. But don’t forget that she is also the admired leader for the JV volleyballers and the B Horse camper throwing the box hitch. She is the principled and prolific writer and Editor for The Notes. She is the unflappable voice of reason counseling confused faculty and irate peers. In all things, the inimitable Alice is the soul of logic and embodiment of rationality--there is no cowering or easy answers before the rabble here. Principled and thoughtful, kind and understanding, Alice is that rare contradiction: a teen whose mind is so broad and whose heart is so deep that even we adults aspire to her example.

A teacher once summed Emily up in three simple words “No quiet flower.” She can become a human jukebox on a wet, soggy hike; she will patiently show rookie lacrosse players how to keep a ball in their stick; she gamely challenges her classmates to back up their ideas in the classroom. Emily has a mature academic mind, and she uses it to good advantage. A student of English, she has a natural sensitivity to literary nuance, which was on full display during her Senior Exhibition on American Literature, where she effectively brought together three seemingly disparate novels. But it’s not just the classroom that makes Em tick; it’s the competitive side as well. Emily has graced our courts as a setter, chased down opponents on a lacrosse field, and pedaled her way through the Ojai Valley. Fundamentally, she is a warm and inclusive person with a tremendous wit, which enlivens any setting. A person who leads by example, a person of substance, who values honor, others, hard work, discipline—someone you feel better for knowing and spending time with—that is Emily. Add to that a serving of intellectual bravura and a keen sense of humor, and you have her in Technicolor.

To Jin’s way of thinking, If you’re going to go to the trouble of coming all the way to California from South Africa for high school, you might as well dive right in. An eight-course load in your first year? Why not! While Jin’s commitment to academic excellence has been absolute, she’s also found time to serve others. With a generous heart, this quiet leader in our Community Service Program helped to raise funds for leukemia, feed and clothe the less fortunate, and worked with children at A Place to Grow. Clearly, Jin wants to reach people. Perhaps that’s why in addition to fluency in English and Korean, Jin has pursued studies in Afrikaans, French, and Chinese. If you need help, there’s a good chance she speaks your language. Jin is equally conversant in the most international of languages, music. As a member of the Jazz and Chamber ensembles, Jin has demonstrated a deep commitment to music while mastering three very different instruments, the violin, flute and piano. As Jin leaves, we know that Thacher and Ojai are better places thanks to her, and we’re equally certain that the City of Angels will treasure this warm, generous agent of global good.

Behind those precariously perched glasses and that mischievous smile is a world of mystery to which only the lucky gain access. Fortunately for us, Kalieb, over the last four years, has granted us entry into his universe, one full of sophisticated ideas, ceaseless imagining, and deep scrutiny. Kalieb can be a man of few words, but when Kalieb talks, people listen. And listen we have--to those gems of wisdom and insights that can stop you in your tracks. But surprises are always around the corner in the world of Kalieb. Whether it’s an unsuspecting punch of humor or an oblique critique, Kalieb rejects routine. The one place where you can count on cornering Kalieb is in the gym, where his game has developed in leaps and bounds. On this year’s Varsity team, Kalieb embraced his role, pushing the starters to play harder in practice and finding his moments in games to d-up and launch his patented three. And for his closest confidants, Kalieb has been a rock, someone on whom they have leaned and in whose company they find direction. As Kalieb now orients himself away from Casa de Piedra, there remain plenty of mysteries, but mysteries of a different sort: what will Kalieb be, what will he do, and just how good will he get?

Ask anyone to describe Tim Kent, and you can bet they will use the word “heart:” he has a kind heart, a huge heart, he is not afraid to say something heartfelt, he’s a heartthrob, he wears his heart on his sleeve. A big, athletic, and friendly guy, Tim combines a steely competitiveness with a penchant for song-writing and poetry and a deep-seated joy in connecting with the people he loves. Tim confidently steps up to individual pressure--as a starting pitcher with “a natural fastball that screams over the plate and a powerful swing that has no hint of apprehension,” or as an impromptu orator at the dorm banquet, punctuating his eloquent message with subtle humor. At the same time, Tim is the consummate team player, passing the glory to a teammate under the basket, embracing his freshman charges with understated authority. Tim’s magic is his ability to effortlessly mix humor and fondness, to reveal his heart in each public and private situation. This is a young man with considerable charm and charisma, a young man who is quietly confident and insightful, a young man who embodies all that we hold dear at Thacher. We have nourished him as one of our own, and we love him with a fierce pride.

As the computer froze at the outset of Will’s Senior Exhibition, there was never a doubt what would happen: the show must go on! Impressed by Will’s handling with perfect aplomb this potentially devastating setback, one observer exclaimed that it looked like the whole thing had been planned. Indeed, Will’s profound confidence and masterful talents have often made the difficult look stunningly easy. Seamlessly pick up and master the most difficult AP Govt concepts? No problem, gifted analytical thinker. Learn 220 lines and command the stage in the fall play? No sweat, star actor. First time on the baseball field this spring since Little League? No big deal: “I got it,” he calls from the outfield, making another difficult catch look routine. Yes, Will, “you’ve got it.” From the intellectual energy that you’ve brought to your English and history courses as well as the Winston Churchill Debating Society, to the original and authentic contributions you’ve made to the Camping Program, to the spirit and camaraderie you’ve dedicated to your teams, and to the loyalty and trust you’ve invested in your friends, you’ve more than got it. No matter how tricky the line or scene, we know that in your hands the show will always go on; we're just thankful to have had four years in the front row. Bravo.

It starts with pluck, of which Katherine has a healthy dose. She is constantly on the edge of her seat, bringing life and smarts to a discussion or puzzling out a particularly tricky question. Katherine welcomes a challenge and attacks difficult assignments with the excitement of a well-trained athlete who knows that bringing her best will ensure victory. Add to that pluck a nascent and remarkable ability to relate to others, of all ages and situations; her can-do attitude and genuine enthusiasm energizes all of us. Confident and comfortable-in-her-own-skin, she shares her gifts, her opportunities, her self with others by listening to them, understanding them, communing with them. Her enthusiasm, commitment and quality of character inevitably result in leadership. President of the Gun Club, Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team, Head Prefect, Chief Blogger for the Thacher web-page, Assistant Director to the Dining Hall, avid outdoorswoman--all major roles-- Kat’s tackled them with panache. But there’s also been plenty of rooting from the stands, going with pals to the Farmers’ Market, and hanging with friends in dorm rooms or at The Mullys’ on Saturday nights. The model “Thacher kid,” Katherine has squeezed every last drop out of the orange, and enjoyed every minute of it.

Lisea cares deeply--about her friends, her sophomore charges, details, her community, manners, the epidemic of obesity in her native south, and so much more of the important stuff. This leaves no time for her to care about attention, awards, or the limelight. That is the key to this young woman’s success. She has quietly amassed a sterling record here, both academically and in our larger community. She asks for no praise, and is kind, dependable, and genuine in all that she takes on. Called “an unusually effective learner,” by one teacher, Lisea has mastered Spanish and has now picked up French,and she demonstrates strong analytical skills in the English and history classrooms. For Lisea, it is important to balance body and mind, and she is dedicated to pushing herself physically, be it on the tennis court or the lacrosse field, two sports she picked up here at Thacher. The leap from Columbia, South Carolina to the Ojai Valley was huge, but Lisea made it gracefully. And though she’d never ask for it, she’s earned this moment in the spotlight as we say goodbye to our first graduate from the Palmetto State with a heartfelt, “Y’all come back now, you hear?”

While most Thacher boys work hard on move-in day to find space for a couch or recliner, Charlie is focused on finding just the right spot for his keyboard. Losing himself in Debussy for the afternoon is relaxation, Charlie-style. And we’ve all been the beneficiaries—at jazz ensemble concerts, at coffee houses, at Toadfest and the spring musical. Yet we know his commitment to music is also the product of hard work. A complicated math concept, a tricky arpeggio, or Mongolian conqueror, Genghis Kahn–all these and more have been the focus of Charlie’s energy, dedication and genuine curiosity. On our athletic fields and in the wilderness the story has been much the same. Charlie’s always willing to give something new a try—a real, focused and dedicated try. Among his friends, Charlie is loved and appreciated for his kind, gentle, and thoughtful demeanor. Always inclusive, he knows how to make others feel at ease, most often by making them laugh. Charlie’s delivery is unmatched, generating peals of warm and much appreciated laughter. Whether he’s at his keyboard, atop a horse on a back-country trail, or making the most of time with friends, Charlie is reminding us that there is joy to be found in all we do here at Thacher.

She dances, she sings, but most of all she thinks. A scholar of the first rank, she has traveled a long and windy road to get to this platform. From her birthplace in Manhumirim, Brazil, to South River, New Jersey, which she described as “cold, grey, and full of sharp lines,” she has along the way mastered English, integrated smoothly into what she called the “warm soft mountains” surrounding Thacher, and, a bit to her surprise, learned to camp. To no one’s surprise, she will be a Dean’s Scholar at NYU next fall. The reason for that is not hard to find. Brilliant and incisive, Jade knows how to focus on the details and then can step back and see the broad strokes as well. Her Senior Exhibition on Río's Carnaval delved deeply into its Greek, Roman, Italian, and orthodox Catholic influences. With three years of experience in Chamber Singers and Dance Ensemble, Jade has ample opportunity to express herself artistically, combining art and academics as smoothly as she does Brazilian and American culture. Like her outfits, it is all spectacular.

Fidel writes, “My parents have always said, ‘Nada es imposible;’ nothing is impossible. I take that statement to heart completely.” Fueled by ambition, high standards, and a deep interest in the world around him, Fidel has accomplished much in his four years here. Inspired by years of summer programs through Johns Hopkins, he found early on that he had an entrepreneurial mind and a deep interest in business. He compounded his winning investment ways in Mr. Shagam’s econ class with an independent study in Market Research and Analysis and, along the way, he loaded up on math and computer science. Disciplined, involved, and astute, Fidel has placed himself perfectly for the next academic step, having learned that high motivation and standards do not necessarily lead to stress. If you want stress, well, then you turn to his other great passion, soccer. Quick, aggressive, and knowledgeable, he leads his team with a quiet ferocity and an absolute dedication to the ‘beautiful game.’ Teammates need only observe, emulate, and then rise to his example, and they did so often this year. Fidel can look back with pride and a certain wonder at what he has attained: Nada es imposible.

Though residing just down the street, Geneva is hardly just a girl-next-door. Selfless, modest, good-natured, highly imaginative, and eloquent, she has distinguished herself in a dizzying array of areas of school life. A passionate horse aficionado and a fixture in the Horse Program, Geneva captained the mighty Orange team for two seasons. But no sooner than she tells you about the best technique of getting your horse to change a lead, she’ll fill you in about the physical properties of black holes and how to synthesize lead-based salts, the topic of her independent project this year. A chocolatier, too?! Willy Wonka’s got nothing on Geneva, whose Senior Exhibiton on chocolate was delicious. As if a master of horses, chemistry, and chocolate weren’t enough, it’s in the area of mathematics where Geneva has produced some of her most stunning work. “Lightning quick with both routine facts and impressive insights,” she, as her teachers declare, “is a joy to work with.” In fact, Geneva’s own theory on number theory will blow you away. We’ll wave goodbye to the girl next door only because she leaves us no choice. But we’d like to think that wherever her many talents take her, for Geneva, there will always be “no place like home.”

Marlon has endeared himself to the Thacher community in the most genuine fashion—by being himself. Marlon is the guy you want to have in the classroom when it’s time to settle into a meaningful discussion about a complex issue. He’s well informed and worldly in his point of view; he has a sophisticated handle on current events and politics; and, he’s got the skeptic’s gift for questioning. Of course, whatever Marlon takes on is always informed by his razor sharp sense of humor. Rather than criticize or lampoon, Marlon’s humor educates and edifies, as it’s centered on the irony and paradoxes of life. Ask any of his buddies from the hallway, though, and they’ll tell you it’s not Marlon’s wit that they’ll miss so much as his loyalty. From Voit Gymnasuim to the Upper and Lower Fields, that loyalty plays out in the bleachers and on the sidelines as well, where Marlon enthusiastically cheers on his teams. Put a lacrosse stick in his hands, though, and you see passion of a different sort, as Marlon is a fearless and tenacious midfielder. We will certainly miss Marlon in our classrooms, at our formal dinner tables, in our living rooms and on our fields, but we hope to be in his good company again soon.

Want to know the top speed of the Koenigsegg Agera? What about how many seconds it takes the Pagani Huayra (why-eera) to go from 0-60? Chase can tell you. He’s a car aficionado—and we’re talking the Hemingway definition here. And while Chase’s nascent smarts and clever, quick wit make him an engaging conversationalist on any number of topics, it’s in talking about cars—really, really fast, really, really beautiful cars—that we begin to see his passion for figuring out the ways things work, and how they might work better. From the humble yet ingenious design of a counterweight system to keep the back door of Upper School closed when the weather is cold, to the challenges faced and conquered by his idol Horacio Pagani, Chase seeks to understand the “how” and then wants to put the “how” into action. Fueled by genuine curiosity, Chase has taken on a course load with serious horsepower and shown all of us that grit (the hard work) and grace (the beauty of the consequent performance) are a pretty unbeatable combination. We like to talk about the wonders the outside of a horse can do for the inside of a boy; Chase has reminded us, that the most significant element in that transformative relationship is the willingness of the “driver” to truly understand the vehicle.

Beneath the tortoise-rim faux glasses of this towering intellect from Seoul lies the creative heart of a gifted artist and the shrewd mind of a refined mathematician. Combining imagination and precision, Bridget’s art and mathematics are at once beautiful and exacting. Bridget says that her enjoyment – and we would say her success – comes from being able to see her subject, whether an abstract mathematical proof or traditional still-life – from multiple angles. This same mental agility allows her to see her way through and around challenges and find new ways of expressing old truths.Bridget is independence personified. She will listen carefully, weigh advice, and take her own path. She knows what she likes and she is perfectly confident being different from what you might prefer. But she also a team player. She came into her own on the basketball court and led the championship-winning Thacher Mathematics club. Selflessly, and with complete determination, she coached the younger math scholars so that they – not she – could have their victory. Generosity of spirit, kindness, gentleness and commitment -- we look forward to seeing how these qualities and Bridget’s remarkable talents come together, in her future achievements. Keep your eyes peeled: we will be seeing and reading much more from this deeply talented soul from Seoul.

If you’re searching for a heart of gold, here’s a hint: look for Emma. Whether she is leaving little presents in mailboxes and under pillows, giving her zero-degree sleeping bag to a shivering prefectee in exchange for, well, a less-than-warm one, or catching Big T when she attempts a getaway, Emma looks out for others. It is just who she is. Astutely aware of the importance of school spirit and community involvement, whether that community is the classroom or the entire campus, Emma frequently is the center of laughter and celebration. Particularly lucky are her Casa girls, whom she has supported, encouraged, and cuddled day in and day out of this past year. But bring out the lax sticks and elbow pads, and Emma’s boundless energy and commitment to team translate to a real competitive spirit. To see her rise above the net or dodge a sprawling defender is to see her true skill and intensity. She brings the same passion and focus to her classes, showing a scholarly maturity in all facets of her work. Yet in all arenas, it’s her exuberance, her sympathetic nature, and her warmth that draw us to her time and again, which brings us right back to that heart of hers. They just don’t make them any bigger.

Like the uplifting morning breeze that awakens creation, Zoey is the zephyr that subtly yet inexorably nudges skyward our otherwise slumbering consciousness. Ethereal yet grounded, she sails seemingly effortlessly through life’s travails, always finding the best in herself and others. Invariably kind and appreciative, never judgmental, she is still point-on funny, (one need only check out a few of her “you know you are at Thacher Tumblers” for evidence thereof). She is also naturally worldly; she seeks understanding and communion with ideas, peoples, cultures, and languages that will allow her to better understand where we come from and where we are going—as a planet. And she couples that need to understand with the drive to create. Whether it’s the environment of her room, oil on canvas, or a research paper on Gabriel Garcia Marquez, or a Senior Ex on cutting edge street art, Zoey makes worlds that invite us to consider a new point of view, a different lens, a shifted reality. Her vision is expansive yet supremely focused on the details—evidence in an essay, gently contrasting colors in a painting, the perfect application of a French idiom.Zoey transcends the expected, the mundane, the satisfactory with everything she does, flying above us with ease and grace and smiling down as if to say, “The sky is yours as well. Please come along.”

Mackenzie has a voice. You can see her around campus, leaning in to the center of a group of friends, deeply involved with intense conversations. Never afraid to go public, whether in class or in a dorm meeting, she understands the power of words to effect change, as her informative and heart-felt senior ex on ADHD amply demonstrated. She is equally at home adopting the voice of others, whether in her riveting performance as Kitty in Six Degrees of Separation or her charismatic portrayal of Bambi in Curtains. Beyond the voice, Mackenzie strives to embody Mahatma Gandhi’s advice, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” and she knows that that means action. Her commitment to orphans in summer trips to Peru, Brazil, Bali, and Costa Rica, along with her work in hometown Portland with TIP, a volunteer program for trauma intervention, are simply small steps leading to the larger goal. Of course, one thing leads to another, so she’s picking up an EMT certification to expand her ability to help. The world is a big place and there is much to do. Heart and mind, voice and commitment, Mackenzie takes it on.

Serious, purposeful, and focused, Chance makes each day and moment count; however, lest you think this young man is without mirth, just one look lets you know that merriment is around the corner. Chance sparkles in the day-to-day rigor of the classroom and the moment-to-moment vigor of the dormitory. Still, Chance also revels in the long haul of scholarship. Independent and unusually balanced, Chance has always been thoroughly his own agent, responsible to himself for his high level of investment and involvement. He shies from no challenge, whether it’s an essay in U.S. History, an obscure debate topic, an unexpected chess move, the subtleties of a Wallace Stevens poem--or an entire opposing soccer team as he dribbles up the pitch. His Senior Exhibition on “Economic Bubbles” prompted one observer to say, “That kid should be my financial adviser now.” Of course, excellence does not come without challenges, and Chance spent his junior year in Viterbo, Italy – learning his fourth language. His international experience enlivened his intellect and broadened his perspective. Moreover, Chance’s experience abroad led him back home to us. We all appreciate the chance to have this charismatic, intuitive, kind, and genuine young man in our lives.

Smart, self-reliant, purposeful, resilient. Chasen fits the meaning of these words in a manner unlike any other member of our senior class. Blessed with a big brain and an unwavering work ethic, he has made the most of our math and science offerings while also demonstrating that he is, as described by his senior English teacher, “a scholar of literature able to decipher the most challenging texts and amaze with his analytical insights and articulate responses.” While his academic successes span the entire curriculum, his passion lies in the field of engineering. His careful research on alternative sources of fuel for his Senior Exhibition was confirmation of the successful path that awaits this young man beyond Thacher’s gates. A surfer, cyclist, and runner, Chasen brought enviable skills and confidence in the outdoors when he arrived at Thacher. Highly disciplined and strong enough to tackle the rigors of a Trans-Sierra, Chasen has indeed been a positive member of a community that believes in the transformative power of the wilderness. “A total dynamo when the going gets tough,” Chasen has been “an invaluable resource with great strength, stamina, and character.”

Tabitha doesn’t walk like the rest of us; rather, she glides. Whether in towering heels, ballet shoes, or hiking boots, she exudes an elegance and a quiet confidence that can’t be learned. Undeniably cosmopolitan, her experiences living around the world in places such as Wimbledon Village, Tokyo, Carmel, New York, and, of course, Ojai, have undoubtedly prepared her to be comfortable in any situation, a skill that has come in extra handy at Thacher. Preparing for a challenging calculus test? Shining as Niki in Curtains, the winter musical, without any prior theatrical experience? Leading her six freshman prefectees through the Sierras just days after they arrived on campus? Not a problem. Tabitha’s competence combined with her sense of calm joy guarantee success, with a side of fun. Yet it is when Tabitha dances across the stage that we most vividly witness her true essence. As a four-year member of Dance Ensemble and the recipient of the Most Inspirational Dancer in both her junior and senior years, she has shared with us beauty and grace in their purest forms, taking our breaths away time and again. It’s not every day that you come across someone who so easily takes flight while being so grounded, but then again, it’s not every day that you come across someone like Tabitha.

Quiet, calm, persistent, self-contained, Bea charts her own course. Her unique perspective comes in no small part from her strong connection to home and family. Not many freshmen were as undaunted as Bea at the elbow grease required in the Horse Program. Mucking a stall, after all, takes a lot less time than being big sister for the six siblings that follow. Bea knows how to work hard. Her stellar Senior Exhibition on endophytes, for one, wasn’t simply the culmination of a year’s worth of research, but of several summers’ worth of work in the lab at Montana State’s Department of Plant Science and Plant Pathology. Able to simultaneously focus on the forest and the trees--and even the bacteria living on the trees--this young woman takes it all in, and gives back her best. Whether she’s dancing, singing, writing music or prose, hiking a steep section of trail, or, astride a horse, reaching for and grasping a silver dollar, Bea is reminding us how the little things add up to something big. It’s no surprise that the wide-open expanses of her Montana home are calling her back. Though this big sister’s talents and passions may take her far afield, we know she’ll never be far from home.

Let’s begin with the letter P, please. After all, when this Tucson twister hits the lacrosse field, the refrain from her teammates begins with “PVoeds.” The P in Paule also stands for positive, perceptive, and principled, as Paule possesses plenty of a sense of humor, keen insight and, above all else, a deep sensitivity for the human spirit, which she masterfully revealed in her Senior Exhibition, whose central message was inclusivity and love. Paule is the embodiment of big TEAM little ME, cheering on teammates and giving her absolute best. And her stellar work in the academic realm has left her teachers exclaiming: “This is a student any teacher would want in class.” Indeed, this is a woman you want on your team—and we’ve been lucky to have her on ours for the last four years. Whether in the classroom, the athletic field, or the dorm, Paule has been ready to act, support, and problem solve. And by the way, she is so money on the left wing with her patented two-hand set shot. As she takes her game east next year to the nation’s capital, we know that between the G and W in George Washington there will be a P ready to spread the compassion and care that her friends and the sophomores on The Hill have come to count on.

“Commitment,” “sacrifice,” “adversity builds character,” and “winners never quit,” --these are the codes of conduct for Matt. This young man is uber-organized, mapping out his plan of attack for each day and going the extra mile to get it right. Whether it’s spending long hours looking for bugs in his computer program, or running down an obscure article about PTSD in dogs; whether it’s devoting countless hours to physical strength conditioning before the Naval Academy Summer Program or digging deep for that last ounce of energy in the final minutes of a tightly contested lacrosse game, Matt doesn’t stop until he’s satisfied he’s given his best. A varsity athlete (indeed, triathalete), Matt brings passion, hard work, and an understanding of what team means to the sports field. He carries the same intensity and responsibility to his work as co-Head of the Indoor Committee and as a prefect with junior boys. And while he’s doing it all, he’s photographing it as well. A key ingredient to Matt’s approach to life at Thacher is energy. His is abundant, renewable and sustainable, and he employs it to good effect both inside the classroom and out. As Matt transitions from Toad to Midshipman, we know that his commitment to the Thacher values we hold dear will serve him well. Matt, blessings upon you, and Anchors Aweigh.

Over the course of her four years here, Molly has established herself as a student willing to push beyond her comfort zone. She has played lacrosse and soccer, though she prefers the stage, where she performs with the Chamber Singers or at coffeehouses. This year, she learned the esoteric skill of driving two Percheron horses as a part of our Teamster group, though she hadn’t ridden since freshman year. Most tellingly, she pushed beyond our gates to spend a semester in Vietnam. From this experience, she gained an awareness of the world around her that she takes into account in all of the smaller actions of daily life. She is ‘a wise old soul’ at heart, whose observations and ability to make connections can lead to a deeper understanding of the experience of a Saigon Bride, as she examines how folk music relates to the Vietnam War; or in Environmental Science, where she has worked to ban plastic bags in Santa Barbara. And there is no better champion of the downtrodden; Molly seeks to make a difference for the less fortunate, be it an orphan in Hanoi or a political prisoner in China. As she leaves our gates, we have no doubt that Molly will be doing good in the world. We can’t wait to see it.

Like his beloved steed Clancy, Michael goes from 0 to 60 in the blink of the eye. In class, his calm and quiet demeanor disguises a keen intellect, which, when unleashed, is explosive, dynamic and capable of shifting the direction of a class discussion in an instant. As a nose-guard on the football field, Michael made it a habit of bursting past the opposing center and pouncing on an unsuspecting running back. Driving towards the hoop, flashing into the passing lane, and stopping on a dime to knock down a three, Michael on the basketball court exudes passion, grit, and intensity. After over two years of not stepping into the barns, Michael decides to ride? From rusty rider to expert equine master nearly over night, Michael captained the Green Team, catapulting to seventh with 525 points in Big Gymkhana. But Michael also knows how to slow down to take the time to listen to and counsel a freshman prefect, to chill and joke with a friend, or—as he did for his Senior Exhibition— to investigate in depth and evaluate the impact of Deng Xiaoping on modern China. So let’s soak in Michael as he briefly pauses on stage, because in a sec he’ll hit the accelerator and rocket away to his next adventure.

In referring to the artist’s view of the world, composer John Cage once said, “Everyone is in the best seat.” Chris’s artistic approach to life echoes this sentiment, as he always keeps his eyes peeled for inspiration. As a photographer, Chris loves layering unexpected images on top of each other. As a singer/songwriter, his dedication to his craft and his compelling lyrics have allowed him to emerge as a bona-fide pop star, complete with recording sessions and a contingent of backup clappers, guitarists, and even violinists. In the musical, on the tennis court, at English riding competitions, among his sophomore charges, and in his extensive world travels, Chris finds meaning in the details and aids his peers in doing the same. These same qualities have also helped to fine-tune his considerable gifts as a student. His teachers call him “astute,” “thorough and thoughtful,” and “engaged on all levels.” These comments illuminate how closely Chris pays attention to the world around him. Indeed, while seeing Chris display his diverse creative talents across so many different areas of the curriculum, we have all been lucky enough to enjoy the best seat in the house.

In her two, too-quick years with us, the name “Katie Yu” has come to be synonymous with brilliance, with independence, with fun, with excellence, with a killer work ethic, with concern for others, and with (pause) a wry smile. Katie’s skepticism is ironically refreshing. And, while she can present as tough as the exterior of Rwandan sugar cane, she is equally as sweet on the inside. In the classroom, Katie’s teachers are unanimous: she’s a star. A ferocious reader, Katie quickly emerged as one of our top humanities students. Said one teacher, “Katie’s insights are spot on and reflect a deep compassion rare in students her age.” Outside of the classroom, Katie embodies the delightful juxtaposition of graceful, technically skilled dancer and rugged, scab-kneed rock climber. As if that weren’t enough, she showed exceptional dedication as editor-in-chief of this year’s El Archivero, Thacher’s yearbook. And somehow, she also found time for multiple weekend camping trips and weekly forays to St. Joseph’s Nursing Home for meaningful conversations with her pal, Brother David. Rather than lament how short her time with us was, we’ll opt to marvel at how she somehow packed four years’ worth of living, laughing, and learning into her two calendar years as a Toad.