Trustee award given to Rachel Schwarzbein by Jon Crowley and Lora Wagner
Graduate Nicole Shao
It was a cool day in San Marino. Thirty-five high school boys and girls ready in their red caps and gowns, along with junior high students dressed in blazers, anxious and excited to process as Southwestern Academy’s 91st graduating class of 2015 and 8th grade promotion.
The day started off with the staff and students greeting friends and families while escorting them to the Chapel for the class of 2015’s Baccalaureate program. Soon after, guests were treated to snacks and drinks before graduation commenced at 12:00 p.m.
The junior high class was promoted to high school by the
Graduating class of 2015 with Southwestern's Model T in the background
“Tradition of the Axe.” The hand axe was used by the school’s pioneers to make the first ceremonial cuts in the orange trees that once filled the campus. It was taken by the first 9th grade class to pass along to 8th grade graduates every June.
High school graduates walked in two single file lines behind the Headmaster, Kenneth Veronda and the Trustee Chairman, Lee Mothershead, to present the 2015 graduation plaque on the sidewalk, pose for pictures, then sit for their final hour of being high school students. Heartfelt speeches were delivered by four students interpreting their personal experiences of belonging at Southwestern.
Once the graduation ceremony finished, the new graduates gathered up in the middle of the field to throw their caps in the air. All guests were treated to a delicious outdoor lunch on campus while graduates said their tearful goodbyes to their friends, teachers, and colleagues who have become their school family.
For further information, contact Yalina Munoz at (626) 799-5010 ext. 273.
Southwestern Academy, 2800 Monterey Road, San Marino, (626) 799-5010 or visit www.southwesternacademy.edu.
