On Thursday, June 11 Vermont Day School made history by graduating its inaugural class of 8th graders. Held outside at All Soul’s Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, graduates and their parents were joined by Head of School, Sage Bagnato, Board Chair, Ed Wilkens, and their Middle School teachers.
Wilkens addressed the class by thanking them for helping to shape Vermont Day School into what it is today. He encouraged them to keep the connections going that they have made academically and socially as a community at Vermont Day School. Each student was then introduced and gave their own remarks and reflections on their time at VDS. Common themes were friendships, academic preparedness, and a welcoming community:
“VDS welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home”
“Each one of my teachers has made me grow as a person.”
“My teacher…she understood me and gave me confidence.”
“VDS has shown me to be kind, respectful, and caring to others.”
“I’m more prepared for high school than I ever thought I could be.”
Head of School, Sage Bagnato, made an Address to the Class of 2020 and then graduates were presented with a diploma and VDS inscribed Danforth Pewter keepsake, starting the first of many traditions at Vermont Day School. Graduates will go on to Champlain Valley Union High School and Rice Memorial High School. Congratulations to the VDS Class of 2020!
