GRADUATION CEREMONY – SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
REMARKS OF THE HEADMASTER, FREDERICK WEISSBACH 

GREETINGS 

Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, Parents, and Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Brothers and Sisters, Friends, Alumni, Former Colleagues, Students, and Seniors – it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2010 graduation exercises of Franklin Academy. 

On this happy occasion, which marks the conclusion of Franklin Academy’s seventh anniversary year, we are delighted to see such a huge crowd that has turned out to honor our distinguished class of 21 seniors (13 young men and 8 young women) – and to acknowledge the success of all of our students. 

I want to thank each of you for joining us for this celebration of accomplishments and possibilities.  As you know, the mission of the school is to provide students with Nonverbal Learning Differences and Asperger’s Syndrome the academic and social skills to become life-long learners, to pursue college and career goals, and to enjoy fulfilling lives.  Today’s graduation is an important milestone on the personal journey toward the realization of this inspiring vision. 

At the same time, each of us is experiencing a bittersweet moment.  In a few short hours this version of the Franklin Academy family, which began nine months ago, will come to an end.  Looking back to September, we remember that many of us were strangers and we had yet to learn each other’s first name.  Now, we are close friends, having lived intensely together and having learned with each other many of those important lessons that will serve us well as we move off in many different directions after today. This is especially true for our oldest students. 

Seniors, you have come through the crucible of experience to prepare mind, body, spirit and character in anticipation of the next set of challenges that loom large in your lives.  You have persevered and prospered during your time at Franklin Academy, and your positive impact on our young school has been immeasurable.  Now, as we savor with you this graduation day, the faculty and I urge you to pursue your passions.  Indeed, our greatest wish is that each of you will live a full and satisfying life, realizing your dreams and matching potential with achievement.

While you deserve most of the credit for your success, let us not forget your parents – there at every step to support and encourage you on your journey through childhood to this special moment – yes, the earning of a Franklin Academy diploma, but more importantly, the beginning of adulthood.  Truly, your education has been a partnership, and some of your most important collaborators have been those wonderful teachers in and out of the classroom who have helped to shape you as a student and as a cherished member of our school family.

FACULTY SPEECH 

Let us now recognize a talented mentor who has been selected by the Franklin seniors to speak at their graduation.  Elise Fernstrom, please come to the podium to share a nurse’s perspective about our year together.  (Click on the link below for a copy of Elise’s speech.)

Teachers & Students before graduation	Ashley & Mark Richard

BOOK AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES

It is time to recognize able students throughout the school who have demonstrated significant academic achievement, exhibited tremendous personal growth, or contributed mightily to the life of the Franklin community.  Students, as I call out your names, please come forward to receive a book award and certificate from Dr. Tom Hays.   We will recognize both Upper Level students in twelfth grade and Lower Level students in grades 9, 10, and 11.

Humanities

Our first award is named for the world’s first true historian – Thucydides – an Athenian of the fifth century BC – who fought in and wrote about the Peloponnesian War.  Unlike anyone before him, Thucydides gathered all available evidence about an event, decided what he thought was the truth, and then shaped his written presentation to emphasize that truth. 

The Thucydides History Award is given to an upper and lower level student for best project on a non-fiction topic.  This project may be a written paper, presentation, or demonstration on a topic of historical importance that connects historical events to our current lives. 

2010 Winners	Upper:	Jeremy Allmendinger
	Lower:	James Ruben

The next award is named for history’s quintessential renaissance man – Leonardo daVinci – artist, inventor, and scientist.  His desire to paint people and objects realistically was bold and fresh.  The range of topics that came under his inquiry was staggering.  He took the startling approach of actually observing and asking deceptively simple scientific questions.  And, he had the brains and bravado to break new ground, creating new machines for a new world.

The DaVinci Creativity Award is given to an upper and lower level student for demonstrations of creativity.  These demonstrations of creativity might include works of creative writing, drawing, sculpting, or acting and should incorporate elements of unusual combinations and imagination.   

2010 Winners	Upper:	Sara Kahan
	Lower:	Payton Poliakof

Matt, Taylor, Chris & Luke	Mary & Tom lead the faculty procession

Individual & Community
The first award under the category of Individual and Community is named in honor of this country’s 39th president - Jimmy Carter. As president, he aspired to make Government "competent and compassionate." However, his greatest accomplishments have occurred since leaving office as he has invested decades of untiring effort in pursuit of peaceful solutions to international conflicts around the world. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. The Carter Mediation Award goes to an upper or lower level student who has best demonstrated both in and out of class the ability to address conflict. This student has learned the art of negotiation and is able to resolve disputes he has with others as well as to help others resolve their conflicts.

2010 Winners	Lower:	Bronwyn Scharsu
	Lower:	Royce Manifold

Our second I & C Award is named for one of the world’s great moral and political leaders - Nelson Mandela - who was jailed for 27 years because of his lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa. Revered everywhere as a vital force in the fight for human rights and racial equality, Mandela secured his freedom from prison, was elected president of his country, and received the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Mandela Award is given to an upper or lower level student who has made the greatest personal strides in taking what has been learned in Individual & Community class and applying these lessons to their everyday life. In receiving the Mandela award, this student has challenged his or her personal comfort zones in and outside the classroom. The student has gained social confidence, respect, and improved social relationships.

2010 Winners	Upper:	Caitlin Reid
	Lower:	Cameron Horack

Our third Individual and Community Award is the Eleanor Roosevelt Service Award, named for the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945.  An important advocate for civil rights and the status of working women, a delegate to the United Nations, an internationally prominent author, speaker, and politician, Eleanor Roosevelt was declared "First Lady of the World" by President Truman in tribute to her human rights achievements, and she is considered one of the most admired people of the 20th century. 

Awarded to a Franklin Academy student who demonstrates a zeal for positively affecting the lives of others through service to our school and the surrounding community, the Roosevelt Service Award exemplifies a commitment to active citizenship, positive change, tolerance and understanding, to improving the lives of others, and making our community a better place to live and to learn.  Serving as an ambassador for Franklin Academy and a role model for peers, a Roosevelt winner embraces hard work to achieve a vision or meet a goal and truly understands the meaning of Roosevelt’s words: “It is not fair to ask others what you are unwilling to do yourself.”  Our Eleanor Roosevelt Service Award goes to:

2010 Winners

Upper:

Caitlin Anders

Caitlin Reid receives the Mandela Award	Caitlin Anders receives the Roosevelt Service Award

Mathematics

In the category of mathematics, we present the e award, named not for Albert Einstein, but for the mathematical constant e (occasionally called Euler’s (Oiler’s) number.   Simply stated, e is the base of the natural logarithm. 

The e Award is given to upper and lower level students for their advanced mathematical abilities.  In receiving this award the student must demonstrate a strong understanding of mathematical processes and the proper application of these processes to mathematical calculations.     

2010 Winners	Upper:	Lauren Birnhak
	Lower:	Patricia Fox

Our second mathematics award is the Pi Award, named for that mathematical constant and transcendental real number, approximately equal to 3.14159, which is the ratio of circle circumference to its diameter in Euclidean geometry. It is also known as Archimedes constant.

The Pi Award is given to an upper and lower level student for their advanced problem solving abilities in mathematics.  In receiving this award the student must demonstrate a strong understanding of mathematical processes and the ability to apply those understandings to finding unique solutions to mathematical problems. 

Emily & Ben share the Odyssey Award	Jeremy receives the Phoenix Award -- our highest honor

The next two awards recognize outstanding seniors. 

The first award is the Headmaster’s Spirit Award. It is given to that senior who has generously shared talents, enthusiasm, and good will with the entire Franklin family. The Headmaster and administration acknowledge that Jason Cohen is the worthy recipient of this award.

The second award is the Headmaster’s Perseverance Award.  It is given to that senior who demonstrates persistence, determination, and resolve throughout his or her time at Franklin Academy.  The Headmaster and administration acknowledge that Matt Milano is the worthy recipient of this award. 

The Franklin Founders Award was initially given to those seniors who were part of the school’s first year of operation and has subsequently been awarded to seniors who have attended Franklin Academy through all four years of high school.  Our 2010 recipients of the Franklin Founders Award are:  Ben Brennan, Matt Milano, Zach Mitnik, and Caitlin Reid. 

Odysseus, also known as Ulysses in the Latin language, is the main hero in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey, and plays a key role in Homer's Iliad. Odysseus is renowned for his guile and resourcefulness, and is most famous for the ten eventful years it took him to return home after the Trojan War. The Odyssey Award is given to that student, who, during an “Ulysses-like” journey through the years at Franklin Academy has been transformed academically, socially, and emotionally, and has demonstrated the most growth among peers. This year’s recipients of the Odyssey Award are:

Franklin Academy’s highest recognition is the Phoenix Award, given to a student for his or her ability to relate to the world.  Like the mythical sacred firebird that rises resurrected from its ashes, the recipient of this award has benefited from his or her mistakes, overcoming life’s obstacles and adversity by applying lessons learned to lead a thoughtful life.  In receiving this award the student must exemplify service to the community beyond the classroom, providing a role model for younger students, a friend to peers, and an inspiration to adults.  Franklin Academy’s seventh Phoenix Award goes to 

Jason Harold Cohen receives his diploma.	Christopher Augustus Wagner receives his diploma.

SENIOR SPEECH

A highlight of any graduation is that moment when we hear from one member of the senior class who has been chosen by classmates to provide perspectives on the road that has been traveled together this year and the many different paths of life that beckon before us.  It is my distinct pleasure to invite Jeremy Allmendinger to the podium for the Senior Speech.  (Click on the link below for a copy of Jeremy’s speech.) 

DIPLOMAS

We are about to turn our attention to the real business of this Saturday morning – the awarding of diplomas to Franklin Academy’s seventh class of graduating seniors.  Before I begin, however, there are just a few announcements.  Following this ceremony, our seniors will stand in a receiving line at the top of the sidewalk to greet you and receive your best wishes.  Then, everyone is welcome to join us for a luncheon buffet.  If there are any questions about departure from campus this afternoon, please see team leadership, Tom Hays, or Mary Murphy.  Yearbooks will be available for sale in the dining hall during the luncheon. 

This is also the time when I take a brief moment to say thank you and goodbye to colleagues who will be leaving Franklin Academy for exciting new opportunities.   This year no one is leaving.  Every teacher who has worked at Franklin Academy and has served your sons and daughters this year will be returning next year.  So, please join me in applauding these dedicated colleagues who make Franklin Academy the wonderful school and community that it has become. 

Next, I want to share some happy news with you.  As you know, a major goal for our school is to purchase this beautiful campus land that we currently lease.  To do this, we needed to raise $100,000 to cover the closing costs for the purchase.  Two weeks ago we were $30,000 from our goal, and in response to a letter that Mary Murphy and I sent out, a group of generous parents made capstone gifts and pledges that have put us over the top.  Therefore, this summer we will finally be able to buy our campus.  I want to thank everyone who made a contribution to our campus fund or participated in our silent and live auctions during the Spring Parents’ Days, and especially recognize the following parents for their capstone gifts:  Norma and Cliff Fox, Michael Altman and Annie Chen, Richard and Sharon Ward, Alec and Tam Pendleton, Jack and Catherine Lyness, Ken and Anne Cook, David and Kay Rolston, David and Christine Wagner, and Peter and Michelle Collins. 

Alumni -- Class of 2010	The Recessional

Seniors, now we come to the big moment.  As I call out your names individually, please come forward to receive your diploma from Mary Murphy.  Family and friends – you may applaud vigorously and take plenty of photographs as each senior comes forward. 

THE CLASS OF 2010

Jeremy Jackson Allmendinger Caitlin Jill Anders Nathan Alexander Baggs Lauren Nicole Birnhak Benjamin Aaron Brennan Jason Harold Cohen Taylor Christopher Cole Julia Dariss Daly Joshua Max Eckstein Luke Joseph Gilder Emily Anne Graniero Michael Evan Hanig Sara Judith Kahan Matthew Joseph Milano Zachary Stuart Mitnik William Theodore Petty Caitlin Lara Reid Ashley Anne Richard Chase Daniel Silvers Christopher Augustus Wagner Alicia Michelle Wenzel

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you the 21 graduates of Franklin Academy, class of 2010!!!!  

Sandra gives her approval	The School's Administrative Team:  Fred, Cindy, Tom, Mary, Lee & Rebecca

College Acceptances for the Class