By Amy Allen
Student-athletes at Killington Mountain School are no strangers to spending time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and the class of 2017’s graduation day kept that tradition alive. From brisk wind, to clouds, to rain, to brightening skies, Friday’s ceremony, June 2, ran the gamut, and KMS students did one of the things they do best: adapt to a variety of conditions with grace, resilience, and positivity. The ceremony, which began outside, transitioned into the gym. Yet while the rain dampened the graduates’ green caps and gowns, it did not damper anyone’s spirits.
In its sixth year, the school’s full-term program graduated the largest class to date—13. Over 90 percent of the group got into their first choice colleges, with acceptances to Middlebury College, Colby College, Boston College, Bates
College, Northeastern University, and Union College, to name a few. The group consisted of athletes from a variety of disciplines: Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cycling, and rock climbing, to be exact.
After an address by Head of School Tao Smith, as part of a long-standing KMS tradition, a speech was given for each member of the senior class by an adult member of the KMS community. Seniors choose their speaker ahead of time, and are called up to stand alongside the person giving the address. Speeches generally include memories (both special and amusing) as well as words of wisdom.
After the senior speeches, two members of the senior class, Hannah Soar and Becca Clark, addressed the group. They thanked their parents, teachers, coaches and school administrators for a wonderful high school experience, recounted the hard work expended to reach their graduation day, and spoke of the exciting journey that lay ahead of the group as they embarked on the next stage of their lives.
After an a graduation address by English Department Chair Alex Crivici, the group received their diplomas and with caps tossed to the sky in celebration.
Many often speak of the family-like atmosphere at KMS, and that feeling was certainly palpable at this year’s graduation event. Students, coaches, teachers and staff at KMS become uniquely bonded due to the school’s small size and daily connectivity. As the 13 graduating seniors end their time as high school students, and head off to the world prepared for future pursuits, they will stay eternally connected to their Killington roots.
Photos courtesy of KMS
Killington Mountain School graduated 13 student-athletes on Friday, June 2, the largest class to date.
Celebrating high school graduations around the region
West Rutland HS – June 9
Hartford HS – June 9
Woodstock Union HS- June 9
Windsor HS – June 9
Proctor HS – June 10
South Royalton School – June 10
Otter Valley Union HS – June 10
Rochester HS – June 10
Mill River Union HS – June 14
Rutland HS – June 15
Fair Haven Union HS – June 16
Poultney HS- June 16
Whitcomb Jr – Sr. HS – June 16
Black River HS – June 17
Green Mountain HS – June 23
KMS and MSJ celebrated graduations last weekend.
