In a small community as tightly knit as this, a group can come to know one another so well, and function so smoothly as a team, that it begins to take on a persona and character like a single living being. And this class certainly has its own unique personality! This class, with its composite blend of voices, styles and color, has an irrepressible spirit; a first-rate sense of humor, a delightful lightness of being, and a truly remarkable sense of awareness and caring for one another. Their ability to overcome challenge, to support one another with respect, kindness and compassion, and to work together as a team to accomplish a goal, be it an academic project or a prank, provides a model for human interaction that impresses even the CSG staff, and that is saying a lot.
Although this is our fourth semester at CSG, it is also a series of firsts in many ways. First student from the Lone Star state of Texas, and from the Ocean state of Rhode Island. First school delay due to a hurricane. First ceremonial use of the walking stick “Bolf”, and of naming a walking stick in the first place. First Homecoming Dance. Introduction of mid-day “Turtle Time”, per student request. First appearance of a gorilla suit and a tutu. First time a group has used up a whole two hours of rock climbing, and still wanted more! First use of bicycles during exercise time, another student-driven addition—thanks Emmie! First appearance of dreadlocks—a phenomenon we now know is contagious, spread by shared ideas living in close quarters with teenage girls. First class to take pre-and post science surveys as we begin researching the impact of our science program. First student led Council, with honors going to Doris and Rosie. And finally, the First Parent Forum, an addition we think will come to be invaluable part of our Home Again program —thanks, Ted and Kris! For all of these contributions and more, we thank the fall class of 2011 for all you have given us in continuing to hone and shape the school we all have come to love.
Yes, we will remember the Fall class of 2011, with great admiration and joy. And yet, it is the individual girls that have made the real lasting impression—in our hearts, and in the bedrock of the school. It is these girls who have helped us to hold up a mirror and show us who and what CSG is. The 15 girls of this Fall class are a testament to the power within themselves when given support, opportunity and inspiration. Competent, confident, and knowledgeable, they are laying the groundwork of high standards and examples for future young women to follow. For this, we are forever grateful, and for this, we will always remember you.
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