2020 Walnut Hill School for the Arts Commencement Address

267 days ago, on the first day of school, at our very first assembly, I stood before you at our opening convocation with the sole purpose of charging us with the theme for this year. When I chose the theme Non Nobis Solum, little did I know what this year would bring. September 6th seems so long ago now and if I could have known then that the year would be disrupted the way it has, I would have charged us with something very different. If I could go back now I would have said, enjoy every single little moment because we don’t know when or if we might not be able to come back at some point and continue doing what we do.

Seniors as a group, you are extraordinarily socially conscious, deeply passionate about your art and I have been so impressed with your ability to manage the disappointment that has come with losing your spring semester on campus.  

You are leaders. While some of you may not specifically hold leadership positions within our community, you have set a tone and an expectation during this time of what it means to be a part of Walnut Hill. 

Over these past few months, I have also come to appreciate that our mission is a critical beacon of hope and light in the world. 

What we have learned over the past few weeks and months and what many leading thinkers believe is that we are in the midst of a significant cultural, economic and social revolution. The world B.C. Before Corona looks like a distant memory.

That we are, in fact, living through historic times requires us to acknowledge and accept the challenge that comes with being present during a change in history. Never before has it been more important to take a moment to reflect on the amazing opportunities and obligations we have as a creative community to inspire and engage one another, and the world. We have come together as a community, united in our hope that you will go out into the world ready, eager, and prepared to bring creative solutions to the complex global issues facing us in the future. 

If we are to effectively confront the great challenges facing this new world -  the world A.C. after corona - then we need critical thinkers and creative problem solvers, grounded in many disciplines. But let me be clear, there are equally as many opportunities as there are challenges. Performance and art has been halted during these times and yet, creativity and innovation have leveraged technology to continue to bring, make and produce art.

It has been said that art is a means of self-expression.  However, it is so much more than that. Throughout history, artists have both directly and indirectly left their mark on the progression of civilization and humankind. It is my belief that during challenging times, an artist must never lose their spirit.

Dmitry Shostakovich, the famous Russian composer finished his Leningrad Symphony No. 7 against the backdrop of World War II. 

The work premiered informally on March 5, 1942, at a rural retreat, where the composer and many of his friends  and colleagues were seeking refuge from the Nazi regime. A few short months later, it would be performed in the city of Lenigrad, whose name it bore under highly dramatic circumstances. Today we look at the work as a symbol of courage in the face of crisis and still is imagined to represent survival against difficult odds.

Dorothea Lange’s image of a migrant mother from the Dust Bowl has become one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. Her photos of the Great Depression put faces and real experiences to the countless Americans who suffered during this era. The compassion and honesty evident in her photos shaped modern-day documentary photography and photojournalism.

At the height of the AIDS epidemic, as people lost their friends, partners and their own health to a disease that was incurable and not well understood. Many great artists, including Keith Haring used their art to sound a call of action. He coined the term “Ignorance = Fear” And as Haring (who had himself been diagnosed with AIDS) and his fellow activists knew, no one was actually talking about it, not meaningfully. The epidemic was exacerbated by shame, blame, and ignorance. So he used his art as a vehicle for change, discussion and education.

And now it is your turn to follow in their footsteps, to find inspiration in the unknown and use your passion and determination to make a difference. Never lose your spirit.

I am impressed by each and every one of you, and the fact that you leave us equipped not only as talented young artists, but as powerful agents of change. In our eyes, you are already successful. Here at Walnut Hill you have demonstrated your passion and commitment to hard work, to practice, and to one another. However, you now embark upon a new journey that will take you to places we can only begin to imagine. 

I want to take a moment to acknowledge another set of inspiring individuals...the parents, families and friends of our graduates. We thank you. We thank you for being willing to take a leap of faith. For supporting your children throughout their entire lives to pursue one of the most noble and important roles in our society. As young artists, they have committed to being here, to engaging thoughtfully with their work, with the faculty, and with each other. They have helped to create a community that is not only inspiring, but demands excellence, a community that brings out the best in all of us. Most importantly, they are accepting and tolerant of each other, and have fostered a culture of inclusivity that in my opinion, is rare in the high school experience, and rare in the world in general.

And to the faculty...the many accomplishments of this graduating class of 2020 would not have been possible without your passion and dedication to your work. You both challenged and supported these young artists, these global citizens, to enter a world and a future that’s ever changing and constantly evolving. You have made it possible for them to enter that world with confidence...and on behalf of this class, I thank you. 

To the class of 2020, I now charge you with this:

Never lose your spirit. As you leave the warmth and safety of Walnut Hill, your journeys will take you all over the world. Your path may lead you to a destination you could not have conceived of as you sit here today. Regardless of where you go, keep that spirit and passion that so clearly embodies you. Be sure to apply it to whatever work, creative or otherwise, you engage in. 

As you leave Walnut Hill, you will realize how truly special this place is. You have enjoyed a very special gift. Walnut Hill is a place where you can be your authentic selves. Remember to bring this sense of spirit and use it to build cultures of inclusivity, acceptance and tolerance to the work and communities you will soon join. There is much work to be done in every aspect of our society. Artists have always been driven by an unwavering passion and dedication to say something and do something meaningful. Create, explore, sing, dance, design, discover, solve, defend and improve. Continue to be those agents of change that the world needs and remember that your efforts are and should never be for yourselves alone.

Class of 2020, I congratulate you and your families on this day.