Clouds in the sky could not stand in the way of the Trinity College School community gathering for Speech Day, the Senior School’s annual prize-giving and graduation ceremony, on Friday, June 16th. Students, staff and guests enjoyed a celebration, not only of achievement in the classroom or co-curricular programs at TCS, but also of our students’ daily perseverance, dedication and focus on community.
For the 122 members of the Leaving Class of 2023, it was a busy and bittersweet day, beginning with breakfast in The Lodge Garden, where grads received their boutonnieres from staff members and enjoyed the chance to spend time with classmates during this, their final day as TCS students. Then the group processed to the Memorial Chapel for the Leaving Class Service, where they were greeted by family members and invited guests. The service features many special moments, including a musical tribute to the grads by members of the staff. Afterwards, grads and their families shared a buffet lunch in Cirne Commons and the lower gym, prepared by the culinary services team, while a video featuring photos of each grad was played.
In the afternoon, the formal Speech Day ceremony took place in the Sue Burns Gymnasium, a last-minute change to avoid the inclement weather forecasted. Graduates and faculty processed from LeVan Hall through the visual arts wing and into the ceremony space, where Head of Trinity College School Stuart Grainger welcomed everyone assembled. Mr. Grainger reflected on the prominence of the letter “H” in relation to TCS: in our mission statement, which focuses on developing “habits of heart”; and our school motto, “blessed are the pure of heart.” Our graduates, he noted, have had many opportunities to develop their humanity, through formal service learning programs and daily small acts of kindness, and by leading with kindness and care in a diverse community where our students commit to living cooperatively and thriving as individuals. He encouraged grads to continue this important work as they head into post-secondary life.
The ceremony is an opportunity to recognize the academic and co-curricular achievements, and community contributions of students through the presentation of awards (click here for a full list of prize recipients). As well, three staff members were honoured, with the presentation of handmade chairs, for the milestone achievement of 25 years of service to TCS: Michael den Biesen (carpenter and maintenance staff in the facilities & IT services department); Tanya Beck (director of athletic therapy services and head of Rigby House); and Steph Feddery (Senior School faculty and head of Wright House). And Dale Heffernan, grounds supervisor, was celebrated on his retirement from TCS after more than 32 years.
Then it was time to turn the spotlight on our grads once again, as each crossed the stage to receive their diploma, alumni tie and pin, greeted by Mr. Grainger, TCS Governing Body Chair David Thomas ’82 P’16, TCS Alumni Association President James Gibson ’00 and TCS Parents’ Guild President Lisa Bailey P’21 ’23 ’24.
Afterwards, the grads headed outside to the terraces in front of the Memorial Cross to have their photo taken as a group, with the last shot being of them throwing their jackets in the air joyfully to signify the conclusion of their academic careers at TCS. To conclude this special day, family and friends gathered in the R.S. McLaughlin Gallery for a final reception and chance to connect with other grads and their families as Speech Day 2023 drew to a close.
Click below for multimedia from Speech Day:
