TA News

On Friday, June 14, Thetford Academy celebrated its 205th commencement ceremony honoring the graduating Class of 2024. After a long week of dismal weather forecasts for the event, the predicted rain suddenly disappeared from the forecast, replaced by a perfect evening for an outdoor celebration. With the mountains providing an unbeatable backdrop, the Class of 2024 took the stage.

Graduation at TA is student-led, featuring speeches, poems, and musical performances from members of the class. This year, the ceremony opened with a welcome from Addison Cadwell, who thanked the audience – the teachers, parents, guardians, grandparents, and friends – who supported her class and helped them arrive at this moment. “Everyone sitting in front of me has had an effect on the life of someone graduating here today,” she said. “I know that without the love and support of my parents I would not be who I am now, and I am sure that this is true for each member of my class about someone sitting in the crowd tonight.”

In her own speech, Acadia Cook reflected on the class’s journey from a freshman year marked by the pandemic to the last few hours of a high school career. “Four years ago, you were starting your ninth-grade year, probably sitting in a ‘pod’ with Mrs. Gernhard, or Ms. Perry, or Madame. Four months ago, you were somewhere in the middle of your senior year drowning in college applications, FAFSA, and all those other tasks that I, and I am sure many others, are glad to be done with. Four hours ago, you were here, practicing for this very moment and four minutes ago, you realized that this chapter is finally over, and in around forty minutes, you will no longer be a high school student.”

The event also included TA’s traditional flower ceremony, musical performances from the stage band (featuring eight graduating seniors), as well as an apt performance of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” by Harlequin Copeland and Eli Dybvig. After the diplomas were conferred by Head of School Carrie Brennan, a cheer went up in the crowd and mortarboards flew through the air. It was a proud moment for the Class of 2024, all of their friends and families, and for Thetford Academy. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Flower Ceremony speech, presented by Charlize Brown ’24 and Whitney Lewis ’24

Poem, “Adios,” presented by Ben Mattern ’24

Class of 2024 Scholarships and Awards, awarded during Thetford Academy’s annual Class Day ceremonies.

Class of 2024 Faculty Awards, awarded at graduation.

For photos of the event, visit volunteer photographer Dan Grossman’s website. Dan has provided, free of charge, his time and talents to TA events for many years and we are so appreciative for his support. Thank you, Dan!

Thetford Academy’s Class of 2024