FALLS VILLAGE, Conn.—In a world where civil discourse—respectful, cooperative communication aimed at enhancing understanding—is a precious commodity, students and faculty at last week’s Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s graduation ceremony repeatedly called for a return to empathy and compassion as guiding principles.
Salutatorian Alexa Meach urged her classmates to “take time to comprehend, empathize and learn from people not like you. Work together, united by the space you share. Collaboration is necessary to achieve any worthwhile goal.”
Noting the country is going through a deeply divided time, she said, “As I take my next step toward becoming a political scientist, I feel the obligation to acknowledge the lack of empathy I’ve seen and endorse a return to the needed morality across our globe.”
Rather than focusing on celebrated individuals such as George Washington or Jonas Salk, she encouraged acknowledgement of what groups of people have achieved together. “We as a community must assemble and create a safe place for people to express their feelings and ideas,” she said. “We should be working toward the concept of peace and awareness.”
She was not alone in her call for empathy. Valedictorian Ibby Sadeh said she chose to set up a little library at the entrance to the Appalachian Trail in Falls Village as her capstone project. She stocked the shelves with books that had been banned in several states.
“I chose this project not only because I love to read, but because of my passionate support of free speech, intellectual freedom and a diversity of perspectives,” Sadeh said. “Students [at HVRHS] understand the importance of individuality. It is what makes us the way we are, what makes ours a strong and diverse community.”
Faculty members also echoed the importance of actively embracing diversity. Principal Ian Strever related the story of Moose, a service dog, who last fall barked a warning that a student was about to have a seizure.
Moose had picked up the specific volatile organic compounds emitted prior to a seizure, he explained. “He issued one clear, loud warning and the human student is fine, but what about Moose? What effect did it have on him?”
Kent had 11 students among this year’s graduates
Streever ruminated on a 1974 essay by Thomas Nagel on what it is like to be a bat. “We can’t understand what it actually feels like to be a bat,” he said. “We can’t know what it feels like to see the world from above like a vulture, or to be like Moose and perceive the world largely through your nose.”
He said that imagination, the ability to contemplate the reality of another’s life, will have a “starring role” in the students’ future but that empathy is an under-taught and under-used skill today. “My wish for the class of 2026 is that you will keep noticing, keep wondering and keep imagining.”
Class President Madison Graney and essayist Hannah Johnson both reflected on the importance of community during difficult times. Graney gave an emotional testimony about the assistance her family has received over the past two years while her father has battled brain cancer.
“Everyone here has taught me what it means to truly be there for someone,” she said as she thanked classmates, her teachers and the community for the unceasing kindnesses her family has received. “This small but mighty place has allowed me to be vulnerable, to ask for help,” she said, urging others to “never be afraid to be yourself or embarrass yourself by asking for help. Become a part of and actively participate in a community. And if you don’t find the community you are looking for, create one for yourself.”
She sat down to a thundering ovation from classmates and audience.
Johnson also praised the supportive community, explaining that her high school experience has been marred by health issues that affected her physically and mentally.
“At those times when I was at my weakest, I used what little strength I had left to cling tightly to my friends, family and passions, using them to propel myself forward,” she said.
As keynote speaker Lori Bucco approached the podium sudden gusts of wind toppled urns filled with flowers on the outdoor stage. “I’m not a witch,” she quipped to appreciative laughter from the crowd.
She said she loves to tell stories that illustrate and illuminate life and advised the graduates to embrace humanity and live their stories to the fullest. “Make it epic,” she urged.
Following presentation of diplomas, Wesley Allyn and Madelyn Johnson were awarded Good Sportsmanship Medals; Madison Graney and Shanaya Duprey got Good Citizenship Medals; Victoria Brooks and Alex Woodworth received the Chamberlain Arts Achievement Awards; Judi Moore, a 40-year veteran teacher and counselor at the high school, was presented with the Community Award of Merit, and Julie Lang, who is retiring this year after years as the principal’s executive secretary, was also recognized for her service.
