Juxtaposed with the Select Choir’s ethereal rendition of “Softly, As I Leave You,” a dramatic theme emerged at The Spence School’s 119th Commencement. The 54 young women of the Class of 2016 were lauded by the day’s varied speakers for their virtuous strength of self and deep attunement to the power of voice.

The hundreds in attendance at the Church of the Heavenly Rest on June 14, heard first from Head of School Bodie Brizendine as she extolled the self-proclaimed “grade of rebels” on their “assemblage of talent and friends and leadership.”

From within their own ranks, Student Council President Tiarra Hughes ’16 delivered the senior speech, which further reflected on the rebellious nature of her classmates. She mused about the uniqueness of being in a class that finds “a silver lining in even the worst situations and ensures that not one day is exactly like any other.” Hughes, commended by Brizendine as being “exceptionally focused,” then acknowledged that she and her classmates were not afraid to speak up. “We know that what we have to say matters. And our voices are loud for a reason. It is obvious to me that each and every one of us will be a catalyst to change. Be it large or small, local or global.”

Commencement speaker Ellen Futter, president of the American Museum of Natural History and former president of Barnard College, spun the theme forward, focusing on the curation of one’s own life and staying true to personal values. She encouraged the graduates to begin the process of “figuring out what matters to you, in the world and in your heart.” Futter ended her address with poignant remarks about navigating a world full of upcoming changes. She urged the young women to consider, “What you want to do. What kind of person you want to be. What kind of woman.”

Academic Dean Douglas Brophy and Head of Upper School Michèle Krauthamer joined Brizendine for the presentation of diplomas, which was followed by Brizendine’s closing remarks. In a thematic crescendo, she praised the members of the Class of 2016 for their autonomy and authenticity, describing them as “more truth than story; more ‘who I am’ rather than ‘whom you want me to be.’”

Brizendine encouraged each graduate to remain true to this well-noted authenticity. She emphasized the importance of making one’s own decisions and getting to the “Yes.” “This is what I want for you, Class of 2016,” she closed. “I want you to take any of those roads, knowing that the taking is up to you and that the roads, which there are many, can lead you to that powerful, simple, compelling and commanding ‘Yes.’”

View Spence’s College Matriculation List to see where our 2016 graduates will continue their academic endeavors. Congratulations!