{"id":231,"date":"2017-05-31T19:57:11","date_gmt":"2017-05-31T19:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/academic-news\/?p=231"},"modified":"2017-06-13T16:23:50","modified_gmt":"2017-06-13T16:23:50","slug":"13-inducted-into-cum-laude-at-commencement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/academic-news\/2017\/05\/31\/13-inducted-into-cum-laude-at-commencement\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Inducted into Cum Laude Society at Commencement"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"During the Williston Northampton School’s 176th Commencement on May 28, 2017, History and Global studies teacher Peter Gunn led the induction of 13 new members into the Cum Laude Society.<\/p>\n

“Every year the Williston Northampton School community witnesses what can be accomplished by a wonderful mixture of human potential and hard work,” he said. “And we catch a glimpse of a brighter future.\u00a0 We now honor the finest scholars in the class of 2017 with their public induction in to the Williston Northampton chapter of the Cum Laude Society.\u00a0 In electing these scholars to Cum Laude, Williston celebrates their academic accomplishment and, in a broader sense, the fundamental mission of our School.\u00a0 These young people show us what can be accomplished by an academic life inspired with purpose, passion, and integrity.”<\/p>\n

The Cum Laude Society is a national honor society modeled on Phi Beta Kappa. Williston Academy joined the society in 1921. The Northampton School for Girls received its charter in 1951.<\/em>\u00a0 And in 1971 the society granted the merged Williston Northampton School a new charter.\u00a0 Membership into the Cum Laude Society is the highest academic award that the Williston faculty can bestow.<\/p>\n

“All of us gathered here can take inspiration from the three words that form the motto of Cum Laude:\u00a0 Aret\u00e9, meaning excellence; Dik\u00e9, meaning justice; and Tim\u00e9, meaning honor, Gunn said. “Excellence, Justice, and Honor can characterize the life each of us chooses to lead – not just in the classroom, but across our campus, and in the broader world.”<\/p>\n

He continued, “Far more of you have grown into accomplished scholars than we can recognize at this moment.\u00a0 Indeed, for every academic award winner named yesterday and today we faculty know of another one of you who made teaching and learning the best job in the world.\u00a0 You remind us that learning remains a fundamentally progressive, optimistic, and democratic enterprise. We, your faculty, thank all of you for striving to live that life.\u00a0 We try to nurture your curiosity and persistence in the search for truth, beauty, and justice.\u00a0 In turn you teach us \u2013 about language and art, about math and science, about history and philosophy and faith \u2013 and above all, about a love of learning.<\/p>\n

“Moreover, we thank your families.\u00a0 We hope they will enjoy today as a reflection of their influence upon your lives.\u00a0 Indeed, you should remember the words of John Quincy Adams \u2013 “who you are, is where you have been”.\u00a0 Remember to thank all of the people who have helped you both here and beyond these green gates – to grow your roots and your wings.<\/p>\n

“Please consider admission into Cum Laude an invitation to assume stewardship of the truth. True scholars strive to discover greater truth, to work collaboratively, and to put their discoveries into the service of humanity. Knowing you as we do, we are more confident than ever about the future prospect.\u00a0 May you embrace the opportunity to improve an ever-changing world.”<\/p>\n

Gunn called to the stage Cum Laude members inducted in January (see below) and then welcomed the new members, who\u00a0received a membership pin and certificate from President Peter Valine and Vice-President Greg Tuleja:<\/p>\n