Besant Hill School of Happy Valley: 71st Commencement

On June 1, the Class of 2019 received their well earned diplomas from Besant Hill School of Happy Valley. The twenty-two students come from Ojai, across California, and seven  countries. All of the graduates completed a rigorous college-preparatory course of study to receive their diplomas.

Surrounded by alumni, family and friends, the graduation festivities began Friday evening with a formal dinner and a Commendation Ceremony, followed by a candlelight moment at sunset in which graduates pass the ‘torch’ to the upcoming senior class of 2020. In traditional Besant Hill fashion, there was music, performed by Music Chair Dave Cosby and Ojai native Emmy H. ‘19, followed by a moment of silence.

Besant Hill School Graduates Will: Think critically and synthesize knowledge, honor their individual strengths and be resilient, engage in their creative and artistic passions, model global citizenship, embody the ideals of environmental activism. As graduates of Besant Hill School, they reflect the school’s Portrait of a Graduate, as outlined by Head of School Portia Johnson ‘00 in her Commencement address.

Former Besant Hill School teacher and administrator David Anderson, was the Commencement Speaker. After being introduced by his former student, Portia Johnson, Anderson addressed the class with advice to last through higher education and beyond. In the spirit of Aun Aprendo: I am still learning, the school’s motto, his speech encouraged graduates to stay hungry in the pursuit of knowledge.

In their individual reflection speeches, graduates shared lessons learned from their time at Besant Hill School, and how they will continue their Aun Aprendo journeys at university and beyond. The Class of 2019 were accepted to 102 institutions and awarded over $2.1million in merit-based aid.

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