Deerfield-Windsor School says farewell to Class of 2016

ALBANY — Over the weekend, hundreds of Albany-area teenagers entered into adulthood when they received their high school diplomas. Among them were 68 graduates who walked across the stage on Sunday during commencement exercises at Deerfield-Windsor School.

Helena Augenstein held the distinction of Class of 2016 valedictorian, while Arohi Patel was the class salutatorian. As is customary, both took the stage to address the occasion and what it means for their peers moving forward.

Patel’s salutatory, titled “The Wayward Journey,” gave her the opportunity to brag about her class, which has managed to achieve a high acceptance rate to the University of Georgia and included dozens of athletes, many of whom were involved in multiple sports, as well as dozens of others committed to performing arts.

“That is pretty amazing, if I say so myself,” she quipped.

On a more serious note, Patel said Sunday’s occasion demonstrated that the hard work to get there was worth the bumpy road. While graduation is a stepping stone to something bigger, it means leaving behind the people who have helped build them, she said.

“We have all drawn closer as the years have gone on,” she said. “Our high school journey was bumpy to say the least, but we (succeeded).

“My class has accomplished more than I could dream of, and I’m glad to be graduating with the Class of 2016.”

The valedictory from Augenstein, “Where I’m From,” was a time to recall some of the memories she and her classmates have made over the years on field trips, in the senior lounge and by interactions with teachers.

“Regardless of how long we have been in this community, we have grown this class together,” she said.

Hadden Kelley, the senior class president, made a presentation on behalf of the class, which was accepted by Headmaster Dave Davies. The gift was a donation earmarked for the remodeling of Deerfield’s senior lounge.

Davies, who is now entering into his last year as Deerfield’s headmaster, said the 2016 class brings the school’s alumni ranks to 2,525. He recognized two individuals from Deerfield’s Lower School, retiring teacher Paula Woodall and departing Director Cary Stoudenmire.

In his address to the class, Davies wished success and good health. He also wished them discomfort, explaining that such a feeling would give them a drive to succeed.

He made his point by asking them to recall a tough moment with a teacher or coach.

“These were growth opportunities, but they may not have felt that way at the time,” he said.

Alexandra Hall, head of the science department and a member of Deerfield’s Class of 1994, had the task of issuing the faculty challenge after being selected by a majority of the students to speak at the ceremony.

In doing so, she acknowledged her toughness, which she said was not just because she taught a tough subject.

“It was to teach you that hard work pays off,” Hall said.

She went on to encourage the graduates to challenge themselves and to always be honest with themselves, particularly when such actions seem painful.

“I know you are capable of so much, and I am so proud to have been a part of your success,” Hall said. “Congratulations Class of 2016.”

By the numbers, 78 percent of students from the class who applied to the Georgia Institute of Technology were admitted, while 83 percent of those who applied to UGA were admitted. Excluding the HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship, the class accumulated more than $1.6 million in scholarships, officials at Deerfield said.

Of the 68 graduates, 35 had been enrolled at Deerfield since kindergarten or first grade. Eleven are children of Deerfield alumni. There were 24 Beta Club graduates and 33 four-year honor graduates. Augenstein and Emma Marie Goldsmith, the student council president, were STAR students.

School officials said the class includes one National Merit Scholar, one Jefferson Scholar for the University of Virginia, one Chancellor’s Scholar for Vanderbilt University, one Foundation Fellowship Scholar for UGA, two Stamps Leadership Scholars for Georgia Tech, one Presidential Scholar for Samford University, one Bucknell University Dean’s Scholar, one Chancellor’s Scholar for Texas Christian University, one UGA Redcoat Marching Band member, three athletic scholarships and one member of Southern Explosion Dance Team at Georgia Southern University.

Dougherty High School graduation

Dougherty Principal Jeffery Ross said he was pleased by the turnout for Saturday’s graduation, the last of four conducted by the Dougherty County School System, and pointed out the school’s rise in graduation numbers.

“This year, our graduation rate should be around 80 percent, which is a much higher number than last year,” Ross said. “We are seeing increases in End of Course (EOC) scores across the board, and that is due to teaching and instruction. We are starting to get everybody on the same page.

“I think we will see even more improvement in that graduation rate next school year.”

Terry Lewis contributed to this report.