A glimpse inside Hillsdale College's network of classical schools across the country.
At Hillsdale Classical Schools across the country, students write and defend a senior thesis before graduation. The thesis gives students an opportunity to reflect on their education, choose a subject they would like to study more deeply, and then write a substantial paper on that subject. Before graduation, seniors present their theses to their parents,… Continue reading Elizabeth Hughes on her Senior Thesis
"As we leave behind our younger and more vulnerable years, I think a fitting lesson we ought to take with us is this: that life is a beautiful and sacred gift, with tremendous potential for, but no guarantee of, achieving the good. So I urge you, in the way that classical education best teaches us how, to spend it wisely. Spend it well."
We will take with us the words of wisdom we were given by teachers who have taken on Lewis’ charge “not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.” I hope that for each of us, this graduation is not the end of education, but merely a transition. Embracing our spirited nature, let us move on to greater challenges knowing that we’ve begun well.
Each year a member of the faculty who is particularly special to the senior class is invited to give an address at graduation and introduce the Salutatorian and Valedictorian. The Class of 2017's faculty speaker was Mr. Berndt, and this year Mr. Peterson was invited to speak to the Class of 2018.
Valedictory Address by Alexandria Clark, Class of 2018 The following address was delivered at Founders Classical Academy's Second Annual Commencement on May 25, 2018. Welcome all to the graduation ceremony of the class of 2018. I am privileged to be speaking before you today as Valedictorian to honor these fine graduates before we set off… Continue reading Alexandria’s Valedictory Address at Commencement 2018
Salutatory Address by Jessie Loehr, Class of 2018 The following address was delivered at Founders Classical Academy's Second Annual Commencement on May 25, 2018. "Tell me muse of the man of many ways..." These are the first shared words to breach the minds of 45 incoming freshman, who by chance, or coercion, or happy intention,… Continue reading Jessie’s Salutatory Address at Commencement 2018
"Appreciate literary irony, but do not attempt to live ironically. Remain—or become—susceptible to wonder and awe, not for sentimental and anti-intellectual reasons but for reasons quite the reverse. Wonder is to be cultivated because it is the necessary antecedent to all genuine intellectual growth, and essential for an adult life lived intelligently, comprehensively." - Dr. Whalen at Second Annual Commencement Ceremony
One of the best parts of working at a new school is starting traditions that can carry us well into the future. One of my favorite new Founders traditions is the senior sidewalk. The walkway that goes along the side of Sherwood Forest has enough space for all of our current students to write their… Continue reading The Senior Sidewalk
The Classical Classroom 