Ellen Motsko of Southwick speaks at Watkinson’s 66th graduation festivities. (Photo submitted)
SOUTHWICK – On June 6 at 10 a.m., 56 students, celebrated Watkinson School’s 66th commencement including Ellen Motsko of Southwick. Despite the white dresses and matching ties, the ceremony was anything but traditional. Watkinson’s mission is to “develop in our students the power to shape their lives and the world around them,” so years ago the administration decided that instead of inviting an outside speaker, it would be more meaningful to have the graduates themselves offer advice and reflections to their peers. Motsko reflected on her experiences at Watkinson- what she learned, loved, and what she will keep with her as she heads off to college and beyond.
Any graduating senior can opt to perform or speak at graduation, but they must go through a long, serious process of draft writing, reflection and practice, attending to deadlines along the way. Senior presentations ranged from heartfelt speeches to songs, to poems and quartets to dance performances.
Watkinson School is Hartford’s oldest independent day school serving students in grades 6-12/PG.
