Joy, camaraderie and connection
'The joy in the room was palpable — from the graduates, their teachers, college officials and the huge audience of excited family members'
Last Tuesday night (November 26) I attended Mount Scopus Memorial College’s Year 12 graduation ceremony and my heart sang. My grandson was among the 125 graduates, so it was personal, but there was much more to celebrate.
First, full transparency: I am a former Scopus student, graduating in 1972, I loved school and have organised all our class reunions. My three children also attended. I arrived at Scopus in Grade 5 from Lauriston Girls’ School, which I was very sad to leave, but I soon integrated and within days, I had bonded with my best friend to this day and made other lifelong friendships.
Back to last Tuesday night.
The joy in the room was palpable — from the graduates, their teachers, college officials and the huge audience of excited family members.
Yes, there was the usual happy snap video compilation from kindergarten days; an eloquent address by college president Amy Hershan; and a spirited valedictory address by Lior Caplan (also recipient of the Keter Shem Tov – Crown of a Good Name’ Award, voted by his peers.)
And of course there were moments of sadness, as at any post-October 7 event, with moving recitations of prayers for the IDF and hostages. Principal Dan Sztrajt spoke from the heart. He told graduates they faced unprecedented life challenges. They would have to navigate an uncertain new world and hostile university campuses. But their skills, knowledge and resilience developed through their school years would prepare them well.
And so joy reigned supreme.
We often hear, “This was a particularly close and cohesive cohort.” But we didn’t need to be told on this occasion. The camaraderie was obvious.
As each graduate took to the stage to accept their yearbook, accompanied by a teacher’s brief personal snapshot from the podium, we formed a glimpse of the diversity of the Year of 2024. We heard of plans to travel the world with friends; to join an overseas volunteers’ program; to start a tertiary degree. But overriding all the positive words and excitement for the future were the smiles — all-round.
Scopus cops a lot of flak, as does every school, but you can’t deny the camaraderie. Not every former student enjoys enduring friendships with classmates. But for those who do, nothing beats reminiscing about school days or meeting someone you haven’t seen for more than 50 years. And as I have told my grandson (repeatedly), “If you’re lucky, your close school friends will be friends for life. And should you need to reach out to a classmate at any time in your life, the special connection will always be there.”
Mazel tov, Year of 2024 and the Scopus family.
Karen Klein is former managing editor of The AJN.
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