KATONAH, N.Y. -- The Harvey School celebrated its commencement with its largest class of 75 seniors, who graduated on Thursday, June 5.
Bedford native Whitney Johnson, the founder and executive director of the not-for-profit Ubuntu Africa, delivered the commencement address, telling the graduates not to let fear keep them from pursuing what their heart calls them to do.
“Following your heart is not easy, it takes courage,” she said. “Run toward the things that scare you. Take risks, try new things, put yourself out there, and be true to yourself.” Johnson founded Ubuntu Africa when she was 21, shortly after graduating from Colorado College in 2006.
Lillian Brouwer of Stamford, Conn., delivered the valedictorian address, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
She urged her classmates to consider “the power that lies deep within each of us” and use that power as fuel to “light our journey in life.”
The following local students received commencement awards:
Photography Prize: Samantha Aloi, Yorktown Heights
Ronald W. Duncan Music Award: Tristan Watson, Pound Ridge and Dante Palminteri, Bedford
John A. Shea Latin Prize: Christian Artuso, Katonah
Japanese Prize: Tristan Watson, Pound Ridge
Mathematics Prize: Carolyn Stark, Katonah
Edward Micola Model UN Award: Harrison Solomon, Bedford
Harvey PA Cavalier Award: Michael Goodkind, Katonah
Lindsley Loring Loyalty Award: Harrison Solomon, Bedford
Founders Honor Cup: Christian Artuso, Katonah