Viewpoint’s Tenth Annual Convocation was a resounding success, highlighting the spirit of optimism and the strong sense of community within our school. This annual gathering brings together nearly the entire student body, from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade, setting a positive and inspiring tone for the academic year ahead.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the event is the formation of a tunnel by the Senior Class for the Kindergarten students to walk through as they enter. This touching tradition symbolizes the unity of the school's diverse student body, emphasizing the role of older students as mentors and leaders for the younger ones.

The event featured several notable speakers, including Head of School Mark McKee, who welcomed the community with a message of optimism and unity. He emphasized the significance of this year’s theme—Optimism—while celebrating the contributions of every member of the Viewpoint family. Mr. McKee also acknowledged the lifers in the Class of 2025 and their connection to the youngest members of the school, the kindergarteners, reinforcing Viewpoint’s commitment to excellence, character, and its "World Ready" promise. Introducing the theme, he stated:

“Optimism is about hopefulness and confidence in the future. It’s believing that tomorrow will be better than today. As we begin this new year, we do so with the conviction that through learning, kindness, and community, we can make a difference in the world.”

Mr. McKee concluded by encouraging students to adopt optimism in every aspect of their lives, urging them to face challenges with hope and determination. He also reinforced the importance of community, reminding everyone that by staying connected, they can build a brighter future both at Viewpoint and beyond. 

Next, the room of nearly 1500 people heard from our Student Body President, Sam Green ’25, who spoke on this year’s theme of optimism. He encouraged the community to focus not only on achieving tangible goals but also on embracing the small, meaningful moments along the way. 

"The process can be just as rewarding as the end goal, and as seniors, we’re starting to realize just how finite our time at Viewpoint really is," said Green. "Let’s embrace optimism by appreciating all the little moments and celebrating the small victories, because those are what we’ll truly remember when we look back.”

In his address, Associate Head of School Bob Bryan embraced optimism as the theme for the school year, underscoring its significance in both learning and life. He described optimism as a powerful source of hope, motivation, and persistence, inspiring us to see the best in ourselves and others.

Following his speech, students from each division shared their reflections on the 2024-25 theme. Two representatives from Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools delivered thoughtful speeches, exploring the role of optimism in their lives and education.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, five Viewpoint staff members received prestigious awards. The Handley Chair of American Studies was awarded to Cisco Dilg, who was praised for his dedication to fostering intellectual inquiry and a love of learning in his students. The William Turner Levy Chair for Inspired Teaching was presented to Carrie Petty, whose passion for teaching math and innovative approaches to student engagement have left a lasting impact. The Excellence in Teaching Awards went to Nick Vacca and Brittany Hall, both of whom were celebrated for their creativity, dedication, and the deep relationships they build with their students. Finally, the Spirit of Viewpoint Award was given to Matthew Powers, recognized for his tireless behind-the-scenes work that keeps the school running smoothly, embodying the very spirit of the school through his resourcefulness and positive attitude.

The Convocation also showcased the talents of the Upper School concert choir, under the direction of Middle and Upper School Choral Teacher Carrie Dietsch, who sang our National Anthem, and a beautiful rendition of “Ripple” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. They concluded the event with a heartfelt rendition of the school's alma mater, leaving the audience filled with a sense of unity and inspiration.

As the school year begins, the spirit of optimism will continue to guide students, teachers, and staff, driving them to achieve new heights and make a positive impact on their community and the world. This Tenth Annual Convocation is a testament to the school's commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, inclusivity, and excellence.