Class of 2011 Says Goodbye to CHA

Yesterday, Chestnut Hill Academy held commencement exercises for the Class of 2011.

“The class of 2011 is a perfect example of why we who teach do what we do.” These were the opening remarks from Headmaster Francis P. Steel Jr. (Class of ’77).

The class, consisting of 53 students, is quite impressive. It is comprised of eleven Cum Laude inductees, two National Merit Scholarship award winners, two All-American athletes, six students who will go on to play Division One athletics and many students who were accepted and awarded scholarships to various well-known colleges.

Steel spoke proudly and fondly of the class, asserting that the boys embody the important values of personal strength, loving family and serving others. He also noted how he thinks they are one of the funniest classes to pass through the halls of CHA.

He told the tale of their senior prank. A majority of the class arrived to school very early one day towards the end of the year with the idea of having a beach party in the library of Springside, their sister school. Unfortunately, the security guards of Springside thwarted their plan. The boys pressed on and set up a moon bounce in the gymnasium of CHA. Steel stated that this moment will be memorable for all of them. Not only was it fun, but also it was one of the last things they did together as a class.

The class of 2011 is a special one not only because of its accomplishments and sense of humor, but also because it is the last class graduating from CHA as it stands now. The Academy will merge with Springside and be renamed for next year.

After Steel gave his welcoming remarks, graduates C. Griffin Horter and Daniel A. DiIulio, national merit scholars, cum laude inductees, and AP scholars, gave speeches to send their class off on the right foot.  Horter’s speech focused on the power of memories and bonds. He noted how a memory as simple as “playing intergalactic space battles in the school yard” will live on forever. The bonds they have created are life long and Horter believes these bonds are what make CHA what it is today.

DiIulio reinforced important lessons they had learned over the years such as, “success is relative, not absolute” and “the point of our years is to develop into the men we have the potential to be.” DiIulio also spoke of the diversity of the school and how all the boys are encouraged to be their own persons.

Both Horter and DiIulio were recipients of prestigious awards. Horter was awarded the Gilbert Haven Fall Memorial Scholarship Award, named for Gilbert Fall, a long-time faculty member who was headmaster from 1930-1936. It recognizes academic excellence, citizenship and general promise. DiIulio was awarded the Alumni Gold Medal, which is given in memory of Chestnut Hill Academy alumni who have lost their lives fighting for their country. It recognizes a student who best exemplifies the characteristics of leadership, academic standing, character, and service.

The ceremony was held outside in the school’s courtyard. About halfway through the presentation of diplomas, the clouds looming overheard let loose a downpour. Graduates and guests were ushered into the gymnasium to finish the ceremony. When all graduates received their diplomas, their mothers were asked to come forward to escort their sons out of the gymnasium and into their futures, a touching end to the big day.

Despite the sudden rain, the commencement served as a tribute and send-off for the Class of 2011. The students felt bittersweet that their time at CHA is ending, but ready to move forward. In Horter's words, “We’re the Class of 2011 and boy does it feel good.”