MAGAZINE - Poly Prep Country Day School

CLASS OF 2008 GRADUATES
Join Ranks of Alumni
On May 30, a sun-soaked ceremony inducted
the Class of 2008 as Poly’s newest alumni.
Headmaster David B. Harman began the
proceedings by bidding farewell to the class
of students that began at Poly’s main campus the same
year he did, wishing them well and reminding them that
they are the ones who will determine our future. He
quoted Mary Oliver’s poem “The Summer Day,” which
concludes with the question: “Tell me, what is it you plan
to do / with your one wild and precious life?”
Next, head of Upper School Bud Cox took the stage and
spoke of the class’s knowledge,
understanding, and
empathy, which he said
he had witnessed over
and over in the halls and
classrooms of Poly. He
then introduced senior
speaker Ed McCole ’08,
who thanked his inspiring
teachers and classmates.
“There were days I
didn’t think I’d ever get
out,” McCole said. “And
there were days I didn’t
want to go home because I was having
so much fun. Nothing comes
close to expressing the love I have
for you students out there.”
Retiring Poly Prep teacher,
coach, and senior master Ed
Ruck served as the featured
speaker. The much-revered Ruck, who retired after
40 years at Poly, said he felt that he was graduating with
the class. “Be yourself” he advised. “I know you’ll be
successes in whatever you decide to do.” When Ruck
finished, A Cappella came forward to sing the senior
song. Led by senior soloists, the group performed their
rendition of “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.
The first diploma of the day was awarded to
Michael Kay ’58, a former Poly student who left school
without graduating fifty years ago. He thanked headmaster
Harman for the long-deferred honor. Then
Board of Trustees chairman
Vincent Vigorita
’68 introduced science
teacher—and new senior
master—Paul Raso to do
the honors of handing
out diplomas.
After each student
had processed forward to
receive his or her diploma,
Fernando Bolles ’08
led everyone assembled
in singing the school
song, “Far Down on the
Heights Called Dyker.” When the
song was finished, Harman congratulated
the newest class of Poly
Prep alumni, the Class of 2008.
For more photos of Commencement,
visit www.polyprep.org/
news/gallery.
18 POLY PREP MAGAZINE