Charter School Graduates Two in 2002: Class Praised for Courage,
Fortitude

By ALEXIS TONTI

At a different kind of graduation this weekend, there was no Pomp
and Circumstance, no caps and gowns, no valedictorian and salutatorian.
In a class of two, such distinctions are unnecessary.

Instead, the laurel-crowned graduates of the Martha's Vineyard
Public Charter School opted for a graduation march to John
Lennon's Instant Karma. Not that anyone heard more than the
opening lyrics. When the graduates appeared, they found themselves
marching to the cheers of the more than 100 people in attendance. In a
class of two, everyone knows you.

Seniors Kelly Brown and Corinna McCurdy gracefully accepted their
reception. They sat together facing the audience, smiling, listening, at
times laughing, unsure how to react to so much attention. In a class of
two, there is no blending into the crowd.

But this, ultimately, was a good thing. For the members of the
second graduating class of the charter school, the day was a celebration
of their achievements. Speakers praised the girls for work inside and
outside the classroom, and for their role in shaping the school itself,
now completing its sixth year.

Teacher Lori Shaller spoke most particularly to their successes in
her presentation of the class awards. "In their schooling,"
she said, "they found a learning community of caring and passion
for social and political welfare and change. Both of these beautiful
souls have spent six years together looking outside and within
themselves for the fortitude and courage they will both expand and
strengthen in their work as college students."

Ms. Shaller pointed to Miss Brown's commitment to social
action and her role in founding the school's chapter of Amnesty
International. She also highlighted Miss Brown's human rights
portfolio, a comprehensive project for which she wrote historical
essays, letters for Amnesty and an original Declaration of Rights and
Responsibilities, addressing how human beings should treat each other.
She also praised Miss Brown's juried art exhibition, which
included photography and works in oil, acrylic and charcoal, all on the
theme of balance.

Of Miss McCurdy, Ms. Shaller praised her education portfolio as her
"magnum opus." For the project, Miss McCurdy interviewed
educators, students and parents about progressive education and
reflected upon her own experience, concluding that self-direction is
essential to a healthy education. Ms. Shaller also spoke of Miss
McCurdy's Italian semester abroad, and - perhaps most
remarkable - her solo flight to New Bedford and back.

In his opening remarks, principal Robert Moore had praised the girls
for their intellect, integrity and focus on community. That community
spirit evidenced itself even during the ceremony, in the presentation of
gifts to the graduates. Rather than accepting material items, the girls
had asked that money instead be put toward causes they believed in.

And so, as each class from kindergarten through the high school
presented their gifts, they shared their experiences in fundraising and
named the charities to which they donated their efforts. The younger
grades put money toward the Heifer Fund, and the high school raised
$1,030 for Amnesty International. As one teacher said to the graduates,
"You've showed them that a gift doesn't have to look
like a skateboard. Thank you for teaching them that lesson, for giving
them the experience of thinking globally and acting locally."

Miss Brown and Miss McCurdy spoke as well, trading off in a shared
series of thank yous to teachers, advisors, families and friends. And
then Jean Lythcott, Ph.D., one of the school's founders and now an
associate professor at Stanford University, took the podium for her
commencement address.

"I don't know whether to burst into song or cry,"
she began. "When I asked the girls what I should talk about, they
said, ‘We just want you to be inspirational,' and yet"
- she gestured to the girls - "there's
inspiration enough right here." In her remarks, she reminded the
graduates that they are the architects of their own life, and that even
as they plan for the future, it is their responsibility to make life
important right now, today. She also cautioned them against being too
serious - that sometimes it's just as important to be able
to laugh at yourself - and concluded: "Whatever you do,
don't forget to look for the good, especially when it's hard
to find."

Scholarships and diplomas were then awarded, and at the
ceremony's conclusion, family and friends stayed for a luncheon.

Next year, Miss McCurdy will attend Boston University, where she
hopes to study international relations and philosophy - and maybe
journalism and photojournalism. "I'm in the
Professors' Program," she explained, "which lets you
design your own major."

Miss Brown also hopes to be able to create her own major - she
cites interests in psychology, linguistics and international relations
- though she'll apply for the requisite program only after
she's begun at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Both girls talked about their pride in the school's continuing
success, skirting the issue of their own accomplishments. And while both
girls have that touch of nostalgia, they're mostly excited about
what lies ahead: "I don't really get sad about these
things," Miss McCurdy said. "I know I'm going to see
everyone again. Life always changes. It's all about continuing
forward."