On the last full day of the St. Albans School of Public Service program, after the "Presidential Debates," it was time for some of the final events of the program: (1) the taking of the formal class photograph; (2) the Final Banquet and Toasts; and (3) the gathering in Gregory Court.
The only disadvantage to taking the final photograph on the final night was that we were missing three students who had to leave before the last Friday -- Will, Maeve, and Spencer. We missed you!
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| The official SPS 2016 Class Photograph |
After the photograph, we gathered for one last time as a full group in the St. Albans Refectory (dining hall) for the Final Banquet. Delicious as the meal was, the best part was the toasts that followed, as the St. Albans School of Public Service Class of 2016 toasted each other and SPS; thanked peers and teachers; and spoke about what the experience had meant to them. We thank them for their candid, warm, funny and kind words. As one SPS '16 student said "I've never had so many important conversations in such a short time." (It also emerged that many of the best conversations took place in the dorm after formal lights out . . . )
Later, after a chance to change out of the formal Banquet attire, the SPS Class of 2016 gathered in Gregory Court for s'mores, selfies, and many, many hugs.
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| George talks to the class |
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| Will K. toasts, complete with water bottle! |
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| Tommy S. was eloquent, as always! |
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| Jalen thanked his classmates for an unforgettable experience |
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| Alexa thanked her peers |
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| Emily against the backdrop of the stained glass windows of the Refectory |
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| Session ending group selfie time! |
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| From left: Nina, Jack W., Emily S., Madeline |
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| From left: Daniel, Morgan, and Tommy |
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| From left: Dillon, Anvesh, Jalen (in front), Mariah (in back), K'Dreunna, and GareAna |
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| Now that's a good hug |
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| Group hug! |
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| Working on a kick line |
