The Gunston School's 2024 Embarkation Ceremony

[Music] How are you feeling today? I'm really excited.  I'm super excited and uh I love what the school   is doing for the kids, this is a great way to  send them off and make a ceremony of it. Hi my   name is Ildi Watkins and I'm the GPA President.  We have Ben here today who is a freshman,   we have an older son Lucas and he did the  Embarkation two years ago and today it's Ben's   turn. We are super excited for him. It's such  a beautiful and wonderful tradition where the   kids get on a motor boat and go over to Gunston  on the Corsica River. It's so unique, you don't   have anything like this in the whole Washington  DC metropolitan area or even even on the Eastern   Shore. It's just such a wonderful tradition and  really meaningful as the kids arrive to Gunston,   they walk up towards the school and shake hands  with every member of the school community. My advice for the kids today is just take it  easy. I know everybody is excited and maybe a   little nervous. But you all made the right  choice. Gunston is the best school and you   are so lucky to be here today. It is my pleasure  as head of school to welcome you to the 2024-25   school year. I want to give a special shout out  to our new students, faculty, and staff. So all   of us are about to embark on a journey that will  challenge us, inspire us and once again to learn   how to operate an alarm clock. Today, September  3, 2024 marks the beginning of the 114th year   of the Gunston School. We have remained a strong  Community built around a culture of respect and   learning and strong student-teacher relationships.  You inherit this legacy, you sustain this legacy,   and you pass it on. So as we think about the  school year, let me ask and challenge each of   you to embrace every moment whether it's a brain  bending assignment or a heart-to-heart for the   teacher advisor or just the simple pleasure of  being around friends, any of whom will be lifelong   companions. High School years are your time to  grow and to learn and to become the best version   of yourself. So let's make 2024 one for the  history books. My advice: study hard, laugh often,   and take full advantage of everything that this  community has to offer. I look forward to sharing   this journey with you and during all your years  at Gunston. Thank you and welcome back. [applause] And the new year begins! [Music]