Celebrating 30th Night

The Class of 2021 celebrated their 30th Night banquet dinner with faculty and program of speakers on April 28.

The banquet was live-streamed and hosted by co-advisors to the Class of 2021 Chief Financial Officer Patrick Booth P’12, ’14 and Assistant Director of Development Beth Bailey P’12, ’16. Head of School Charlie Cahn provided the introduction and Class President Jenna Daly addressed her peers.

Head of School Cahn opened, “Your class has shown remarkable cohesion and resilience as we have endured this sad, frustrating global health pandemic that will be a defining moment in our lifetimes. Fortunately, you and our faculty and staff have been creative and strong, and your educational and personal futures are headed firmly in positive directions.”

He continued, “So as we head into this last part of your time as Suffield students—and as you prepare to head off to the next steps in your awesomely exciting journeys—please take this moment to be positive and kind and to be sources of uplifting inspiration for others. Also, be sure to ask for help along the way when you need it. This is a great sign of strength and confidence.” 

Recounting her Suffield journey Jenna Daly noted, “When I think about my time at Suffield, I think of the word experience. The past four years have been filled with experiences of all types. Each year has brought new friends, memories, and challenges. This year has been like no other, but there are still moments that I will remember forever.”

She added, “When I look back at high school in 5, 10, or 20 years, I want to remember these events to be great memories that complete a fun senior spring. Most of all, I want us to enjoy the time we have left together. Thank you for making the past four years exciting, crazy, and entertaining. Let’s end this year on a high note and celebrate our senior year to the fullest.” 

The last to speak and in closing the night’s remarks, Patrick Booth concluded, “At this point in your lives your family, teachers, and mentors have been trying to help you to learn, make judgments, and create beliefs. My hope for you is that you have been taught to create your own beliefs for yourself.” He furthered, “There are just a couple times in your life when you will experience profound shifts in your own perspective that will singularly and handily change how you think of the world. Let your experiences make you better. Find people who believe in your culture and the world who are looking to make it better. Always be a living expression of kindness. While our lands are far apart our skies remain together.”

One of Suffield’s great traditions, the 30th Night event serves as a time to reflect on and appreciate the remarkable journeys each graduating senior shared while on course to Suffield Academy’s 188th Commencement on May 28.