From The Heart

Throughout their tenure at Steward, Spartans of all ages have lots of opportunities to practice their public speaking skills, culminating in senior speeches. Each winter, every member of the senior class takes the stage in the Lora M. Robins Theatre and delivers an original speech in front of their peers, teachers, and families. This tradition, which has been with us since the school’s founding, weaves together our core values (innovation, inspiration, care & respect, individuality, academic achievement, and civil discourse) in a project that shines a spotlight on our soon-to-be graduates. 

This year’s speeches were, like the speakers delivering them, one of a kind. Students shared their thoughts on school and family life; challenges and triumphs; lessons learned; and future plans. Their words elicited smiles, laughter, sighs of recognition … and an occasional tear. Watch recordings of all the senior speeches!

Middle School Theatre/Upper School Public Speaking Teacher Susan Sanford and Upper School Curriculum Dean Melissa Freed collaborated to lead seniors through weeks of preparation for their senior speeches.

“The Steward community continually enriches students to support their development of a strong sense of self,” said Ms. Sanford. “Senior speeches are a great example of this. Students choose a topic, draft a speech, edit it over several weeks, and practice, practice, practice! I am so proud of their hard work, and our community is touched by their heartfelt messages.” She added, “My goal is that seniors get to say something about themselves that the audience may not know. This is an opportunity to make their final mark on the school before they leave for college and beyond.”