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Dear Cooke Students and Families,
The conclusion of the school year, with its spectacular parade of proms, concerts, yearbook signings, spirit tunnels, and field days, is a special time at Cooke—much like it is for schools across the nation. At commencement ceremonies throughout the U.S., students and their families experience that odd juxtaposition of celebration for achievements and enthusiasm for the future tinged with an anticipated nostalgia. Particularly for those attending a beloved school, milestones like graduation can generate bittersweet feelings.
Cooke students in attendance at NYU’s Kimmel Center for University Life, where we gathered for the Transitions Graduation to cheer on the Class of 2024, may have expressed it best: “We’re happy AND sad. This is fun, but we are going to miss our friends!”
We understand, and we feel the same way! From the entire Cooke faculty and administration who had the privilege of participating in the three Cooke graduations held last week, we echo those sentiments wholeheartedly. We will miss you, but we are incredibly excited to see what you do next!
We have literally stood beside you when you discovered the beauty of emeralds at the American Museum of Natural History or managed a client’s pet German Shepard during your internship. We helped you release your newly-emerged butterflies in the garden. We accompanied you when you successfully navigated the MTA transit system and when you got up on a horse at GallopNYC. We were with you when you said your first word in class. After sharing so many life experiences, can you forgive us for taking some pride and partial ownership in your many accomplishments and growing independence? Every one of us is rooting for you and vested in your success.
In her Upper School Commencement address, Associate Head of School Mary Clancy perfectly captured the spirit of the moment:
“You have shown us that you are ready to rise to whatever challenge is in front of you, that you will do so with grace and humility and an impeccable sense of humor and some pretty good dance moves. As you continue to grow and learn and figure the rest of life out—don’t forget, now that we have one, you can always come home.”
(Mary, of course, is referring to our beautiful new building at 1713 Madison.)
As this school year draws to a close, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to each graduate and my deepest appreciation to every student, family member, and faculty/staff member who has contributed to making Cooke a nurturing community of learning and growth.
Wishing you all a rejuvenating summer and looking forward to the adventures that await us in the next academic year.
Warm regards,
Francis Tabone, PhD
Head of School
