“The obvious thing to focus on would be the election, right? Yes? No? The adults are all ‘No.’ The students are like, ‘An election, what election? There was nothing about an election on TikTok rizz party. What are you on about?’” joked beloved English teacher Giles Scott in his Convocation speech Friday, Sept. 20, in the outdoor amphitheater.
Scott was chosen by the senior class to deliver an address to the entire Branson community, including senior parents, at the annual ceremony.
While in previous years, Head of School Chris Mazzola has spoken, having a new speaker this year made the occasion especially noteworthy.
Dean of Student Life Whitney Livermore said, “[Scott] created a certain vibe with the humor of his speech,” while Tom Lardner ‘25 said, “Scott’s speech this year made this year’s Convocation really special. He went out of his shell.”
Convocation has been occurring sporadically for over 40 years now but has been an annual tradition only in the past 10. Convocation is a day to celebrate the newly anointed senior class, to learn from or be entertained by speakers, readings and performances, to dress up and to bask in the love of the Branson community.
“Before Convocation I did not feel like a senior, but after Convocation I felt more like a senior than ever. The day brings those feelings out of you,” Lardner said.
Performances by numerous music classes intersperse the readings and speeches during Convocation including those by Rock Band, Jazz Band and Chamber Singers. A key part of the ceremony, these performances are a crowd favorite, and a break from the focus demanded from speeches and readings.
Of the musical performances, Livermore said, “At other schools it’s classical music. But since [Jaimeo Brown] has been here it has become less stuffy in a really joyful way … This year there was an incredible vibe with a joyful speech and joyful music.”
Rock Band sang two songs, “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men and “More Than a Feeling” by Boston, whose popularity stirred the crowd. The ceremony concluded with “Home” by Phillip Phillips, sung by Chamber Singers.
The atmosphere of Convocation is summed up by Karis Crabill ‘25: “Convocation is a super welcoming day because it’s at the beginning of the year. There are a bunch of smiling faces. It sets the tone for the year.”
