Photo Courtesy of Choate Instagram
On Monday, October 21, Choate hosted its annual Matriculation Ceremony for new students. Given the varying circumstances of students induced by the Covid-19 pandemic and the number of students studying remotely this term, only 231 of the 267 new students were able to sign the Matriculation books in person.
A tradition that predates the merging of The Choate School and Rosemary Hall, Matriculation requires new students each year to sign the School Register, pledging themselves to personal growth, integrity, service, and compassion for others. Dean of Students Mr. Mike Velez ’00 explained that the process acts as a welcome for new students joining the Choate community. The event involves remarks from Head of School Dr. Alex Curtis and speeches delivered by the head prefects as well. It aims to act as a more official induction of new students to the School.
Mr. Velez hoped that the administration’s planning for this year’s Matriculation ceremony would ensure that the event keeps in mind not only in-person, but also remote students who are new to Choate. “For our new students, it’s one of those first moments where the meaning of what it means to be part of the Choate community takes root. Matriculation signifies the official entry of a Choate student and what that entails,” he said. “For remote learners, we have a plan in place where students will be able to sign the ledger. We want to make sure that all students have the opportunity [to sign the books], and we have a while to make it happen. ”
Planning for the event involved overcoming several challenges, particularly those presented by social distancing restrictions. Mr. Velez explained that, in the past, all new students “congregated in the chapel at the same time.” This year, third-formers lined up on six-foot markers and signed their forms’ books outdoors on the steps of the Seymour St. John Chapel.
Students appreciated the tradition of the ceremony and were excited to participate in this year’s modified Matriculation. “It seems simple on the surface, but at its core, you can see the deep tradition that runs through,” said new fourth-former Alex Shenouda ’23. “Matriculation is a good way to transition into the school year, and it is also a good way to uphold traditions.”
However, though the Matriculation Ceremony is rooted in tradition, some students felt as though the modifications had taken away from the experience of the event overall. “The pandemic, plus all the distancing rules, stripped away some of the significance,” said Gigi Chen ’24. “Tradition and rules are strange to think about when some people are just trying to stay alive, and so many students aren’t even here to take part.”
Despite these adjustments, Dr. Curtis and the form deans managed to uphold the spirit of the ceremony. The School shared a recording of the ceremony with the Choate community, allowing everyone to hear the remarks of Dr. Curtis and the head prefects.
