At Charter School, an Affirmation of Doing Right

By C.K. WOLFSON

It was as if the buoyant mood and fellowship at the Martha's
Vineyard Public Charter School's graduation created a force field
that staved off Saturday morning's threatened rain. More than 150
smiling, mingling people gradually made their way across the grass
behind the volleyball court, and handshake by handshake, hug by hug,
ambled into the large white tent.

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At the amplified sound of Green Day's The Time of Your Life,
the Class of 2003 appeared from the school building: Freya Grunden,
Xavier Powers, Kristian Seney, Kerry Sertl and Abraham Stimson.

Instead of mortar boards and black commencement gowns, they wore
wreaths of flowers, pastel and floral print shirts. Instead of forming a
procession, the five graduates strolled to the stage as a group. As the
crowd beamed and applauded, they took their seats in front of a large
drawing made by the school's director of development, Paul
Karasik, depicting them with things that expressed some of their
interests.

As the cameras clicked around her, former board member Betsy McIsaac
commented, "You don't need a wide-angle lens."

As the speeches and various traditions unfolded, the theme that
emerged was one of individual growth and expression, a personalized
celebration of both accomplishment and possibility. The informality
- first-name basis all around, and comments about each
graduate's unique style - had the effect of enhancing the
significance of the ritual.

Charter school director Bob Moore, often mentioning all five by
name, spoke of their collective character as demonstrating "a
quiet, kind humility." He said, "You've taught us how
to serve our community with little or no fanfare. You've been both
leaders and teachers."

Susan Phelps, president of the school's board of trustees,
spoke next, stressing the collaborative practices of the charter school
community. "This class," she declared, "is a real
affirmation that the charter school is doing something right."

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Keynote speaker, assistant director Claudia Ewing, her face beaming
like a proud relative, directed her remarks to the graduates.
"Each of you has left an indelible mark," she said.

She shared one of her childhood experiences: finding a "lucky
rock," a stone with a continuous, contrasting stripe which, she
believed, brought good fortune. Looking into the faces of the graduates,
she told them that each person has "the freedom to give meaning to
things as we choose, and the opportunity to choose how we
respond." She smiled. "Each of your paths is paved with
lucky rocks. Trust the wisdom within you."

One by one, the elementary school classes presented handmade gifts.
The senior class members put wampum pendants around the graduates'
necks, reminding them that according to legend, wampum always brings the
traveler home.

Marsha Winsyrg directed Niole Nelson, Mary Sage Napolitan, Nora
Karasik, Ruby Hoy and Julia MacNelly in the Junior Bell Choir's
perfected version of Pachelbel's Canon and her original
composition, Alleluia.

When the class advisor Lori Shaller stood to present the
graduates' awards, she acknowledged each student's
accomplishments, mentioning their culminating portfolio projects, which
explored broad themes in various disciplines.

Each student in the charter school's third graduating class
began emerging as a clearly defined, singular presence: Kristian with
his computer and creative skills and dedication to community service;
Kerry, her strong family bond and, because of her interest in forensic
medicine, her "Jessica Fletcher" tendencies; Freya, with her
strong sense of justice and passion for stage management; Xavier, the
shy scientist, musician and writer - "You can't always
tell what he's thinking from his expression," and Abraham,
the photographer, writer, Irish fiddler, sailor and "Renaissance
man."

Then it was the graduates' turn to speak.

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Kerry declared, "The words, ‘I can't do it,'
don't exist," adding, "I don't know where
I'd be if I hadn't come to the charter school."

Xavier defined life in general as "one big Blues jam. You
improvise, there are fluctuations in rhythm and melody, and," he
smiled, "sometimes you trip up." He also made a point of
thanking his mentor, Maynard Silva.

Abraham explained that he learned to take responsibility for his
education. "One of the greatest things the Charter School did for
me was to give me a sense of purpose," and he continued, the means
to back it up.

The graduates' gift, which they presented to the school, was
further demonstration of their creativity: a mosiac-covered bird bath,
which they had been working on in secret for weeks.

Three college scholarships, a total of $3,250 for each
graduate's college education, were presented in animated fashion
by Mr. Karasik. Lindsey Henderson, mother of the late Sean Henderson,
handed each a $50 bill for "pocket money."

After Mr. Moore and Mrs. Phelps presented the diplomas, it was
official, and the enthusiastic, overflow crowd responded with a standing
ovation.

While music played, people meandered toward the food-laden reception
area. Youngsters began playing basketball, taking turns on the swings,
turning the empty stage into a dance floor.

Among the people who enjoyed the offerings of salads, fruits and
desserts were Nat and Pam Benjamin - who commented on the high
level of nurturing provided by the school community, and peace activist
Chris Fried, who declared, "This is not a machine that cranks out
kids. It's a loving experience."

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Ursula Ferro, the school's initial, interim director, admitted
the ceremony brought tears to her eyes, "a very powerful and
poignant experience." She said, "It is so wonderful for this
small Island to have this alternative. It's not for everyone, but
it's suited to them and their goals."

Board member Jon Lipsky noted, "It's a shame that every
high school student can't be viewed as an individual. That's
what this school is about. It's a good foundation. You know how to
be a learner."

And a smiling Maynard Silva, who served as Xavier's mentor,
declared, "In most schools they teach regurgitation; here they
teach inspiration."

Mr. Silva's son, Milo, having completed his sophomore year,
offered his first impression of the school. "A breath of fresh
air," he remembered, "a kind of utopian reality."