The 151 students in the Charlotte Latin class of 2027 officially kicked off their senior year this morning with Convocation Exercises in Thies Auditorium. With their families, Upper School students and teachers, and Latin administrators all bearing witness, they commemorated the beginning of their final year at Charlotte Latin School.

The program celebrated their collective achievements and individual characters. Margaret Piasecki ’27, President of the class of 2027, complained about the academic caps and gowns that the seniors were required to wear — not just because she found them unflattering, but because they felt like an unfamiliar costume. She told her peers, however, that the outfit denoted “the beginning of our journey as seniors,” and that by the end of the year they would be seeing themselves (and their blue robes) differently.

Head of School Chuck Baldecchi greeted the class, reminding them of how far they had come since Kindergarten and telling them it was their time to step up and lead. “We will blink and it will be May,” he said.

Head of Upper School Tracey Vanneste lauded the academic, athletic, and artistic achievements of the class, but noted that more importantly, the seniors were committed to breaking down social barriers through the Upper School, were “really willing to jump in and try new things,” and were always “wonderfully, unmistakably yourselves.”

Dr. Mason West III, the Director of Student Leadership, delivered a powerful Convocation Address, celebrating and inspiring the best aspects of students’ characters — and pointing out how they manifested the hopes of not only their parents, but the founders of Charlotte Latin School. 

West’s speech had three central charges. First, “Have the courage to be you.” He informed the students of the jaw-dropping statistical improbability of their own genetic makeups, and told them that “the world does not need sameness.” Second, “Have the courage to be curious.” Society was improved not by “predicted answers but probing questions,” he said; “I want you to enter every community and every classroom with stubborn curiosity.” Third, “Have the courage to be just.” After reminding his listeners of the moral basis of the Declaration of Independence, he exhorted them, “What I’m challenging you to do is see deeper than difference and disagreement.” He told seniors that, while striving to live up to these higher values and reach their full potential, they would have the support of everyone else in the room and concluded, “You go build us a better world.”

Sophie Edwards ’27, President of the Student Council, introduced Dr. West; Robert Comly ’28, Treasurer of the Student Council, led the Pledge of Allegiance. In closing remarks, Elyse Glassner ’27, Secretary of the Student Council, urged her peers in the class of 2027 to have gratitude for their lives and loved ones throughout their senior year. “The next few months,” she said, “everything will change.”