Class of 2019 says goodbye in Senior Chapel
This annual Rabun Gap tradition gives time for seniors to reflect on their time at Rabun Gap.
Members of the Class of 2019 said their final goodbyes to high school during Senior Chapel on at the Rearden Theater.
Senior Chapel is a Rabun Gap tradition where the faculty and Upper School students come together to send off the graduating class. Held on the last official day of class for seniors, this chapel gave the Class of 2019 a space to reflect on their time at Rabun Gap and say final goodbyes to their peers. The chapel opened with the special tradition of our faculty and staff members with children in the Class of 2019 lighting the opening candle.
Five seniors reflected on their Rabun Gap experiences and gave speeches of gratitude for there years spent as students here.
For Nong Camelo, the friendships made at Rabun Gap hold a special place in his heart
“The connections that I made here, I know they will have a lasting impression on my life. My closest friends here became more than just that - they are family,” he said.
Katie Cox reminisced about growing up on campus as a faculty child and recalled fond memories of Middle School and finding her voice as an Upper School student.
“I met some of the best people and made some of the best memories,” she said.
Trevonya Pinder talked about coming to Rabun Gap from the Bahamas and what living in a global community meant for her.
“At Rabun Gap, I was able to discover things beyond the academic world. I hope you are too,” she advised underclassmen.
Andre Silva recalled his first Christmas at Rabun Gap and how the School became a home for him.
“Now it’s time to say goodbye. But we’re all meant to be here. We’re all meant to be here. Rabun Gap will always be our home,” he told his classmates. “No matter what crazy dream you have, had, or will have, this place will always be a part of our dream.”
Finally, Bella Wheeler talked about how Rabun Gap changed her perspective.
“Rabun Gap was the chance to do something with my life. The people, places, and experiences I’ve encountered have all helped shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “I got the opportunity to be a prefect for the most amazing group of girls, I made friendships for a lifetime and learned some hard but necessary lessons about life along the way. Thank you Rabun Gap for everything that you are and everything that you will be.”
There were two performances by members of the senior class. The Gap 8 sang “Lullabye” by Billie Joel and Liam Spoon, Alex Kehoe, and Kacper Kuzimski performed “Growin’ Up” by Bruce Springsteen.
Chapel closed with a congregational blessing and the gifting of Bibles. Each year, the Atlanta Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Guild provides a Bible for each senior. Andre Silva and Gracen Wiggins were presented with commemorative Bibles as recipients of the Alice Lennon Bible Award.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
