Doug Bland '19 Delivers First Senior Speech
Series continues throughout the school year in Assembly and Chapel
Doug Bland '19 left behind his home in Louisiana as an eighth grader. So the fifth-year senior knows Christ School better than most.
Doug has not only witnessed the transformative effect that the school has had on hundreds of his classmates. He has also lived the process himself, which was the message of the 2018-19 school year's first Senior Speech on Monday morning in Pingree Auditorium.
Doug described his time at Christ School as "smooth, informative, and enlightening," as well as likening the experience to a flower shop. The students are the flowers, he said. Greenie teachers and advisors are the florists, shaping the plants into the best representation of themselves.
"Have the audacity to try something new," Doug told everyone Monday. "Use the resources given to you by the school and get dirty. Don't be afraid to ask for help from people you can trust."
Doug is a Proctor in Gardner House, an honors student, and a valued member of the Greenie cross country and track teams. He was introduced Monday by his advisor, Assistant Headmaster Jeff Miles, as someone who "exemplifies high character," is humble, and rarely complains. Doug's parents, Steve and Juliet, were part of the audience in Pingree.
Senior Speeches are sprinkled throughout Assembly and Chapel from now until the spring.
Father Kirk Brown started the series at Christ School 20 years ago. Every senior is given the option to speak, but it is not required. The boys are encouraged to be sincere, thoughtful, and loving with their message. Those seniors who overcome their nerves and step up to the podium have added incentive, too. They receive their Christ School Coin prior to graduation.
"I believe it's one of the most iconic moments in the Christ School experience," Brown said. "Many schools have senior speeches. In my opinion, what makes it unique here is that his advisor does an introduction."
