More than 130 Lower Campus graduates, eighth-grade students, and teachers attended the 20th annual Pons dinner. An annual tradition, PONS dinner serves as a bridge between middle school and high school, allowing our young alumni and our current students to come together as one group to share their OVS experiences together.
Every year Pons dinner features guest speakers, including a current senior at the Upper Campus and an alum. This year senior Matt Gustafson (L11, U15) spoke to the incoming freshman about what to expect as they move on from the Lower Campus.
“When I transitioned to the Upper Campus I had some anxiety about the many changes and challenges in front of me, but I quickly found out that the transition was really nothing to worry about, especially with the help and support from teachers and friends all around me,” he said. “Bad days have been rare at the Upper Campus, and although school is not always easy, it can be fun if you are willing to be open to new experiences and work hard.”
The support Matt talked about in his speech is apparent in everyday life at both of our campuses. It is obvious that the students care for one another, that they look up to their teachers, and that those teachers share the genuine love and care for their students that their students have for them.
Alum Parker Colborn (L05, U09) reflected on those relationships in his speech as well, and expressed gratitude for the varied experiences he had on both campuses: ”There is something about this school that puts something inside you that doesn’t go away. I’m never going to forget the people here…It’s more than just school. It’s a second family.”
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