June 9, 2001- Antilles School graduated its largest-ever class Friday afternoon – 38 students. Antilles headmaster Mark Marin told family and friends gathered for the outdoor commencement exercises that the Class of 2001 also is the most racially and economically diverse the private school has produced.
The commencement address was given by William H. Gray III, president of the United Negro College Fund. "Always grow in learning," Gray, who also is a Baptist preacher and a former member of Congress, told the students. "You never know where you'll end up or where you're going to be," he said, adding, "You’ll probably end up doing something totally different than you thought, and it will probably be better for you."
Gray praised Antilles School for requiring seniors to perform community service. "The key to great living is to remember that you are connected to other people," he said. "That’s why community service is so important."
This message was echoed by the president of the Antilles board of trustees, Elliott "Mac" Davis, who shared his "Ten Truths about Life" with the graduates. He told the students that great personal satisfaction comes from providing community service. "Be proud of the place you come from," he advised them, "and, in turn, the place you come from will be proud of you."
In his address, the class president and valedictorian, Andrew Luscz, affectionately thanked his parents and the families of other seniors for "making us who we are today."
Luscz, who was awarded a National Merit Scholarship, is headed for Yale University in the fall.
Other students recognized for their academic achievements were the class salutatorian, Jasmin Blak; Caroline Dobrynski, also recipient of a National Merit Scholarship; and Justin Wheatley, who received a National Achievement Scholarship. Twenty-four students, more than half of the class, are members of the National Honor Society.
Next year, if all goes according to plan, Antilles will host commencement exercises in the Knight Center, its multimillion-dollar sports and fitness facility now under construction. The center will accommodate hundreds more people than the outdoor courtyard where ceremonies have been held up until now.
