For our 2024 Seniors who Taught Us to 

“Smile and Shine On” 

by Angela Repke, Senior Advisor | Leelanau Learning Specialist

I recently took a trip to a local restaurant with a few students, and as we drove through the twists and turns back to campus, the hemlocks stood tall. One of the students, valedictorian Sophie Schwartz, said, “This is my favorite thing in the world— when the sun peeks through the trees.” And honestly, what our 2024 graduates may or may not realize is that they’ve exhibited this very act throughout the entire school year. Instead of the sun beaming through trees, though, they acted as mentors, kindness-givers, and peacemakers within our whole community. Their rays beamed when the sun did not. So, with overflowing gratitude to the seniors, we most certainly had a memorable year. 

As the final semester neared the end and the memories started piling up, I kept thinking about the famous song by the Youngbloods, “Get Together.” It’s as if the seniors memorized the chorus because they most certainly lived its actions throughout the school year. The chorus sings…

  “You hold the key to love and fear
  All in your trembling hand 
  Just one key unlocks them both
  It's there at your command
  Come on, people, now
  Smile on your brother 
  Everybody get together 
  Try to love one another right now.”

You see, our seniors know that love and fear lie within all of us. And living in a boarding school community, you get teenagers from all different walks of life. So, students have a choice–you either lead with fear when approaching a conflict–or love. For the most part, our seniors chose love. Sure, there were bumps along the way, but they led our campus so that we would come together instead of unraveling. Emma Perez showed wisdom when she said, “Going to this school has taught me how to listen.” Emma and the rest of the seniors understand that listening to others is the key that unlocks the true magic of togetherness. 

And this group of seniors certainly needed to start this year listening to one another when a once-in-a-lifetime rainstorm thundered down upon them as they set out for South Manitou Island in the fall. On this trip, soggy and full of love, they made a pact–to do their best to live the year united. They showed immense resilience and inspired everyone here on campus when they returned smiling. Thanks to their pact, the rest of the year was filled with successes, failures, and resilience.

One place the seniors succeeded was right within their dorms. These young men led with a desire for unity. Nathaniel, David, TJ, and Will, along with the help from Jess Fales and Chris Lipscomb, steered the often raucous Kindel House with a much more chill demeanor. Nightly, they would watch movies and play video games together in the common room–while petting Jess’ dogs, Gimli and Pippin. This camaraderie trickled into daily life on campus. They made it easy for people to simply be themselves, and there’s simply no greater gift than that. 

Pinebrook hosted a similar atmosphere this year, with the girls leading with kindness and curiosity. Sara, Sophie, Anna, Emma, and Grace (with the help of Amy and Katherine) demonstrated a passion for learning and the natural world. Their separate hobbies like photography, jewelry-making, music, environmental causes, and more oozed out of them and into Pinebrook. Their intense curiosity for life was contagious, spreading into the hearts of the underclassmen. Aside from their interests, though, they exhibited a curiosity for each other. Led by our 2024 Charles Shinn Awardee, Sara House, these young women would take the time to get to know each other–and unlikely friendships formed. Late-night chats spilled into the day, and forever bonds were woven. 

This year ended a bit how it started–with the seniors showing resilience and their bonds staying tight. Their big trip to North Manitou Island was canceled because the dock wasn’t quite ready. Next, their South Manitou trip was canceled because the storms were too wild for the ferry to take off. So, with Plan C in mind, they ventured off to Pigeon River, where their rafting trip was, you guessed it, canceled. While disappointed, they didn’t allow themselves to sit in a negative mindset. They did what they did best, and that’s make the most of it–together. 

So, yes, when it came down to it, the seniors acted out the words The Youngbloods sang. They taught us that it’s easier to just “Get Together” by letting love lead. They sprinkled sunshine through the tall pines, providing hope for the students and staff alike, hoping we’ll all continue to “Smile and Shine On” even after they’re gone.