12th Grade Showcase – Thursday
This event for 12th-grade guardians and innovators had laughs, tears, and a finale we’ll never forget.
As part of the Showcase, the 12th graders unveiled their capstone Innovation Studio project, a museum exhibition that promotes or spotlights a social issue, everything from “the pink tax” to hostile architecture to making cities more walkable. Design Museum Everywhere and Gensler Architecture consulted the students throughout the ideation and building process.
After dinner, the night concluded with stirring speeches. Innovators first gave a speech (with a walk-up song of their choosing), and then a staff member gave a speech about that student. There were some really funny, inspiring, and incredibly touching moments.
On the final speech of the night, Alan (one of our awesome Kitchen Services team members) gave Darshan a true send-off. He said that Darshan was one of the few students who spoke to him every day. This past year, Alan and Darshan bonded over their mutual love for the Boston Celtics. He then surprised Darshan with a memorable plaque and a Larry Bird jersey. The crowd went wild. As Ben said, summarizing the dinner, “This was a golden moment. I will never forget this night.”
Graduation – Friday
This is it. The first commencement of what will be many.
15 NEIA 12th graders had their names called, received their diplomas, and moved their tassels from the right side of their cap to the left—confirming their new status as NEIA graduates.
Jane Du, Co-founder & Trustee, said during her address: “Standing here today in the Space for NEIA’s first graduation, I can’t help but think of the driveway outside. The first NEIA admission event took place in the driveway because we were still renovating the building… over these last three years, one by one, passionate educators joined NEIA and made NEIA what we promised to students and parents.”
Hans-Peter Hansen, in the student address, “We are the vanguard 15, the founding class of New England Innovation Academy. We did not just build a school, we built a dream. I’m honored to say that we are passing the dream to the next generation of innovators.”
“Today, these trailblazing graduates pass the torch to the 11th graders,” Tom Woelper, Master of Ceremonies, said. ‘Next year’s seniors will guide the school into its next chapter and evolution. However, today belongs to the class of 2024.”