Stepping Boldly, Confidently into the Future
If one wishes to see the value of a Foothill Country Day School education, one need only witness the poise, talent, sincerity, and accomplishment of Foothill eighth graders during their commencement program.
On June 16, 2011, the Foothill Class of 2011 shone, individually and collectively, as they marked the close of their Foothill journey, and their entrance into the world of high school. Meticulously attired in their suits and long white dresses, the graduates sang wistful songs from daily chapels of past, as well as the Class of 1966 student-composed school song “Mustard Seed”; reflected Foothill values of courtesy, responsibility, and concern for others in their commencement speeches; shared poignant and humorous memories of their FCDS experiences in a retrospective skit; reaped honors and awards for academic prowess and honorable character; proudly presented the class gift to their soon-to-be alma mater; and smiled humbly as baby-to-now photos back-dropped the presentation of each diploma.
The ceremony staging centered on the graduates, who sat literally and figuratively center-stage, surrounded by bleachers of 2nd-through-7th-grade counterparts, sharp in their formal Foothill uniforms. Kindergartners and first graders sat below stage right, glimpsing upward at their own far-off future goal. Music filled the event with a professional pianist and percussionist, as well as impressive student piano performances. Touching, indeed, was the stroll each graduate took from stage to audience to present to a single red rose of thanks to proud parents -- hugs and tears filled this portion of the ceremony.
Recognitions beyond the graduates joined in this celebration. The venerable Foothill Country Day School Longevity Pin was presented to each parent whose child had completed a full 9-year tenure. The new 2011-12 class hosts and hostesses were announced -- these students greet all visitors to their classes, explaining the content and aim of the current lesson, and serve a one-year term.
A special recognition came from Board of Trustees President John Holliday, as he 
expressed gratitude, admiration, and godspeed to departing Headmaster Dr. Clint Taylor. Dr. Taylor concluded his two-year interim Headmaster position with the close of the 2010-11 school year, and turned these duties over to new Headmaster Mike Silva on July 1, 2011. On behalf of the entire Foothill Family, Mr. Holliday honored Dr. Taylor for his notable contributions toward upholding the FCDS mission and values during the crucial two-year transition. Mr. Holliday added a personal note, marking Dr. Taylor as a true friend, and comparing his admiration and connection to that with his father. As John had received from his own father, so he presented a watch to Dr. Taylor in tribute to his invaluable service to Foothill. Mr. Holliday also presented the watch box to Dr. Taylor’s grandson, Declan Becher, the designated heir to this tribute watch.
What thoughts might be generated in a visitor to this commencement ceremony? One undoubtedly would marvel at the graduates’ demeanor -- self-confidence without arrogance; pride with humility; stage presence with poise; thoughtfulness, articulation, and promise in speech; and genuine thanks for the value of their Foothill Country Day School educational preparation and experiences. As the students strode from the stage, enjoined with their classmates in voicing “The Happy Wanderer,” the audience stood in honor of 
these young students, their youthful accomplishments, and their promise as they enter high school and the world beyond. Their thoughts? Predictably: “If only all K-8 students could be so fortunate in building academic skills and knowledge, in crafting speech and presence, and in molding notable character.”
