My "little one" is graduating from high school this week. Two years ago this bright, independent, 5'1" 98 pound, calculus learning, dreadlocked drummer in two rock and roll bands decided to change her life by leaving the 1,200 student public school she was attending and transfer to a private Vermont school with a total student population of just 87. While the change may have been difficult at first, it was a decision that changed her life. She was good before but now she totally rocks!

An old soul, wise beyond her years, this kid always did well in any avenue she chose to venture down. A gifted artist, she's the one who'll tweak my Pug pics when I'm stuck on perspective or proportion. She takes my pencil, tilts her head to one side, sticks out her tongue just a wee bit and after a brief examination, she makes the changes I just couldn't see. Turn to the dedication page of the Pug At The Beach book and you'll see Zoe nestled in the bird's beak.

Her school, Compass School, handles graduation in a way that's different from most schools. Students must demonstrate  to a panel of adults their readiness to graduate. It's an interesting experience. Below is Compass' principal Eric Rhomburg's tribute to the graduating students along with the senior's remarks about their experience at Compass.

Bravo to all the kids at Compass for doing a fine job! Bravo to the Compass staff for encouraging and guiding these future leaders of the world into their best selves.

"Great Senior Roundtables!— Once again the senior portfolio roundtables proved to be a most extraordinary and inspiring exhibition of the meaning of a Compass education. While simultaneously a demanding test of individual accountability and a celebration of the uniqueness of each student, the senior roundtable has become a powerful rite of passage for Compass seniors and their families. With poise, intelligence, insight, and heart, each student was able to demonstrate his or her readiness for graduation to a panel including family, peers, teachers, board members, and outside community representatives. The portfolio process requires students to show mastery in the Compass learning realms, but it celebrates the unique ways each student has achieved this.  

Here are some reflections in the students’ own words:"

“I have changed drastically, my appearance, my mannerisms, and my attitude.  I was in an environment where speaking up and sometimes disagreeing were encouraged. I stood up straighter; I asserted my place for the first time ever. I was no longer invisible, and I no longer wanted to be.”

“This school taught me the actual smart kid stuff, like how to do calculus and how to write better papers… But what I have learned and experienced at Compass goes beyond just the five realms. I have learned how to define myself, how to make friends, and most importantly how to be confident in the decisions I make.”

“I want to thank you with all of my heart for not giving up on me, and giving me the chance to become a person we can all be proud of.”

“This year I challenged myself.”

“I developed my own style.”

“Since freshman year, I have laughed, cried, learned things I never thought I would, and found interest and even passion in things that were before only a mystery.”

“My senior year surpassed all of my expectations.”

“As I write out a poem, it transforms as I write in a way that is somewhat magical, becoming something new one line at a time. High school has been like that.”

“I have definitely grown in many academic areas. I am able to take good notes, draft papers, organize information, take tests (and pass them). I am confident that I will be ready for college.”

“I don’t expect to stop growing when I leave. The seed has been planted and my roots are now too strong for me to stop.”

“I’ve struggled to get to where I am, and for the first time since I can remember, I’m proud of myself.”

“I’ve changed, I’ve become more rational, emotional, more reasonable, and I hope more intelligent. However the best part of looking back on high school is the simple realization that I haven’t stopped learning and changing.”

“The thing that Compass has most allowed me to do is find my own voice.”