Prize Giving is ever the illustrious occasion – the culmination of the academic year, the School gathers to recognise the achievements of pupils, whilst pausing to acknowledge and honour those who will be departing Cokethorpe as the Summer Term draws to a close.
Alongside our Upper Sixth, this year was also marked by the departure of Headmaster, Mr Ettinger, who concluded his tenure of 23 years in much the same way as he has always led Cokethorpe, with a focus on the pupils, their futures and that of the School’s. His closing address was, unsurprisingly, self-deprecating, glossing over a near quarter century of development and progress. His advice for the departing Upper Sixth was equally uncompromising, challenging them to live the life in front of them and not in the palm of their hand and, staying true to themselves, to always embrace the unknown, rising up to meet its trials.
The Headmaster was preceded by a trilogy of speeches. Outgoing Head of School, Nancy Christensen (Upper Sixth, Swift) spoke of the importance of people and of community to success and the enjoyment of life. This year’s guest speaker was none other than Mr Ettinger’s daughter, Grace, whose own Cokethorpe journey began a few months after her father’s. Grace very much echoed the theme of the day, championing the importance of belonging, whilst reassuring pupils that they do not need to know every turn of the road before them, being well equipped, as they are, for whatever may wait around the bend. Finally, she treated the audience to a few anecdotes about the man behind the title! Our Chair of Governors, Mr Bennett, thanked staff and parents for their support, efforts and commitment over the course of the year, and proffered a vote of thanks on Mr Ettinger for his service to the School.
As we bid farewell to our Upper Sixth, departing staff, and to Mr Ettinger, it is perhaps fitting to echo the words of the closing prayer from Prize Giving as they look to their futures:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Congratulations to all our Prize winners, and heartfelt thanks to you, parents, for your generosity of spirit in celebrating the pupils’ successes so fully and for your unwavering support.
