Betsy's Diploma Presentation

Betsy Vogel, the first of this spring's graduates, defended the thesis that she is ready to take on adult responsibilities in the larger world.

A crowd gathers for Betsy's presentation

Her diploma paper outlined a bit of her life before Clearwater, but went into the greatest detail about her experience of Clearwater and outside art and other classes she's taken while enrolled here.

Her presentation style was strong, warm and animated, which is appropriate because her goal is to become an animator.

After her presentation, she responded to a number of questions from the capacity audience with assurance and grace.

Betsy listens to questions

...and responds

She displayed some pieces from her art portfolio, which demonstrated a range of styles and media.

To see more samples and read rest of post, click on the "Read entire post" link.

After her presentation was finished, we all enjoyed yummy reception treats, many of them supplied by Betsy's family. School Meeting members voted unanimously to grant Betsy a Clearwater diploma.

Her most recent painting, which she sees as a metaphor for her launch into the adult world

When I think back to Betsy's first months at Clearwater when she was eleven years old, I am inspired and impressed by the expertise and confidence she has gained because of her hard work, intelligence and empathy. She has much to be proud of, including excellent skills for creating and maintaining satisfying work and personal relationships, as well as for pursuing and accomplishing whatever goals she makes for herself in the coming years. Warm wishes and congratulations, Betsy!

We will publish the full text of her diploma paper in an upcoming blog post.