Tuesday night saw Gunnison Memorial Chapel packed with what seemed to be the entirety of the class of 2020 for their 100th Night celebration. Though the night actually marked only 89 nights until graduation, the energy in the building was at 100%. Kylie Clancy ’20, who was there in full force, remarked, “you could feel the energy in the room.”
The evening’s festivities began with an address to the class from Emma Mellman ’20 and Kaylee Converse ’20, both members of the senior class council.
Converse was exceedingly happy with the event. ““The class council spent weeks planning the event and it exceeded our expectations,” she said. “Despite our small class size, we upheld our reputation of being the loudest and most energetic class. Our four student speakers perfectly executed their roles and reminded the class of some iconic memories and jokes from over the years.”
After the welcome address, the Laurentian Singers graciously performed the school’s songs, until the chapel enthusiastically joined in to sing the alma mater.
Tim Reagan ’20 reminded us of the trials and tribulations of freshman year in the first speech of the evening. The crowd reminisced of the days of confusion, discovery, and pub quesadillas for dinner every night.
Next to speak was Meca Gaye-Francis ’20, who told us about the importance of sophomore year. She reminded the crowd how by the end of the year, we came out wiser, stronger, “and ready to go abroad:” a sentiment that was met with cheers from the crowd.
James Lehner ’20 spoke about junior year and lessons learned abroad. His point was vividly illustrated through a detailed anecdote about an unexpected trip to a Japanese spa. He also acknowledged the universal truth that no one wants to admit: “abroad changed me.”
“It was initially nerve wracking, getting up and seeing the entire senior class in front of me, but the energy of the class made the speech a lot easier to deliver,” Lehner reflected.
Finally, Amanda Butterfield spoke of senior year, specifically, the recent renovations in Dana. To celebrate, she read some of her favorite Napkin Notes, most of which were met with cheers. She ended her speech on a high note by inviting the crowd to meet her at the Hoot Owl for Tuesday Blues. “I am happy to report that there were only two open container tickets received! We have made some true progress since freshman year,“ remarked Converse said of the festivities at the Hoot Owl.
The evening was concluded with a slideshow of some favorite memories, accompanied by some classic tunes from freshman year, like everyone’s favorite, “Closer” by the Chainsmokers, which got everyone on their feet, despite protestations from some select faculty members there.
“Naturally, our classmates needed to find an elevated surface (the chapel pews) to stand on to feel the full effect of the song,” said Converse.
The celebration continued over at the Hoot Owl and Despite the intimidating date of graduation and the ‘real world’ looming ever closer, the class of 2020 had plenty to celebrate on their 100th (or 89th) night.