Jack Knott ’20 jumped at the chance to be a tone-setter. And with all eyes on him Tuesday, the Prefect from Cuningham House was fearless in giving the first Senior Speech of the 2019-20 school year.
“Opportunity” prevailed as the theme of Jack’s talk in St. Joseph’s Chapel. During his four years at Christ School, Jack said he has learned and lived the true definition of opportunity – “a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.”
Jack is an athlete, actively involved in multiple clubs, and now a Senior Leader in Cuningham, the same dorm he moved into as a freshman. That first year as a Greenie did not start the way Jack had planned, but an attitude adjustment following Christmas Break made all the difference. The senior from Bald Head Island, N.C., was described Tuesday by advisor Les Thornbury as “a model of composure and steadfastness.”
“You will be presented with many sets of circumstances during your time here at Christ School. It’s how you react to these and what you choose to do with your time that will define your time here,” Jack said.
“A crazy set of circumstances made a big change possible. It changed my outlook and I began to understand that I was being presented with opportunities here that I would not be presented with at home. I encourage you not to take your time here for granted. Seize the opportunities. I would do anything to be able go back in time and tell that 5-foot, 6-inch, 95-pound freshman to change his state of mind and explore Christ School’s opportunities. To all of you eighth and ninth graders, and all new students really, just go out and be a part of something. Seize the opportunities. I promise it will make your experience here that much better.”
Christ School’s Senior Speech series began in 2003. Every speaker volunteers to take the podium, and their message is encouraged to be sincere, thoughtful, and loving. As with Jack, this often involves sharing knowledge gained as a Greenie that can be passed down.
Father John Roberts will oversee the Senior Speech series this school year and handled Tuesday’s introduction for Jack and Mr. Thornbury. “I applaud the courage of (Jack), who is ready to set the example for what is such a fantastic tradition that we have here. It is an amazing tradition that has carried on.” Father Roberts said.
Jack and 70 other seniors will receive their green blazers on Wednesday. Graduation Day for Christ School’s Class of 2020 is May 17, 2020.