“A World of Possibilities” was the theme for Girls Preparatory School’s annual May Day ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, and as the members of the Class of 2008 were presented on the Smith Courtyard lawn, it was easy to imagine the possibilities that lay before the graduating class. Dressed in colorful long dresses and carrying single or full bouquets of spring flowers, many seniors also carried a ribbon in memory of their classmate, Palmer Griffin, who passed away in 2007.
The senior presentation and promenade preceded the arrival of the May Queen and her court. Caitlin McAloon reigned as the 2008 GPS May Queen. Her Maid of Honor was Catie Lester, and members of the Court were Jamie Holstine, Amelia Morgan, Stephanie Ryals, and Hannah Shadrick. The selection of the court by the senior class is based on the following description: We believe that our May Queen and Court should be representatives of the Senior Class in the highest sense. They should be gracious, friendly and loyal to friends and to GPS. They should be actively and enthusiastically involved in the life of GPS, eager to give of their time and their talents. They should stand for the highest ideals in character and integrity. They should be respected and admired by fellow schoolmates and faculty alike.
After the presentation of the seniors, the pageant continued with dances featuring seventh, eighth, and upper school dance clubs, as well as sophomore and junior members of Terpsichord. In keeping with the global theme, the dances were choreographed to songs and music representing African nations, China, Austria, Spain, and Greece. The traditional winding of the blue, yellow, and pink May Poles by members of the sophomore class and the singing of the Alma Mater concluded the event.
Members of the May Day Committee, seniors chosen to help coordinate the event, were Elizabeth Russell, chair; Courtney Alexander, co-chair; Mia Aoki, Casey Caldwell, Christen Chambers, Kamri Chester, Sarah Galphin, Janell Jackson, Carmen Patty, Callie Sholl, Gabrielle Sobel, and Megan Wagner.
Co-directors of this year’s pageant were GPS faculty members Erin Oliver and Cathie Kasch, assisted by Sonya Steele and Tracie Durham. Watch a video of May Day on the Times Free Press online site.