Fourteen seniors are playing an integral role in this year's Class Day and Commencement ceremonies, serving as class marshals, historians and orator.
Nine marshals, carrying traditional wooden batons, will lead the senior class to the Green for Commencement and take part in the ceremony. The marshals will also lead the class to the Bema Saturday for Class Day.
Jason Ortiz '03, by virtue of being president of the Class of 2003, automatically serves as head marshal. The other positions are flag bearer, inside marshal, outside marshal and Gauntlet marshal, with two people filling each role.
Joining Ortiz in marshal duties are Amit Anand '03, Leah Wright '03, Oliver Bernstein '03, Mia Yocco '03, Jonathan Hollander '03, Heidi Williams '03, Lauren Foley '03 and James Joun '03.
"The group of marshals is very diverse, not only in terms of our personal characteristics, but also in how we have contributed to Dartmouth," class marshal Amit Anand '03 said.
Anand served as vice president for Student Life in the Student Assembly, president of IMAGO Media and news editor for the Dartmouth Free Press. He will act as one of two flag bearers, carrying the Dartmouth flag.
In addition to the marshals, there are four class historians: Heather Harrington '03, Sheridan Fox '03, Nancy Lai '03 and Scott Rutherford '03. The group will perform a humorous skit at Class Day ceremonies that draws upon the experiences of the Class of 2003 at Dartmouth and what has happened at the College in their four years here.
Class orator Adam Kuhlmann '03 will deliver a speech during Saturday's events in the Bema.
Kuhlmann said "it is a spectacular honor" to be selected as orator.
The Senior Executive Council chooses who the orator, historians and marshals will be. While the specifics of the selection process are confidential, SEC President Olufunmilola Adedokun '03 spoke in general terms about what the council looks for when electing an orator.
"The individual is typically known for his or her writing ability, public speaking or motivational skills."
She said that marshals are "individuals who have been leaders while students on campus and often have left a lasting impression on the class and on Dartmouth."
Wright, who is serving as an inside marshal, commented on her contribution to Dartmouth.
"I hope that I've helped people to think creatively and differently -- outside of their comfort zone," she said. "Maybe I've even inspired people through the work that I've done. Ultimately, it's my belief that if I've made an impact on at least one person at Dartmouth -- even if it's in some small, minute way -- then I've done my job."
Wright took part in such organizations as the Dartmouth Afro-American Society, the Dartmouth Alliance for Children of Color and the Palaeopitus Senior Society. She also was an intern to Susan Wright and the President's House and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
