Video: Graduation at the Harvey School

Sixty-three students graduated from high school in an airy white tent on a breezy Thursday morning on the lawn of the Harvey School in Katonah, including Brookfielder Eric Brazil. The sounds of bagpiper Jonathan Henken’s “Earl of Mansfield” signaled the procession of the Class of 2011.

The graduates, from across Westchester County and Connecticut, were celebrated through song, speeches and awards. Jay S. Walker, founder of priceline.com, gave the commencement address and told students that they become what they imagine.

"Imagination is the most useful tool you can possess," said Walker. "There are no courses on imagination but it is a value that runs through Harvey. Imagination will be the most important skill — as important as learning to read or write," he said.

Walker said that students should imagine what their future would be like, and start to live in it.

“You can invent your own job or future, you can hire yourself. This is the best economy in history to hire yourself," he said. "You can imagine a life of service to others and new levels of love for family, friends and country. We have faith in you and we pass on to you for a long, and wonderful future.

The school's headmaster, Barry W. Fenstermacher, also addressed the graduates and recognized Walker and his wife, Eileen Walker, for their support. "It is no accident that Harvey's stature has grown since the Walker's joined us. Today we thank them and honor them by formally naming our arts center for the Walker family."

Robert Cook, head of the upper school, Philip Lazzaro, 11th and 12th grade dean, and Elisabeth Visintainer, dean of students, presented special academic, athletic and service awards.

The list of awards and recipients is posted with this story.

In the class valedictory address, Konrad Cullen Testwuide V of Yorktown Heights, told students to commit to excellence.

"The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength or knowledge, but lack of will," said Testwuide. "Committment to excellence — whatever path you take — be committed, be passionate and work hard."

Students cheered each other as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.