For Sylvia Lynch ‘27, this year’s Convocation ceremony had a special significance: her class proceeded behind a banner than she had designed. Used in formal ceremonies throughout the year, the senior class banner serves as the visual identity of each graduating class. “It was such an honor to be asked to make it,” said Lynch. “I feel really proud. It was such a blessing for me to be able to make this and try to represent my class.” 

The senior banner is one of four used at formal ceremonies. While the banners for the three younger classes feature images of iconic Williston vistas created by Carrie Rubinstein ’90, each senior banner is a unique creation, designed by a student artist selected by the visual arts faculty. The tradition dates back to 2013. 

Lynch’s banner features two iconic elements of the Williston campus: Mt. Tom, rising in the background, and the Parents Bridge that connects Sawyer Field to the Academic Quad. “When Ms. Staples asked me to make the banner, I felt a lot of pressure because how do I represent my class with one image? So, I tried the bridge and Mount Tom because I feel like those are symbols of the school, and things that everyone has in common. We all walk over the bridge—it really connects the campus together.” 

Lynch began work on the project at the end of her junior year, collaborating with Williston’s Design Director, Aruna Goldstein, to refine the design. It debuted during Senior Dinner after Convocation and will be used well after the year is over, including at the class of 2027’s future Reunions. 

For Lynch, the project was the culmination of years spent exploring the arts at Williston. She has taken courses ranging from drawing to her current architecture class. “There are so many options on what you can take,” Lynch said. “I took a drawing class, I’m taking architecture right now, and I took AP Studio Art. Within those classes, there is a lot of freedom to try different media and different techniques. It helped me figure out that I like drawing and love watercolor, and how to combine those.”