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Recognition Day honors Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle Class of 2023

by Brett Phelps on 811 views

Photos by Brett Phelps

In a tradition nearly as old as the Institution itself, on Wednesday morning the CLSC Class of 2023 joined the ranks of hundreds of readers who have graduated from the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. In a day steeped in ritual and celebration, the class — named the “Champions of the Page” — accented their white outfits with yellow and blue (chosen to honor the citizens of Ukraine) and their chosen flowers (the sunflower and the cornflower), saw the unveiling of their banner emblazoned with their motto (“Power of the Word”) and shouted out their cheer for the first time: “Class of ‘23, we rush to read!”

  • The CLSC Class of 2023 stand for the traditional class portrait early Wednesday morning on the steps of the Hall of Christ. Eighty-five readers graduated from the CLSC this year.
  • Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle 2023 graduate Kathryn Ressel poses with the class banner after its unveiling.
  • Several Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle graduates brought sunflowers and cornflowers, their class flowers, to their graduation.
  • Gate Keeper Bijou Clinger Miller, right, uses the “READ” ceremonial key to unlock the Golden Gate of Knowledge.
  • Messenger Steven Piper carries the ceremonial key, crafted into the simple missive of “READ,” up the steps to the Hall of Philosophy after he unlocked Golden Gate of Knowledge for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Class of 2023 Wednesday morning.
  • Members of the CLSC Class of 2023 walk through the Golden Gate of Knowledge, through rows of Children’s School students tossing flower petals in welcome.
  • Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle diplomas lay ready for graduates.
  • Denise E. Sager, left, receives her diploma from Chautauqua Institution President Michael E. Hill during the Recognition Day Ceremony Wednesday in the Hall of Philosophy.
  • The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle class of 2023 walks in the parade following their graduation Wednesday.
  • Gate Keeper Bijou Clinger Miller, right, and Messenger Steven Piper lead the parade, followed by the Keepers of the Arches march.
  • Having officially graduated, diplomas in hand, the CLSC Class of 2023 parade through the cheering ranks of the Alumni Association of the CLSC on their way to the Amphitheater.
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The author Brett Phelps

Brett Phelps is a visual journalist from Bardstown, Kentucky. Entering his junior year, Brett studies photojournalism, marketing, data analytics and computer information systems at Western Kentucky University. In his first summer at Chautauqua, Brett looks forward to soaking in all of the culture and knowledge that the season has to bring. In his downtime, he enjoys taking long drives through the country backroads (with the windows down), going on hikes, traveling to new destinations, attending concerts and playing the piano. Brett’s life endeavor: Capturing the celebration of life!

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