More than 800 members of the Stanford OHS community gathered to celebrate the 2024 Pixel Gathering & Graduation (PGGW) event, held from June 7 to 9 on the Stanford University campus. Composed of a variety of events culminating in the 12th graders’ graduation, the PGGW event is one of the biggest and primary in-person gatherings at OHS.
PGGW opened on Friday with a Carnival event on Stanford University’s Robel Field. OHSers, families, and instructors enjoyed various games and activities, including a dunk tank containing the Head of School Dr. Hoshi, and enjoyed lunch from a range of nearby food trucks.
One group of students and Russian Literature instructor Dr. Hruska sat under the shade and enacted a spontaneous play of Uncle Vanya. Reading the play outside of class and seeing so many people, Dr. Hruska commented, had made a wonderful time – even if there hadn’t been enough scripts for all.
In the late afternoon, while seniors went to the senior-instructor dinner at Traitel Building, some families gathered at Gott’s Roadside. They enjoyed pizzas as they chatted together at tables, a precious memory for OHSers mostly used to online interactions.
Rebecca Ahn (‘25) said: “I thought it was really cool to meet people I’d only seen in classes or Pronto, especially in an informal setting where we were free to mingle. OHSers have such a diverse range of interests, too, so I loved listening to what people were up to over some good burgers.”
On Saturday afternoon, the much-awaited Student Showcase was held at the Traitel Building. Students sang, played musical instruments, and displayed photographs arranged in a slide show. The Robotics Club offered a presentation, and the winners of the annual Poetry Contest read their works. The Middle School promotion, celebrated by 60+ Pixels and their families, was also held at Traitel Building after the Showcase.
But the event high schoolers had been looking forward to the most was undoubtedly the prom party held that evening. Students gathered at Birdie’s, a café on the Stanford Golf Course, dressed in splendid costumes for the year’s theme – LaLaLand. Together they enjoyed dinner, an outdoor dancing floor, snacks including cookies and chocolate brownies, and various card and board games. At the same time, middle schoolers had fun at the Middle School Game Night held at the Traitel Building.
Sunday was the last day of the PGGW and a spotlight moment for OHS seniors. The graduation ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. after a rehearsal in Memorial Auditorium. The Pixelstra Club played “Pomp and Circumstance” onstage as the graduates entered, clad in their caps and gowns. Parents cheered the graduating seniors and listened to the speeches made by Dr. Hoshi, guest speaker Kalee Tock, and student speakers Kabir Gupta and Peter Olmeda.
Olmeda stirred pride in the OHS community by reminding them of the school’s key value and takeaway: “The biggest thing to consider when asking if Stanford OHS was worth it: whom you become as people. For me…I’ve grown to understand myself more.”
After the end of the graduation ceremony, Pixel families hurried to snap photographs of the memorable day and mingled together at the lunch reception. Staff members and instructors were also present to share the last moments of the PGGW ceremony before walking, driving, or flying home.
Celebrating PGGW together is always a great way for OHS members to share and acknowledge school pride. With this year’s events in mind, the school community looks forward to the next round of PGGW days.