The 2021 high school graduation—it was a special adventure for the nine students at Steinmühle Boarding School who earned their college entrance qualifications this summer. The Abitur, already an exciting journey, was made even more thrilling for this graduating class by COVID-19 and what we might call the “unique challenges of the learning environment.”

And so it’s no surprise that this year’s graduating class has been compared to the nine companions from *The Lord of the Rings*. For as individual and unique as these nine students may be, they are united by their shared journey at Steinmühle. The Steinmühle boarding school as “Elrond’s House”—a safe haven and second home that provides strength and perseverance.

“The mill will always be my home as long as I’m here!”

As is the case every year, in addition to the official presentation of report cards, the graduating boarding students were also treated to a separate farewell ceremony organized by the boarding school and their homeroom teachers, which they attended together with their families. In an idyllic setting on the banks of the Lahn, over brunch and a toast together, each student received their very own personal farewell speech. The occasion served as a reminder of the wonderful moments they shared together: for example, Charles, who couldn’t imagine living anywhere other than the mill during his time here at the boarding school. Like Charles, however, all the high school graduates now face the major challenge of this new chapter in their lives.

Steinmühle Brings People Together—Even Beyond High School

Although the traveling adventurers’ time at the Steinmühle comes to an end here, their hope for a reunion was also expressed in their farewell speeches: “Let us hear from you!”, “You can do it!” and: “I’ll do what I can—no longer as a teacher, but as a colleague and friend.”

The warmth of the relationship between students and teachers was palpable in those moments. “I’m thrilled by these emotional speeches,” says Ms. Kersten, mother of our graduating senior Timo. “I could totally recognize my son, and I’m so proud of him and what he’s accomplished here.”

Roksana Stronzeck expressed how the Steinmühle can continue to be a home even after graduation. With tears in her eyes, the former student—who is currently completing her internship year for her vocational diploma at Blista, a residential group for the visually impaired in Marburg—shared how much she misses her time at the Steinmühle: “I was at the Steinmühle for six years. I knew in advance that I would miss that time. But it’s only when you’re really no longer here that you realize just how much the Steinmühle meant to me.”

Remembrance as a Tradition—The Time Capsule at the Steinmühle

And precisely because these memories of our time together at boarding school can be so wonderful, a new tradition has taken root over the past three years: Graduating seniors receive a metal time capsule in which they can place personal items, letters, and mementos. These time capsules are buried on the Steinmühle grounds and dug up again at the Fall Festival after 10 years. In seven years, the first graduating class will be able to reminisce together at the Fall Festival.

This year’s high school graduates, on the other hand, will have to wait another 10 years. “Whatever,” says graduate Luca Ledro, shrugging it off, “I come back here every year for the Fall Festival anyway.”

Here’s to saying goodbye and to seeing each other again

“What a wonderful farewell!” says Ms. Gorges, mother of graduating senior Kris, “I’m so glad we were able to enjoy this moment one more time with our small boarding school group.” And so, after the official farewell portion of the graduation ceremony, everyone came together to bring their time together to a joyful close. Tears were shed—some out of emotion, some out of happiness, and a few out of sadness and thoughts of parting.

But by the time the Fall Festival rolls around—which we hope will take place again this year—everyone is warmly invited to visit Steinmühle Boarding School once more. Until then, the boarding school community wishes our nine classmates a successful and exciting journey into this new chapter of their lives, filled with happiness, courage, hope, and, of course, good health.