On Tuesday, May 27, the class of 2014 graduated from Tabor Academy at Tabor’s 136th Commencement Ceremony. One hundred thirty seven students received their diplomas after a splendid farewell at the waterfront.
This ceremony was the 48th and final of Bruce Cobbold’s career. Beginning his position as a Tabor faculty member in 1966, Cobbold has been Tabor’s longest-serving faculty member while filling many roles in the Tabor community. Cobbold served as an administrator, and he concludes his career as the Senior Master. He has been a scholarly classics teacher while directing plays and coaching crew and cross country teams. Cobbold was also the presider of Tabor’s annual Lessons and Carols Ceremony. His mark on the Tabor community has been unparalleled. Due to his extraordinary contribution to the Academy, Cobbold received the honor of speaking at the Baccalaureate ceremony, which took place the night before graduation.
At Commencement, Tabor was fortunate to have Dave McGillivray, director of the Boston Marathon, as the keynote speaker. McGillivray is an athlete, scholar, and philanthropist.
As an athlete, McGillivray is extremely accomplished. He has competed in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship eight-times, earning 14th place overall in his best performance. He has run over 130 marathons and participated in a 24-hour run, a 24-hour bike, and a 24-hour swim. Now, as the director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, he runs the race at night when his work is completed. Additionally, McGillivray has run his age in miles on his birthday each year since he was a child.
McGillivray was the valedictorian of both Medford High School and Merrimack College, and after his academic success he went on to become a major entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded the Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises, Inc. Through DMSE, he assists or directs athletic events internationally and nationally. His work earned him both the Competitor Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award and the Race Director of the Year by Road Race Management and Running Times in 2000.
McGillivray’s many successes have benefitted others, and he has helped raise millions of dollars for charity. One of his most impressive accomplishments was completing a 3,452 mile run across America over a period of 80 days for the Jimmy Fund in 1978. McGillivray is well known locally for his position as director of the Boston Marathon for the past 26 years.
Tabor was fortunate to have him as this year’s commencement speaker. His visit to Tabor was an honor for the community and especially for the graduating class.
The following Tri-Town students are included in the class of 2014:
James Babbitt, Marion;
Holly Francis, Marion;
Jessica Lowe, Marion;
Connor MacLean, Marion;
Andrew Maestas, Marion;
William Saltonstall, Marion;
Kathryn Sudduth, Marion;
Samuel Wakeman, Marion;
Casey Bono, Mattapoisett;
Stephanie Campbell, Mattapoisett;
Carson Coelho, Mattapoisett;
Kelly Kay, Mattapoisett;
Joel Lavoie, Mattapoisett;
Tatum Leclair, Mattapoisett;
Alexandra Dawson, Rochester; and
Stephanie Sheehan, Rochester.
By Julia O’Rourke
