On the evening of Wednesday, May 21st, our Grade 12s each took the podium to present their high school ‘graduate thesis’, the culmination of their final year of research and writing in the form of the Master Discourse Project (MDP).
To an atrium filled with encouraging peers, families, faculty, and guests, our graduating students spoke with confidence, knowledge, and feeling about a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, linking content from Philosophy, English, and at least one other course.
As well, they each prepared a slide presentation to accompany and illustrate their ideas. Perusing some of the probing questions of their papers gives an idea of the breadth and depth of these young academics’ thought and their analytical skill:
In the science and ethics of moral conscience, how do we both shape and respond to psychopathy?
How does consumerism distract us from the true meaning of life?
What are the ethical implications of integrating AI into creative fields such as interior design?
What are the dangers of relying on external validation for true happiness and fulfillment?
What happens inside the dehumanizing mind, why do we dehumanize others, and how can we prevent ourselves from doing so?
How are our phones reshaping the fabric of human relationships and social behaviour?
In the future of AI, how can we move past human imitation to unlock real innovation?
How does today’s emphasis on instant gratification impact the art of literature as the expression of our humanity?
Thank you first and foremost to our faculty advisors, Dr. Miriam Helmers, English teacher, and Anne Francis, Philosophy teacher, for your support and guidance all throughout the year as we prepared for this highlight of our educational journey.
To Tiffany Zupan, our Director of Academics, thank you for organizing and hosting this special annual evening of erudition and refreshments at Hawthorn. To our panel of judges, Dr. Robin D’Souza, Janet Heidker, and Sandra Nelson, thank you for following up each presentation with open-ended questions and for providing constructive feedback to each presenter in your concluding remarks.
Hawthorn congratulates each one of our Grade 12 students for completing this important milestone on your path to graduation. We were impressed by how the theme of What contributes to – and detracts from – a life well-lived? seemed to percolate throughout this year’s talks, pointing to your cohort’s interest and prowess in thoughtfully asking critical, ethical questions, each in your own unique, eloquent way.
Your obvious skill and formation in public speaking was a joy to witness and we know that it will stand you in good stead as you continue to study, explore, and share ideas beyond Hawthorn. Bravo, girls, and well done!