Western Reserve Academy is excited and proud to announce that Landon Allis ‘23 has been elected by his peers to speak at this year’s Commencement ceremony. Each year, the graduating class participates in a vote to decide who will represent them and their voice. This year, the class of 2023 clearly anticipates hearing from Landon one final time before gathering around the flagpole to together laud the lawn’s wide sweep. 

Even on Reserve’s expansive acreage, Landon is hard to miss. One might see him at the podium leading Morning Meeting, guiding prospective families on tours of campus or performing with the symphonic winds band. Perhaps they will hear him on one of the live streams from his beloved Reserve Sports Network and if not there, in the stands cheering loudly for the Pioneers. When considering the “Reserve experience,” one need not look beyond Landon and how he has made it his own. 

It’s easy to see, then, why this year’s class elected for his representation on the Chapel Lawn next weekend. Landon is proud to represent his class. He shared that he is “honored that [the recognition] was based on who came to mind first” for his classmates. When considering the task of speaking to the expanded Reserve community, he added, “it’s not too often anymore I get nervous talking in public, but this is big… I want to do it right.” He hopes most to contribute positively to a memorable graduation for his peers. 

Nervous, yes; and excited. “When I got the letter,” he laughed, “it was really hard to keep it to myself.” Even now, his grandmother asks each day when this article will be published. 

A four-year student at Reserve, Landon’s hope is that his speech touches those for whom he has become most grateful. Earlier this semester, his Senior Speech implored the community to accept change as life’s only constant. He notes that the class of 2023 has experienced much of it just in their four years here. When asked how he has most seen change in himself as a Pioneer, he offered, “I’ve become much more appreciative of how others affect me and where I am now”—a beautiful sentiment for the matriculating class hoping to affect good in the world. 

Landon’s light is sure to shine bright on the Commencement stage. The very same charisma and joy that earned him this recognition will surely be on display. Head of School Suzanne Walker Buck P '24 commended Landon, recalling, “At the start of his 9th grade year, Landon stood in front of the WRA school community and regaled us with humor while a film crew finished its work. Throughout his time at WRA, Landon has engaged others and shared voice. It is only fitting that his time at WRA is bookended by speaking at graduation." Congratulations again, Landon. We are proud and excited to hear your wisdom.