We chat with Kate Logan who, 20 years ago, dropped her robe during her graduation speech and finished speaking completely nude in front of 200 classmates, faculty, parents, family, and friends. Her story went viral around the world in a time well before Facebook and other electronic social media became popular. She was and is still unrepentant. Her act was filled with meaning and principles; values which she demonstrated abundantly when she turned down a large sum of money from Playboy Magazine.

Links to items mentioned in the show:

Photo: Kate Logan

Episode CII

Kate Logan’s Graduation Speech

Long Trail School, Dorset, Vermont, USA

June 13, 1998

Six years ago I began a journey on a road less traveled. Embarking on what would become a journey of growth and knowledge. Beginning to explore the depths of the world in ways I had never before imagined. I have walked a great many miles over the past six years in which I have rounded many corners and climbed many mountains and the journey still continues, offering me indefinite choices and new horizons yet to be discovered. As I prepare myself for my next step forward I call on the lessons of my past to be the teachers and guides for the future.

I have grown to recognize the value of each of the lessons that have presented themselves, and I have grown aware of the possibilities that these lessons have created for me as I currently stand alone ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

I am eternally grateful for the experiences that have pushed me towards a direction of light and truth. Each of the lessons have taken on a sacredness within my heart, where they will remain and continue to guide and teach. Each of these lessons over the past six years have challenged me to become more aware of myself and the world around me.

I have learned the value of stretching myself beyond what is in front of me. I was challenged to open my eyes to see the beauty in the diversity that exists everywhere. I was called upon to open my ears to all voices and to hear each voice with acceptance, respect and equality. I was pushed to live in a community with an open mind and an open heart. To live through my strengths and learn from my fears. I was challenged as an individual to not be conformed by this world, but rather to be conformed by the constant renewing of my mind.

Many teachers have been the roots to these realizations and I am eternally grateful for their support, pushes and understandings. As I stand at the end of this road, I feel a sense of security within myself that each of my teachers have assisted me in discovering.

I am ready to open my wings and encounter the world with optimism, strength and love. My love for my teachers is endless and boundless. They have provided me the chance to fly in a world that walks.

The sun over a distant mountain is rising and I eagerly take the first step to reach the height that the mountain promises, and in order to reach such heights I realize the necessity to live as a free spirit…

(hat comes off and robes falls to the ground)

…without expectations, feeling the limitless directions to open myself completely, to express myself fully as a confident individual-for it is only then, when I am open and free, that truth and wisdom reveal themselves.

Thank you all for all that you have taught me while I was under your instruction. Farewell to you and to the youth that I spent with you. My awakening on the new dawn has spoken and we must part. I came to you to take of your wisdom and have seen that my experience with you has only been a stepping stone, which I have crossed and I continue to move towards the mountain top, recognizing that I am not confined in any way.