"The six Bachelors who recited the prize-compositions were perfect in their memory," noted George Birkbeck Hill, an Oxonian who published a book on Harvard life after several months of observation. "Their action--no doubt the result of training--was too monotonous. There was a movement of the hand so unvaried and mechanical that it added nothing to the force of the words."
Stetsko, though she too has been well-trained (members of the Committee on Commencement Parts, including a representative from the American Repertory Theater, have advised the orators) is hoping to move beyond mechanical delivery.
"I'm starting to get a bit nervous about having all those people looking at me, but I tend to deal well with pressure," she says.
As for engaging the audience, Stetsko has a plan: "I intend to be a bit of a ham," she reveals.
If that doesn't work, she says, "I'm just going to make sure to bring my good luck charm with me."