Victoria Awkward ‘08

Alumni returning for graduation is always a highlight of the year. Victoria was the featured guest speaker at the Class of 2022 graduation on June 9. In her comments to the graduates she noted: “I was nervous to write this speech because I wanted to share something impactful and inspire you to do great things. When I met the eighth graders, my worries were put at ease. I was reminded that you’ve already done amazing things. I was reminded how Atrium School makes the best dreamers.” She warmly reflected on the values she saw in each of the graduating students: excitement and a hunger to learn, the space for true communal care, persistence within everyday tasks paired with wild imaginations, unwavering optimism, and creative thinking. The same values she and her brother developed during their years at Atrium. In closing, Victoria told students, “I cannot wait to work alongside you as future coworkers and change-makers.”

Victoria is the Director of VLA DANCE. The organization is a quickly growing contemporary dance company that is invested in dance as a conduit for communal care and creating freedom for people of all identities. Victoria was recently honored by WBUR as one of The Makers, recognizing Greater Boston artists who create such stunning work that they push their respective mediums forward.