Commencement 2025
On the morning of June 6, 2025, students, families, faculty, and alumni gathered under the tent on Soja Field for a joyous celebration of our graduating ninth graders.
Dear Class of 2025
The procession of ninth graders was led to the tent by piper Jesse Ofgang, through a path made by the seventh and eighth graders. Eighth grade marshals, Roberta Craig de Silva and Barrett McLain directed graduates to their seats. Special guests of the ceremony included former Head of School Jody Reilly Soja, and our next Head of School Lisa Sun.
The Reverend Andrew A. Kryzak ’98, Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Stamford, Connecticut, gave the invocation followed by the traditional singing of America the Beautiful, led by Ms. Joanna Seaton and accompanied by Donald Sosin.
Interim Head of School Scott Erickson addressed the class, presented Mountain Cards and other Head of School awards. Then, members of the class of 2025 performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” led by Music Department Chair Ram Miles. Mountain Voices later performed “Count on Me,” directed by Ms. Seaton.
"The graduates of 2025 have taught us what it truly means to be a Falcon. They have worked hard to reach this important milestone in their academic journey. They are smart. They are talented in ways that come to life in classrooms, on stage, in their essays and projects, in “This I Believe” speeches, in sports, in clubs, in the lab, and in fine and performing arts studios. We know they are ready for new challenges and new learning opportunities."
The following prizes were presented:
Mountain Cards: Sergio Reyes Nepomuceno, Mr. Victor Visockis, Mr. Geoff Perkins
Courage to Climb Award: Mr. Charles Brown
Spofford Award: Ms. Ruth Collier
2024 Distinguished Teaching Chair: Ms. Amy Jenkins
Head of School Awards: Justin Lei, Harper Pecchia
McMillen Prize: Macie Blue
Schutte Prize: Damani Gardner
The 2006 Prize: Irene Kim
Rouse Prize: Julia Nuzum
Doolittle Prize: Gabriella Hottenrott
Austen Fox Riggs Prize: Albert Kim
Triangle Prize: Coco Wang
Over the course of the school year, ninth grade students prepare and present a personal narrative, “This I Believe,” to the Upper Campus. Their stories touch on great journeys, personal triumphs, and the pressures of achievement. At the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, the graduating class presented a group “This We Believe.”
“We are a class defined by our energy — lively, curious, open to new ideas, and inclusive of new people. We’ve made the most out of every opportunity, whether it was in one year or eleven. No matter how our different beliefs drive us, we all know that we can’t do it alone."
Dr. Erickson, Dean Of Faculty Alex Hodosy, and Dean of Academics Sarah Breakell presented the graduates with their diplomas. After the ceremony, students bid a bittersweet farewell to their friends and teachers before heading off for the summer and on to their next schools.
Congratulations to our graduates!
