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The 75 members of the Harvey School Class of 2025 officially became graduates at a moving Commencement ceremony June 5 in Fenstermacher Athletic Center before family, friends, administration, trustees, faculty, and staff. This important event marks a significant milestone in every student’s educational journey as they move on to the next stage of their lives. Processing in to “Earl of Mansfield” played by Pipe Major Jonathan Henken, the members of this year’s graduating class were all smiles, ready for this moment.
“Today is a time to celebrate your accomplishments, to reflect on all you’ve achieved, and to savor this moment,” said Head of School Bill Knauer. “But it is also a time to look forward, to imagine what comes next.” Referencing one of his favorite quotes - “Serendipity demands a certain abandon to circumstance” - Mr. Knauer shared, “It’s a small reminder that even the best-laid plans are often interrupted, and sometimes improved, but what we didn’t see coming. The idea of serendipity isn’t just about luck; it’s about saying open to possibilities. It’s about allowing the unexpected to nudge you in a new direction, and being curious enough to follow,” he said.
Commencement Speaker David Grann P’22, bestselling author and staff writer for The New Yorker, encouraged the seniors to always be open to the path that is unplanned. “As you imagine your future, it is easy to see it as a journey on a predetermined path. This logical story, with everything building toward its inevitable triumphant end,” said Mr. Grann. “Yet the truth is that these quests, and the quests you are all about to begin today, rarely turn out as expected.”
The Class of 2025 valedictorian Daniela Rynott urged her fellow graduates to “remember that every choice you make is a moral decision, including what you choose to look away from,” she said. “One of the most powerful ways to grow that kind of perspective is by stepping into someone’s else’s world, quite literally,” said Daniela. “If you get the chance to study abroad during college, take it, because the world has lessons that no Canvas assignment could ever teach.” In closing, Daniela said, “As we leave these halls and step into the uncertainty of what’s next, may we do so not with fear, but with curiosity. Let us be relentless with pursuit, bold in our convictions, and always open to learning.”
The Upper School Chorus sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Chamber Chorus performed “I’ll Always Remember You.” Seniors were recognized for awards in academics, the arts, and athletics by Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro. Then, the moment came for the seniors to receive their diplomas which they did to a chorus of applause and cheers from the audience. The Class of 2025 then rose to their feet to move their tassels right to left, symbolizing they are indeed graduates of The Harvey School, then tossed their caps up into the air in celebration.
The graduates processed outside to walk down the sidewalk lined by their teachers, a moving tradition that captures their journey from students to beloved Harvey alumni. Congratulations, Harvey Class of 2025! Never stop being your very best in all you do!
