Class of 2023 Welcomed into Harvey Alumni Association

The Class of 2023 attended school on May 24 for an array of senior activities designed specifically for them. First up was the Senior Breakfast hosted by the College Counseling office and the Alumni office, marking the end of their time as Harvey students and welcoming them into the Harvey Alumni family.

Seniors joined us on campus to sign pennants of their college destination and then to enjoy a delicious breakfast with their classmates before stepping outside to take the annual college shirt group photograph in the Quad. Following the photo, seniors gathered in the Study Hall for a presentation featuring guest speaker and Harvey alum Veronica Jean (VJ) Seltzer '09, on-air news reporter for News 12 NY.

VJ shared her story of attending Harvey from grade 6 through grade 12. "I felt and still feel very at home at Harvey," VJ told the senior class. "The small class sizes and the fact that teachers lived on campus helped to give me the confidence I don't think I otherwise would have had," she said. VJ shared clips from her television career following her graduation from Tufts University and Columbia Journalism School and her path to each position, working in several markets across the country before returning home to Westchester County and News 12.

She credited faculty members Mr. Kelly, Mr. Lazzaro, and Ms. Mahony, but also said she doesn't like to name teachers at the exclusion of others. "Every student here, every teacher had an impact on me. Harvey is home, which is why I've stayed connected as an alum," VJ said.

VJ encouraged the newest class of Harvey alums to look around them and note that someone they are looking at might hire them one day, or introduce them to their future spouse or business partner. She also shared that there are a lot of great events for alums and a social network of Harvey Cavaliers so it's easy to stay involved and benefit from connecting with generations of fellow alumni like themselves.

Speakers also included President of the Harvey Alumni Association Lara Casano '95 and Associate Director of Alumni Relations Greg Janos '98, Director of College Counseling Meg Booth, and senior speaker Jordan Latta. Jordan celebrated her fellow graduates, saying, "Class of 2023, we are strong. We made it out of an unprecedented pandemic that changed our academic and social lives for years. I'm so happy to say that everyone in this room made it out of the pandemic not only healthy, but wiser, stronger, and as almost graduates ready for the next chapter no matter what comes our way." 

Jordan encouraged her classmates, adding, "Let's thrive in college. Let's celebrate our success and let's make The Harvey School, our families, and our own selves proud."

Seniors received their official Harvey alumni membership cards and a Harvey blanket to keep them warm as they embark for college to further their education. 

VJ's words resonated for the Class of 2023. "Remember on those days when you aren't feeling so great and feel like your story doesn't matter," she said. "Remember, there's someone out there like me that sees something maybe you don't at that moment and sees what an amazing story you do have. Congratulations!"

Seniors went on to receive their Cavalier yearbooks and then enjoy a senior BBQ served up by the Upper School administration and faculty. Next stop ... Commencement Dinner and Commencement!

Follow The Harvey School on Facebook and Instagram to see all the photos from the end-of-the-year celebrations!