Good evening and welcome to the St. Paul’s Graduation Ceremony and Celebration!

As I listened to the stories at Tuesday's Baccalaureate Chapel, and reflected on what your teachers have shared with me about this group, one things is abundantly clear:  

Class of 2025, you are resilient, resourceful, and ready.

Ms. Foley recalled your resilience and growth during third grade, when on March 13, 2020, everyone was sent home because of a “little-known” virus. Each morning, she waited to see your faces on Zoom–catching glimpses of pets, bedrooms, siblings, and life at home! Together, you read stories, tackled math problems, gave book presentations, and introduced your stuffies to the group. When Ms. Foley’s wifi cut out you waited patiently for her return–though as Heldana reminded us, hosting responsibilities often fell to one of you, and virtual havoc would ensue.

Weeks stretched into months to the end of the year, and you endured a string of disappointments: no Olympiad, no Overnight, no Class Day. Still, you showed up and persisted. Like the main character, Louis, in The Trumpet of the Swan, you adapted, embraced differences, overcame the difficulties of being apart, and excelled despite the challenges. You found ways to stay connected. You kept your joy–through bike playdates, school in bed, and pretending your internet didn’t work! You showed your collective grit and resilience.

As a class, you have never let anything stand in the way of your passion. You are endlessly resourceful and adaptable. Will’s fishing ingenuity during your DC trip, using gas station snacks for bait, and a chip bag to carry the fish before letting it go - Resourceful! Creating second-grade singing competitions on your self-built blue block stage–songs about toothpaste and dental hygiene–resourceful!

You are more than prepared for high school and beyond. When he joined in 4th grade, JB said he felt valued. Rhys shared that St. Paul’s helped him become a better person. That’s what we’ve seen in all of you: not just academic growth, but transformation of the heart and spirit– a clear sense of who you are. Chapel and blue blocks may have been your first stage, but now, the world will be.

And we –your teachers, families, your village–will always be here, cheering you on. 

You leave St. Paul’s equipped with courage, empathy, imagination, and conviction. You understand your responsibility in a complicated world. In DC, when Jaidan M. respectfully asked a student in a MAGA hat why he wore it—and then shared why it might be hurtful—he wasn’t just standing up. He was inviting dialogue. That’s the kind of leadership and engagement the world needs.

You’ve created space for each other to grow into your authentic voices and complex identities. Bring that same openness to your next communities. Carry your deep knowledge of self and your commitment to justice, empathy, and curiosity. The tools you leave with are key to your liberation and power—to lead with compassion and lean into complexity.

Class of 2025, you are ready. Let your spark burn bright.

As Olivia and Maya reminded us: “Keep your shoes on, kids!”

And know—we’ll always be here to help tie your laces.

Congratulations.