After a rainy morning, the clouds cleared, and the sun began to shine just as the Wilkins Hall bell began its 52 rings. The bell signals the 52 graduates of the Class of 2025 to begin their traditional walk over the hill to Morgan Lawn for the start of the School’s 197th Commencement ceremony.
"Thank you for joining us on this glorious morning,” announced Head of School Lance Conrad, Ed.D., opening the milestone ceremony. “The sun has broken just in time for this senior class!”
The ceremony's keynote speaker, Sara Wilson, Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), delivered a powerful address that challenged graduates to embrace their role as future leaders in an uncertain world. Wilson, who has deep connections to the CH-CH community through her work with former faculty member Stephen Christenson, emphasized the unique preparation independent school graduates receive.
"The world you are stepping into needs you, independent, critical thinkers fortified by a courageous spirit and empathy for your fellow human beings," Wilson told the Class of 2025. "Independent schools lead to independent thinkers. Here at CH-CH, one of the school's values is intellectual courage. Courage and independence go hand-in-hand."
She concluded with an inspiring charge: "You are called on to stand strong in what you believe. To reach out to others across lines of difference, seek to understand, and lift others as you climb."
The ceremony featured outstanding addresses from the Salutatorian and Valedictorian, each reflecting on the transformative power of the CH-CH experience.
Salutatorian Camila Lizarbe-Olivares, who earned a four-year full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the QuestBridge National College Match Program, spoke movingly about personal growth and the importance of remaining open to new experiences.
"I truly believe that every interaction and relationship formed with another individual teaches us lessons to improve or change the person we are," Lizarbe-Olivares shared, recounting her journey from a shy 9th-Grade student to a confident graduate. "Keep an open mind to new opportunities, and say yes to that invitation to lunch by that new person you meet, it can only flourish if you let it."
Valedictorian Grayson Gordon focused on the unique environment CH-CH creates for student growth.
"CH-CH as a community takes students from wherever they're at, and helps them become better versions of themselves," Gordon explained. "At CH-CH, the presence of a community that embraces anyone without judgment allows everyone to gain confidence to be themselves."
The ceremony recognized 14 seniors, who displayed gold tasseled cords for their membership in the National Honor Society. The day also included recognition of Bekah LaCoste, Theatre Program Director. LaCoste received this year's Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall Society Prize, awarded for devoted service and extraordinary dedication to students and the school's mission.
Dr. Conrad praised the graduating class for their resilience during challenging years: "Your class fortitude and focus have been most admirable. You, Class of 2025, have demonstrated strong resolve and admirable character."
As the new CH-CH alumni turned their tassels from right to left, Dr. Conrad offered final words of encouragement that captured the day's spirit of optimism and possibility.
"Know that We believe you are worthy and valuable to our society as you commence your journey forward," he told the graduates. "Know that We have confidence in your competence. Know that We value your gifts in so many different directions."
Echoing Lizarbe-Olivares' closing sentiment, Conrad concluded: "Si Se Puede! Yes, you can… and you will."
The ceremony concluded with graduates participating in the traditional faculty receiving line, followed by a celebration on the quad and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Landry Center, the school's newest teaching and learning space. See the full photo albums from the Class of 2025 Commencement on Flickr.
Nathaniel Aharonian
David Aizenberg
Sarah Rose Antonetti
Max Baern
Ava Carley
Walden Clavenna
Eleanor Costantino
Calvin de Winter
Nathaniel Dodge
Alice Fleming
Grayson Gordon
Olivia Rachel Gordon
Cole Hitter
Anastasia Hodge
Jaylin Johnson
Senai Kahsai
Matthew Karugaba
Adomas Klinga
Alice Kokoszka
Duc Anh Le
Camila Lizarbe-Olivares
John Logan
Delilah Juanita Lopez
Comet Grey Lore
Scout Rose Lowry
Harold Xavier Marsh
Sam Matloff
Zane McConathy
Aidan Meier
Katharine Inge Mercier
Alix Moody
Olivia Jean Oakes
Samuel Pacheco
Ally Palmer
Alexander Thomas Panos
Clara Park
Jaime Perales Lopez
Cyrus Perkins
Gemma Pike
Tobias Rynne Rybicki
Rya Saint Germain
Daniela Agnese Scalmana
Brooke Schurman
Molly Stephan
Jared Swartz
Mariia Tarasenko
Cami Telemaque
Zoe Theodorou
Isis Aymara Ticona Johnson
Anna Webster
Xaivien James-Cadet Witherspoon
Tingxuan Ye