Spanish teacher Rolando Castellanos was chosen by the class of 2025 as the speaker for this year’s commencement. Three weeks before the big day, he was on the sixth draft of his speech.
To be selected? “It is an honor,” he said. The writing? A big deal.
“I am supposed to give a message of closing in their high school career, but also looking into the future as an individual,” Castellanos said.
Graduation from high school is always a day of tradition, and this ceremony will be no exception: music and flowers, speakers and degrees, family and photos … and cake.
The seniors process onto the lawn to “Morii” composed by alumnae Clea Gaïtas Sur (’22) and performed by orchestra director Almut Engelhardt and choir director Tim Kraack.
After a welcome from Head of School Luis Ottley, a few words are offered from the Board of Trustees and Alumni/ae Association, but the longer speeches are unique for the class. Student speakers are Serene Kalugdan and Cerena Karmaliani, whose submitted draft speeches won the vote of the selection committee.
Karmaliani said that, in her speech, “I kind of talk about some life lessons I’ve been taught.” Kalugdan shared no details about her speech before the event.
Seniors in choir choose a song to perform. This year’s selection, “Homeward Bound” by Marta Keen will be sung live by the ensemble.
It’s always good when the weather agrees with the day: not too hot, low to no chance of rain, but the facilities staff plans for both, setting up chairs in and outside, as well as wiring for recording and sound.
The hope is always for a ceremony hosted on the north lawn. In case of overflow, there is indoor seating in the Driscoll Commons as well as the gym, where the ceremony will be live-streamed.
If there is rain, the event is held in the Huss auditorium, where each senior household is offered up to six tickets in the auditorium itself due to limited seating, with faculty and guests seated in overflow spaces.
For graduates, the dress code limits colors but not expression: seniors wear blue, white, khaki or light cream. Clothing options include blazers, dress shirts, dress pants, knee-length or longer dresses with straps or sleeves and blouses. Ties are allowed in any color as well as school-appropriate designs. Lastly, a blue, white or cream sweater can be placed on the graduate’s chair.
In the final recession, seniors walk through a tunnel of applauding faculty to the song “Waltzing Together” composed by Rylan Hefner (’21). There is a brief reception in the Redleaf Commons and Lilly Courtyard after the ceremony.
The Class of 2025 commencement is at 4 p.m. on June 8, with seating opening at 2:30 p.m. All seniors must arrive by 2:45 p.m. for photos.
With additional reporting by Wynter Feiner.
