Westminster School Celebrates Class of 2025

On a clear and calm May morning, Westminster School held its 137th graduation ceremony, honoring the achievements and character of the Class of 2025 with tradition, heartfelt speeches and numerous accolades.

 

Head of School Elaine White opened the ceremony by welcoming families, faculty, alumni and friends gathered on the Hill. “This is your day,” White told the graduates. “And we will spend the majority of it doting on you—showering you with love and praising your accomplishments.”

 

White emphasized the importance of gratitude, calling it the “unspoken third word” in the school’s motto, “Grit & Grace.” She recognized veterans in attendance, the contributions of families, and the dedication of faculty and staff in helping students reach this milestone.

 

“We are here because of the love, support and belief of all those behind you,” she said.

Dean of Students Paul Kendall introduced Head Prefect Chip Genung, praising his engaged, forward-thinking leadership and the lasting mark he left on Westminster.

 

In his address, Genung reflected on the class’s journey. “In a few hours, when we all drive off Williams Hill, we will be leaving for the first time not as Westminster students, but as Westminster alumni. We can’t relive it, redo it or retry anything. So instead, let's reflect.” He highlighted how the class had grown individually and collectively, bonded by shared experiences—from chapel talks and student council activities like Slip ’n Slide Kickball to the invaluable guidance of teachers and mentors.

 

Genung spoke fondly of the class's spiritual growth and deepened connections, nurtured through chapel talks that spotlighted vulnerability, humor and wisdom. “With each chapel talk,” he said, “the depth of our understanding of our classmates increased, and so did the impact of each other's lives on our own.” From Max Williams’ reflection on silence to Alex Goodman’s story of resilience, the chapel became a space for shared humanity and insight.

 

“To Mrs. Wos, our class dean—thank you,” he said. “You carried each of our successes and failures as your own.” He concluded by urging his classmates to pause and reflect before leaving the Hill and stepping into the world.

Outstanding Scholar Cindion Huang delivered a poetic and heartfelt address reflecting on memory, growth and the bittersweet beauty of parting.

 

Opening with her love of sunsets, Huang shared how fleeting moments helped her appreciate life’s impermanence. “My love for sunsets,” she said, “has nothing to do with the view itself, but more so with the brief vignette of life I was experiencing and how beautiful yet evanescent our time on this Earth is.”

 

Her address wove personal memories—from evenings in Shanghai to spring dusks on Williams Hill—and reflected on how growth comes from the quiet accumulation of shared experiences: meals in the dining hall, smiles on the Quad and challenges overcome. “Our growth,” she said, “is the coalescence of every smile we give each other, every test we thought we failed but turned out to be more than okay.”

 

She offered a striking metaphor of an apple blossom tree outside Armour bearing both fresh green leaves and withered ones from the past fall. “They peacefully coexist on the same branch,” she said, “just like how the past and the present coexist in our lives.”

 

Rather than mourning what’s ending, Huang urged her classmates to carry their memories forward with gratitude. “The sun that has set at dusk will rise at dawn again,” she said. “We will meet again. Love and live again… So here’s to the Class of 2025—may we live our lives to the fullest, chase our untethered dreams, dare to fail and rise again, and be hopeful that we’ll truly thrive.”

The keynote address was delivered by Moyahoena Ogilvie ’86, managing partner at McCarter & English and longtime Westminster trustee. She is president-elect of the Hartford County Bar Association, serves on the board of Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity and is a member of the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Access to Justice Commission. Ogilvie provides pro bono legal services for children and individuals in need and supports community initiatives including Hartford Youth Scholars and Horizons at Westminster.

 

Ogilvie shared her personal journey from London and New York to Simsbury, recounting the challenges of being the only girl of color in her class and the resilience she built at Westminster. “Mine was not the easiest journey, but I can say that Westy was by far the most transformational phase of my life,” she reflected.

 

She offered graduates four parting lessons:

 

White praised Ogilvie as someone who “embodies Westminster’s core values in thought, word and deed,” and celebrated her role in shaping the school’s commitment to equity and progress.

 

 

Several students were recognized for excellence in academics, leadership and character.

 

The Butler Bowl awarded to a Third former who demonstrates the traits of character and leadership: Lily O’Callaghan

 

The Adams Bowl presented to a Fourth Former who best embodies the qualities of Richard and Barbara Adams, who devoted more than 40 years of service to the school. Barbara served on the faculty from 1995-2011, and Dick served on the faculty from 1970-2013: Nazar Tatus

 

The Wilbraham Bowl given to a Fifth Former who best embodies the qualities of Geoffrey Wilbraham, who gave distinguished service to Westminster from 1958-1994: Tay Tay Leonard

 

Richard K. LeBlond, II Honor Award given to a Sixth former who exemplifies dedication to academics and loyalty to the school: Lucy Wainwright

 

Paul Winship Alumni Book Prize awarded to the Sixth Former who has made an unusual commitment in breadth and depth to school programs and activities: Alex Goodman

 

Keyes Bowl, recognized as the school’s most prestigious commencement award, presented a Sixth Former who displays loyalty, courage, leadership and humility: Emme Pacheco-Hager

 

 

The ceremony included the presentation of several prestigious awards to faculty members.

 

The newly established Schuster Family Chair for Visual and Performing Arts, endowed by Kathleen and John Schuster, parents of Justin ’19, Sydney ’21, and Taylor ’24, reflects the family’s deep appreciation for the visual and performing arts. The fund supports the salaries and related expenses of the department. Kerry Kendall, head of visual and performing arts department

 

The Swayze Prize is given to a member of the faculty for outstanding contributions to the life of the school: Devonna Hall, dean of community and culture

 

The O’Brien Prize recognizes a faculty member who has been selfless and generous with time and care in the nurture and support of students: Matt Thomsen, fifth form dean and history teacher

 

Two faculty members were recognized for 20 years of service to Westminster. Newell Grant ’99, director of advancement, and Sheryl Pierson, administrative assistant

 

 

Head of School White and Board Chair Renée Lynch Carrel ’84, P’19, ’21, presented diplomas. In her closing remarks, White offered the class two parting gifts: an appreciation for “Saturday” and a piece of her heart. “We arrived together, and we’ve grown together,” she said. “You will always sit in a special spot in my heart.”

 

The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Helen Marshall ’25, president of the John Hay Society. “With the applause quieted, may we celebrate and lift up those around us,” she said. “May we find bliss in our future endeavors and adventures.”

 

Following tradition, graduates passed their diplomas in a circle on the Sixth Form Lawn until they each received their own. Then, one by one, they stepped out of the circle—signifying their official transition to Westminster alumni.