Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
On Saturday morning, June 7, the cavernous courts of The Derryfield School Athletic & Wellness Center were filled with over 650 family members, friends, faculty, and staff who had come to celebrate the Class of 2025. Although the weather was soggy, spirits were high as New England Brass sounded the processional march at the 58th annual commencement ceremony.
Head of School Andy Chappell opened the program with an introduction of the 65 students.
“The Class of 2025 has not only distinguished themselves by the world’s standards–winning numerous academic and extracurricular awards, posting impressive grades in their classes, gaining admission to a host of impressive colleges and universities–but for me what is most impressive about this group is who they are as people, how they show up for and support one another.
I hope and trust you will look back on your time here at Derryfield as among the most important, engaging and life-changing experiences of your lives. I hope and trust you will remember the moments of joy as well as the challenges, and you will take from both that there is much joy to be found in this life and that you can do hard things, have difficult conversations, and come up with solutions to those problems. You are leaving this community stronger than you found it, and I have no doubt that you will make the world beyond Derryfield a better place too.”
Next, School President Ipeksu Yucel offered her reflections,
“Seniors, we never thought this day would come, though we hoped for its quick arrival and collectively counted down days and minutes. But now that it’s here, I find myself wishing for just a little more time. Time with parents and families who have been our guiding hands through the last 18 years of life, and without whom we would not be here today. Time with teachers and faculty who challenged us–who have filled our lives not just with facts and information, but a genuine belief in our own abilities. And time with classmates and friends who inspire us. Whose passion, kindness, and tenacity have driven us all to be better individuals. So it is with the deepest sincerity that I thank the community before me, for shaping our lives profoundly and endlessly.”
Dean of Academics, Ryan Tanner-Read, was chosen by the senior class to give the Faculty Address.
Tanner-Read, affectionately known (“against my better judgment”) as RTR, admitted that he was taken aback (“Surely not!”) when informed he had won the vote. When numerous faculty members asked, “What words of wisdom will you share?” Tanner-Read “started to fear that I had nothing to say.” But after much contemplation of speeches delivered at his own commencement ceremonies, and advice offered by jocular fathers at graduation barbeques (“Your high school years are the best of your life”), RTR revealed that he had “something to say” after all.
“Parents, teachers, my friends, parents’ friends, graduation speakers, they all had a lot of advice to impart. I’ll tell you a secret, though. Most of that advice is more about the people giving it than it is about you. So, take the advice that feels right to you and don’t forget it, but let go of the pieces that don’t serve you.
Instead, let your memories tell you what matters. You’ll find that it’s that moment in the senior forum when you suddenly decided that kid you’d found sort annoying since sixth grade was actually pretty cool or the time that you and a friend drove up and down the same street five times in a row because you couldn’t find anything better to do and the strange and actually kind of beautiful conversation you had. You’ll remember those things because they really matter to you.”
After the Senior Singers performed “Seasons of Love,” from the Broadway musical Rent, Alex Benson gave the Commencement Address.
Benson spoke of her own Derryfield experience, which began when she transferred to the school as an 8th grader during the Covid pandemic, and felt “instantly welcomed into the community.” The next year was “the first time I actually saw the smiles and entire faces of my friends and teachers,” and everyone dove into new sports and clubs, and settled into the routine of school. Although the pressures of schoolwork, practices and rehearsals could be “daunting,” she and her classmates learned, “No team thrives with only one standout member.”
Benson observed,
“Now that we’ve grown together, learned together, failed and succeeded on many assignments together – we must move forward separately, as individuals, and go on to our next endeavors and academic pursuits, but keep the advantages of this learned compassion and empathy in the forefront of our minds and in practice throughout our lives.
Wherever we go next, in whatever we choose to pursue, let’s carry that spirit with us— let’s be the people who pause to understand before we act, who build bridges instead of walls, and who never forget that behind every problem is a person and behind every person is a unique story. Together let us build a more thoughtful, connected, and empathetic world.”
Next, Avi Ullal and Andy Dell’Orfano presented the Class Gift, then Gracie Laliberte and Megan Lautieri performed “For Good,” from the musical Wicked.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas by Head of School Andy Chappell and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Susan Rand King presented the diplomas.
Lydia Taylor offered final words of advice,
“As a class, we’ve constantly found new ways to uplift others…as we reflect back, how did these moments make us feel? Some of the words that come to mind may be included, cared for, and that we belonged.
I encourage you to reflect upon who in the Derryfield community has helped you feel seen and understood…I then challenge you to find some time to share how their actions have deeply impacted you.”
