Commencement Eve; The Final Hours Before Graduation

In any given year, you can peek at the schedule for the day before Commencement, and you will find a day filled with moments that are both memorable and necessary for our graduates. From brunch to rehearsals, New Hampton School’s Class of 2025 attends a string of events from morning until night. These events allow the community and graduates to celebrate their achievements, their history at the school, their new status as alumni, and prepare for the grand celebration on Friday morning. What makes each year different are the voices of the students and faculty, learning more about the character of the class, their most cherished memories, and their hopes and values as they prepare to graduate.

Class of 2025 Brick Dedication

For the first of the evening’s events, the class and their guests gather to dedicate the Class of 2025 Bricks. The tradition of the bricks dates back to the 1990s and continues to provide a tangible spot for each class to leave their mark behind. Poised between Pilalas and Meservey Hall, the freshly finished names on the sidewalk offer a place to reflect on each student’s journey.

Head of School Joe Williams opened the ceremony, sharing history on the brick walkways and sitting areas and reflecting on its location. “There is also a sense of sturdiness to your class that is fitting for this location, guarded by Meservey and Pilalas.” The area will be seen daily by students and faculty. While some other classes are discovered in quiet locations around our campus village, this prime location speaks to the boldness of our new graduates. Williams continued, “Today, some of you may still see just bricks because you are understandably focused on being done, but we know from experience that time and perspective will change your view of what these bricks really mean and your connection to this place. They will always be here, serving as the physical representation of your contributions to the New Hampton School community and your piece of a place we hope you always keep close to your heart.”

Two honored students were selected to share remarks with their class and guests: Ben Byrne ’25 and Eva Adams ’25. Adams urged her classmates to fill their final moments with things they’d always wanted to do but hadn’t. “You have to jump in the pond, hang out with your friends, and say thank you to those that have helped you on your journey and formed you into the person you have become.”

Byrne reflected on the class’s place in history, the bricks themselves, and the unity of the great New Hampton community. “Each name engraved here is a permanent reminder that, as Huskies, we do not walk this journey alone. We walk it together—with those who came before us, those who stand with us now, and those who will carry on the Husky tradition in the years to come. As we dedicate these bricks, we dedicate more than stone. We dedicate memories, challenges, growth, relationships, and a lasting reminder that even the smallest acts—like a name carved into clay—can leave a lasting mark in our community.”

Awards Night 2025

The Awards Night ceremony acknowledges the growth of all students in their journey to achievement, personal growth, creativity, and imagination. It’s a night to honor the unified student body. Academic Dean Matt Cahoon offered us wisdom over the celebrations ahead—to remember that New Hampton will always provide a home, safe space, and shelter from the rain when you need it.

Senior Class Co-President Harry Jenkins ’25 then took to the lectern to welcome the community and reflect on his four-year journey at New Hampton School. Jenkins shared a story of discovery as he learned about not only who he was but who he was in the light of learning more about his parents, who are New Hampton alumni. From being challenged to be a tour guide for other legacy families to standing on his own, he found his life at New Hampton was a blank canvas “further helping [him] grow into the shoes [he] once thought were too big.” He continued, “Everyone has this moment of realization, but it is always different. Once you have that moment, however, the seemingly small school in the middle of nowhere becomes a world of endless possibilities and new beginnings.” 

Following the opening, Director of Student Life Scott LeBrun presented the House Citizens of the Year awards. Additionally, Director of Athletics Jamie Arsenault had the annual honor of presenting the athletic awards to underclassmen, seniors, and postgraduates. Erin Walsh ’01, the president of New Hampton School’s Cum Laude Society, recognized the society’s members and presented them with their gold tassels for their Commencement regalia.

In turn, each academic department head shared stories about each recipient and the qualities for which they were selected. Please join us in congratulating the honored students and teachers; the complete listing is available below.

To close Awards Night, senior class co-president Tahlia Peña had the honor of sharing a reflection on her time. Remembering how the seniors and faculty always offered the same advice during her four years, she considered why they always remarked on “soaking it all in” and “taking advantage of New Hampton.” Peña remarked, “I always thought the seniors were just being dramatic about it going by so fast. I would think about what I could do to make the most out of New Hampton, and I never knew exactly how to do that. So I did what every person does…go with the flow and just see where the wind took me.” Along her way, Peña found herself trying new things including theater, and finding the courage to run for senior class president. Calling it the “New Hampton effect,” she notes, “you do things you don’t think you can ever do until you do it.” She left her fellow students who will return to the School this fall with practical and specific advice. From playing ping pong to jumping in the pond, she encouraged them to try it all, take chances, and enjoy it all before graduation day.

As underclassmen retreated to their houses for their year-end celebrations with their housemates—while also packing up the last of their rooms prior to summer break—the Class of 2025 and their families turned their attention to Senior Dinner and Baccalaureate. Now, with just their families and immediate classmates, the evening took on a more sentimental tone.

Baccalaureate

Baccalaureate is held yearly in McEvoy Theater, a familiar home for the school meetings and community nights that have become part of each graduate’s routine. A common practice at many schools, the Baccalaureate program offers the opportunity to express reflections. It is a personal space and a deeply connecting experience filled with heartfelt tales, humorous quips, hopes, and advice. Most of all, it focused on what will be missed and what will be gained in return. Three seniors—Maddie LaCroix, Carter Masterson, and Maddy Isabelle—shared remarks.

Maddie’s speech touched upon self-discovery and finding her inherent worth, filled with gratitude for her teachers, her roommate Drew, and especially Mrs. McMahon. Maddie found that her way to being her best self came from consistent check-ins, caring adults who saw her, and the willingness and readiness to excel as the person she truly could be. Carter humorously reflected on his time growing up on campus and how knowing campus as a freshman didn’t quite play out as he expected when navigating new locations became a challenge. He also experienced difficulties that first fall, and found people like Mr. Morel who helped along the way. He also shared his dream to be a three-sport varsity star, but how, along the way, he found new passions through taking a chance—like commentating on a game. Maddy shared her journey as a legacy Husky and how she discovered that understanding those roots meant a lot more than just being part of a family tradition, as she found a second home and a second family. From gratitude for mentors she didn’t know she was looking for to her unknown behind-the-scenes work as a nametag alphabetizer for her mom in the alumni office, the sense of found family was perhaps the most critical thing she discovered.

“There’s something sacred about loving a place so much that the thought of leaving it brings tears to my eyes. […] But the blessing that New Hampton has provided me with is the feeling of being prepared. We are at the “now what?” moment, and I feel ready. New Hampton has prepared me to walk into this next chapter with no fear, but with purpose.” – Maddy Isabelle ’25

Faculty Insight

Each year, the seniors elect a faculty speaker for the evening. This year, the graduates of 2025 selected Guthrie Little ’18 to address the class and offer insight. Little settled into his speech with a reflection on being selected by the class. His friends and family questioned him about the message he would share, to which he joked back to them, “I have probably learned more from them than they have learned from me.” He realized through his ruminations that instead of sharing wisdom, perhaps the better choice was to “make you all aware of the gifts you already possess and what you can accomplish as a group.” Little notes, “Your ability to learn from each other, approach new people and experiences with open minds, and your willingness to be comfortable with the uncomfortable has not only created a group of incredibly strong individuals, but it has also established an accepting community that truly embodies the values of New Hampton.”

Little went on to share his initial excitement and relatable feelings of doubt when he chose to return to New Hampton School to teach. He wondered if the school had changed in his absence, what it would be like without his friends, and what he would have to offer as a teacher. Ultimately, he found his way to connect in new and fulfilling ways. In the heart of his speech, Little shared the lessons he’s learned along the way from his students.

“You taught me that I don’t need to be in the game to feel the excitement and passion for sports. […] You taught me that Faculty vs Student competitions can be the pinnacle of my week, maybe even my month. […] You taught me that solutions to problems come easier when you rely on those around you. […]You taught me that sometimes the best course of action is to keep following the path you are on.”

Numerous additional examples wove together the colorful story of a class that grew alongside Mr. Little. Perhaps most importantly, he shared, “You taught me how to be a better teacher, a better coach, and a better person. You will be leaving me and New Hampton in a better place than when you arrived, and I will forever be grateful.”

Congratulations to the following students and faculty recognized for their outstanding contributions to New Hampton School.

Cum Laude Society Recognition & Tassel Presentation

Robert (Beau) Jarvis ’25
Adam Rizk ’25

New Inductees:

Kennedy Savannah Walker ’25

Miles Burton Sargent ’25
Harry R. Jenkins V ’25
Emma Elizabeth Garden ’25

Ralph S. O’Connor Excellence in Teaching Prize
Jacob Morel

Joe Plaia Outstanding Athlete Award
Keyshuan Tillery ’25
Kennedy Walker ’25

Golden-Tilton Post-Graduate Award
Jack Roche ’25

Visual Arts Award
Siyue (Jocelyn) Fan ’25

Performing Arts Awards
Miles Sargent ’25

English Department Award
Miles Sargent ’25

History Department Award
Alisa Koroleva ’25

Mathematics Department Award
Robert (Beau) Jarvis ’25

Science Department Award
Adam Rizk ’25

World Language Department Award
Aiden Suarez ’25

Underclass Award Recognitions

Congratulations to the following students that were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions at New Hampton School. We look forward to their ongoing leadership and growth in the coming years.

Skip Howard Scholar-Athlete: Dylan Podergois ’26
Skip Howard Scholar-Athlete: Elyse Ngenda ’26
The Scientific Inquiry Award: Maximilian Brown ’26
Scientific Achievement Award: Chase Graves ’26
Emerging Writer in History Award: Nellie MacDonald ’26 
Emerging Contributor in History Award: Luna McCulloch ’26 
Spanish Young Language Award: Ireland Stark ’26
French Young Language Award: Tova Yerardi ’26
Mathematical Communication Award: Chase Graves ’26
Mathematics Potential Award: Enshuo Zhang ’27

Visual Arts Award: Asa Gilman ’26

Music Award: Estelle Jennings ’26
Theatre Award: Avery Greene ’27 
The Writing Prize: Cara Kuczek ’26
The Literature Prize: Tova Yerardi ’26