On Friday, May 23, 103 graduates and their families, classmates, faculty, trustees, and alumni gathered for New Hampton School’s 204th Commencement. This honored tradition has seen generations of students graduate from their home here in New Hampshire, leaving behind their time as a student, and embracing their next steps as alumni and future leaders.
New Hampton School’s 204th Commencement Ceremony
Head of School Joe Williams welcomed the graduates, trustees, speakers, faculty, students, and families and shared his commendation for the Class of 2025’s contributions and achievements. Williams introduced speakers, including the Ben Cecil Welcome Speaker, Harry Jenkins ’25, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Karl Kimball ’74, and Student Body Co-Presidents Matteo Vecchione ’25 and Reagan Comora ’25, who held the honor of sharing opening and closing remarks.
Ben Cecil Speaker Harry Jenkins delivered a speech that spoke to the character and the closeness of his class. “The class of 2025 will leave behind more than just dorm rooms full of memories, dining hall tables with unfinished conversations, and marshmallows waiting to be made into s’mores; they will leave behind a legacy that has altered the standard for what defines a class as generational.” He noted that the class felt like its own community as they met challenges and grew together while serving as role models for each succeeding grade. Jenkins expressed his optimism for this extraordinary group and shared inspiration as his classmates move forward. “And lastly, three phrases from my grandfather: stay your course, keep it rolling, and go get it. So when we leave here today, steady on our course, rolling in the right direction, remember that our chapter at New Hampton School has come to an end. But with this ending comes a great new beginning, as it is now our responsibility to go get it, and make the rest of our stories worth reading.”
Comora’s speech reflected on the blend of emotions that this day has brought. With excitement and sadness, she noted this was the last time they would be together as a class. From the freshmen camping experience to growth over the four years, Comora cited all the little moments that mattered most. “We showed up for each other on game days, at performances, and at championships. We brought the noise and energy, whether it was in the stands or on the stage.” She closed with gratitude for her classmates and their time together, how they leaned on each other, put each other above themselves, and “became many voices that belonged to and supported one community.”
2025 Cum Laude Speaker
New Hampton School began a tradition in 2019 to recognize academic excellence and to promote a scholarly perspective at Commencement. Selected by the members of the Cum Laude Society this year, Robert Beau Jarvis ’25 held the honor of representing the very best of the academic minds on campus. Following the presentation of faculty citations and Commencement medals, Jarvis shared his address with the class of 2025 and guests.
Jarvis explored the myriad ways this generation consumes information compared to prior generations and how New Hampton School has prepared students to consider sources of truth. “In a lot of ways, our time at New Hampton has taught us how to think, not what to think. We consume vast amounts of information, sometimes conflicting, and it is hard to know what to do with all of those stimuli. How do we want to interact with the world that seems to be in a constant state of change?”
In considering his response to this question, Jarvis acknowledged how media and digital distractions can “muddy” the truth and “take us away from the joy of discovering a new passion or the happiness of a new friendship.” In closing, he encouraged his classmates to reflect deeply on the lessons learned at New Hampton, to seize opportunities outside their comfort zone, and to slow down and live in the moment.
Co-President Closing Reflection
Student Body Co-President Matteo Vecchione ’25 began by acknowledging the faculty and their dedication. “The adults on this campus truly care for the students inside and outside of the classroom equally. While they’ve been watching us grow in the classrooms, dorms, on the field, or on stage, they’ve been growing right alongside us.” Reflecting on watching faculty grow in their careers and some even in their families, Vecchione recognized the unique nature of living within a community where you grow with your teachers. He continued recognizing the Class of 2025, as he expressed the many feelings each of them felt as a new student and found ways to connect each year. “Today we are here not just as individuals, but as a family, shaped by every moment, every failure, every lesson, not just the ones we read in textbooks but from each other.”
Class of 2025 Charge
Following the presentation of diplomas, Head of School Joe Williams shared a final request with the graduates. “As we conclude this commencement ceremony, remember that life is not linear, embrace the challenges that lie ahead with confidence, chase your curiosity, lead with kindness, and go shape the world you wish to live in, knowing we will always be here to support and celebrate you.”
Congratulations to the following graduates who received distinguished awards for their contributions to the school and their class at Commencement.
Photos are available on Flickr, and additional photos will be made available next week.
2025 Commencement Recognitions
Ben Cecil Speaker: Harry Jenkins
Cum Laude Speaker: Robert “Beau” Jarvis
Faculty Award: Kennedy Walker
Faculty Award: Katherine Kamin
New Hampton School Commencement Medals
Academic & Personal Growth:
Madeleine LaCroix
Intellectual Curiosity:
Robert “Beau” Jarvis
Miles Sargent
Citizenship:
Harry Jenkins
Aiden Suarez
Meservey Medal:
Matteo Vecchione
Please join us in congratulating the New Hampton School Class of 2025.
