Lower School: Stepping Into the Next Chapter
The celebrations began with the Class of 2033 marking the end of their Lower School years. The Moving On Ceremony started with a joyful student performance of “Moments We Live For” by Paradise, a song that captured the friendships and growth of their early years.
The rising Middle Schoolers received heartfelt advice from two graduating seniors. Bennett Bernard ’26 urged the students to embrace discomfort. “The years move fast, so when you get to middle school, don’t be afraid to try new things… Find ways to be comfortable in the uncomfortable.”
Blythe Sim ’26 reframed the inevitable challenges ahead, telling the class that setbacks are merely “part of the plot in your story that steers you towards the next new amazing thing.”
School leaders shared final words of encouragement. Head of School Kari Ostrem shared her excitement for their next steps, telling them to “enjoy it in the moment.” Dr. James Duval, Associate Head of School and Head of Lower School, thanked the students for “helping us change the world for the good.” Assistant Head of Lower School Ellen Greengrass reflected on how much the students had grown, saying, “You do not leave here as the same students that stepped onto this campus years ago. Over the years, you’ve become more capable, more thoughtful, more resilient, and more fully yourself.”
Middle School: Honoring Style, Community, and Connections
The Class of 2030 celebrated their Middle School graduation with a ceremony focused on community and growth. Head of Middle School Milton Sipp began by talking about how everyone can teach and learn from each other, saying, “I believe teaching is the heart and soul of a community… You don’t have to be an adult to teach. Teaching comes in all sizes, ages, and forms. You just have to care and be willing to take that care and make it matter.”
The ceremony included many traditions, like presenting a commemorative tile designed by Derek Zhang to represent the class’s shared experiences. Connor Kennedy, Michael Ntow, Annika Barve, and Lily Lappas gave creative presentations that showed the spirit of the grade, and Tyson Selvers and Veer Singh shared thoughtful reflections. The 8th Grade Choral Ensemble performed Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” adding a special moment to the event.
The event also honored the adults who shaped their journey. Student-selected faculty awards were presented to science teacher John Kennealy and Director of Community Engagement Ciara Everett.
In their closing remarks, the grade deans praised the class’s unique character. 7th Grade Dean Antoinette Quarshie, the faculty speaker, described “style” as a way the students move through the world, highlighting their daily choices to “show kindness, leadership, and respect.” 8th Grade Dean Monika Le added, “Eighth grade, you are a special group of kids. You are kind, curious, receptive to feedback, empathetic, and inclusive. You embody what a strong community looks and feels like.”
Upper School: Caps Off to the Class of 2026
The season ended with the Class of 2026 gathering for Upper School Graduation, joined by family, friends, and faculty. Head of School Kari Ostrem welcomed everyone and thanked the faculty, families, and what she called “one of the most cohesive, kind, and joyful senior classes I can imagine.”
The day included heartfelt speeches from both faculty and student leaders. Faculty speaker Allison Finder, chosen by the students, encouraged graduates to love openly and generously, and left them with three messages: “I love you. I’m proud of you. Make good choices.” Senior Dean Jeremy Clifford spoke as a parent, telling the graduates that above all, “we want nothing more in life than to know that you are happy… and eventually finding your way home to us.”
Senior Class Speakers Ben Reich and Catelyn So shared their thoughts, encouraging classmates to stay present and work to make the world better. The senior class then performed Billy Joel’s “Vienna,” echoing their message.
The morning ended with an inspiring speech from Commencement speaker Niesha Butler ’98, CEO and Founder of S.T.E.A.M CHAMPS. Butler talked about the importance of leadership, perseverance, and helping others, and left the Class of 2026 with this message: “May you have the courage to define who you want to be on your own terms. May you have the discipline to become that person.”
Whether students are moving to a new building or leaving campus for good, all three ceremonies showed that a Riverdale education is about more than academics. It is also about character, kindness, and community spirit. As the Classes of 2033, 2030, and 2026 look ahead, they take with them lessons of resilience, lifelong learning, and the courage to be themselves.