Congratulations, Class of 2025!

The energy was high as Canterbury School celebrated its 108th Commencement Exercises for 93 Saints in the Class of 2025 on Friday, May 23. Forty-five of those graduates were diehard four-year members. The festive ceremony was held on Sheehan Lawn with faculty, staff, family, alumni, and friends in attendance.

Addressing the class, Interim Head of School Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27 spoke of how meaningful it was for her to share their special day. “It is truly an honor to be up here to celebrate each of you,” she told them. “Today, we are celebrating not just what you have learned, but who you have become.”

Sue praised the graduates for persevering in the face of many changes in the world and their lives while at Canterbury. “I have seen you grow in so many ways—through friendships, through setbacks, through triumphs,” she said. “You learned to be there for one another, to work together, and to lift each other up when times get tough. You have learned how to be passionate about what matters to you, whether it is in the classroom, on stage, on the sports field, or in your personal lives. Each of you has discovered your strengths, faced your fears, and built the confidence to stand up for what you believe in.”

She concluded with heartfelt words of encouragement. “Class of 2025: the journey is not over. In fact, it is just beginning. The skills you have gained in your time here at Canterbury—how to adapt, how to stay strong in the face of adversity, how to work with others to get things done—are the exact skills you will need as you step out into the world,” she shared. “Dream boldly. Stand firmly. Laugh freely. And go build the life you have imagined. The world needs you. It needs your voices, your creativity, and your passion. Do not be afraid to step up, speak out, and make your mark. You have already shown you have what it takes. And the best part? You are not alone. You have built a community here, and that is something that will always be with you.”

Sue then presented honorary diplomas to three faculty members—History and Social Sciences Teacher Alec Braley P ’94, ’97, ’00; Science Department Chair Cammy Roffe P ’12, ’15; and Director of Academic Technology and Innovation and Digital Communication, Design, and Innovation Chair Robert Roffe P ’12, ’15—in recognition of their 30 years of outstanding teaching, dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to students.

Director of the Donovan Center for Learning and English Teacher Alison Bailey received the J.P. Mandler Teaching Award, named for the former faculty member who served Canterbury for 46 years as English Department Chair, Director of Studies, Dean of Faculty, Director of Technology, Dean of the School, and Senior Master. The award is presented each year to that faculty member who reflects the fundamental commitment to excellence in classroom teaching. J.P. Mandler himself was invited to the stage to help present the award to Alison.

In making the presentation, Dean of Faculty Wright Danenbarger praised Alison for helping students build a strong foundation of essential skills that support their academic growth. “A dedicated educator and lifelong learner, Alison Bailey brings a rich blend of academic leadership, discipline, and a passion for student growth to her current role,” Wright said. “A boarding school graduate herself, she understands the unique challenges and opportunities of residential education. Whether in the classroom or through her leadership of the Donovan Center, Alison is deeply committed to helping students achieve their fullest potential—academically, emotionally, and personally. The expansion of the Donovan Center for Learning is a tribute to Alison’s vision, commitment to her students, and commitment to Canterbury.”

Class valedictorian Catherine Zeng then delivered the student keynote address, congratulating her classmates and looking back fondly on her time at Canterbury. “While this moment is both bittersweet and exciting, it is a celebration of our shared achievements on this hilltop. Looking out into the crowd, I am overwhelmed with waves of immense pride and gratitude, but also reluctance for the inevitable goodbyes. While this journey has certainly had its ups and downs, I can proudly say that we have all grown and become better people because of it. On our last day together on this hilltop, I urge you all to embrace the moment and appreciate the feeling of togetherness,” she said.  

Catherine went on to thank her parents and praise the faculty for making the Canterbury experience special. “What I will miss most about Canterbury is the people who have not only shaped our academic and athletic paths, but also our characters as we welcome in young adulthood,” she shared. “The relationships we have fostered here with teachers and staff are truly unique, and the lessons they have taught us will extend far beyond our high school years.”

She closed her valedictory remarks with a quote from “noted philosopher” Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

A number of Commencement Awards were handed out to members of the graduating class during the ceremony. Bradley Bozzuto and Maxim Pitts received the Robert M. Steele ’72 Boys’ Scholar-Athlete Trophy in memory of Robert M. Steele, a model scholar and athlete, for academic and athletic achievements. Clare Kelly was awarded the Charles R. Huntington Girls’ Scholar-Athlete Trophy for academic and athletic achievement in memory of Mr. Huntington, a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director from 1969–1999. Emily Lynch was presented with the Elizabeth (Betty) Burke Award for the Sixth Form student whose time at Canterbury has been marked by cheerful determination to serve God and others. Connor Wohlfahrt was the Class of 1987 Citizenship Award recipient for his role as the Sixth Former who, in the judgment of his peers, has best fulfilled obligations to the School, fellow students, and self.

The Richard L. and Mary Catharine Farrelly Award was presented to Ashton Boord for his quiet but thorough leadership. Six students received the Philip H. Brodie Award for exceptional achievement and all-around service to the School: Seoin “Eva” Choi, Sophia Faruol, Emily Lynch, Abdul-Qayyuum Olasewere, Gracen Shea, and Connor Wohlfahrt.

The presentation of awards concluded with the naming of the Dr. Nelson Hume Award recipients. Clare Kelly and Brandon Rodriguez earned the esteemed award as the Sixth Form students whose leadership, character, and achievements have been of the highest order and whose performance embodies the ideals of the founding headmaster.

The week leading up to Commencement was filled with special events and activities for the graduating class, including final concerts; the end-of-year carnival; Prom; the Diehard Hike at Lover’s Leap State Park for four-year students; Class of 2025 commemorative tree-planting; the Sixth Form Retreat, where students read notes they wrote to themselves at the beginning of the year; the Sixth Form Awards Assembly and Dinner with faculty; and the Baccalaureate Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady.

Following the Commencement ceremony, Sixth Form students walked the handshake line with faculty and enjoyed final on-campus moments with friends, family, and the Saints community before departing as the newest members of Canterbury’s Society of Alumni.

VIEW COMMENCEMENT PHOTOS

VIEW PRE-COMMENCEMENT PHOTOS

You may also enjoy additional Commencement Week activity photos at Canterbury’s Flickr page.