On the afternoon of June 12, Rockefeller Chapel filled with rows of suits, sundresses and maroon graduation gowns as 157 members of U-High’s Class of 2025 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
The occasion was celebrated with the traditional speeches, presentations and musical performances. After a musical prelude played by organist Thomas Weisflog as the graduating class entered the chapel, Director of Schools Tori Jueds opened the ceremony with an address that emphasized the contributions made by every member of the Lab community, including students, educators and families.
“Many times, we have said it,” Ms. Jueds said, “the Class of 2025 is a great class. Among you are great artists, scientists, thespians, athletes, writers, innovators and thinkers. Whether you have been a lifer at Lab or joined us two years ago, each of you has contributed to this great class.”
All-School President Lisa Tao then addressed the audience and her fellow graduating seniors, remarking on the state of the world that the Class of 2025 is entering and the difference they are going to make in it.
“Today, we are graduating into a world that challenges our democratic and civic values,” Lisa said. “Everyone here is ready to make a difference, and that is truly special.”
Senior Sonakshi Mutreja also addressed her classmates, speaking about growth.
“With every experience, we grew and discovered a part of ourselves that we didn’t know existed yet,” she said, adding that the plans laid out in a letter from ninth grade retreat didn’t always materialize.
After being introduced by seniors Ace Ma and Edward Park, commencement speaker Laura Jarrett — a 2003 alumna who is now a journalist for NBC News — spoke about gaining the confidence to trust oneself to handle the twists and turns that life will bring. Near the beginning of her speech, she asked the entirety of the Class of 2025 to simultaneously repeat the mantra: “I am going to be fine.”
“I can tell you with 100% certainty that had I let fear paralyze me, especially fear of the unknown, I would not have been asked to be your commencement speaker today,” Ms. Jarrett said.
Ms. Jarrett also reflected on her own time at U-High and how demanding the lifestyle is, congratulating the Class of 2025 on making it through.
“Boy, you worked hard,” Ms. Jarrett said. “I know you have, because I’ve been there. It was more than 20 years ago, but I still remember so well the work, the homework, the tests, the clubs, the sports, the relationships. It’s a lot, but you did it.”
The class honored six community members: Erica Cheung, Xiaoli Zhou, Abigale Wagner, Patty Kovacs and Tori Jueds.
Diplomas were then presented to the graduating seniors by administrators and college counselors. Some seniors received their diploma from their parent who is a faculty member or on the board of directors.
After the ceremony, a reception was held across the street from Rockefeller Chapel in Ida Noyes Hall that provided an opportunity for seniors to wish each other happy summers and futures.
Alexander Saratovsky reflected on how far the class had come since their early years together.
“It’s crazy to see some of these kids who I know from the playground driving now, and now we’re tossing our hats,” Alexander said. “Amazing.”
