Cause for Celebration

We are so proud of The Class of 2025, whose graduation ceremony on May 23 was an opportunity to reflect on their hard work, welcome them to Steward’s alumni community, and wish them well as they step into the next phase of their lives: college! 

The Class of 2025 processed into the gym as “Pomp and Circumstance” was performed by Steward’s band under the direction of Middle/Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher John McAlister. Jeffrey Sproull ’26 and Rafaela Zepeda ’26 served as junior marshals, and Upper School teachers Eric Hopp and Karen Hudson, Class of 2025 sponsors, gave the invocation. Jason Herzog (chair of the Board of Trustees and father of Emma ’24 and Andrew ’27) welcomed families and friends, noting enthusiastically, “This year’s graduation class will be entering many of the nation’s top universities with merit scholarships of over 9.2 million dollars!”

The Senior Class Gift presentation is a much-loved Steward tradition, and Class President Luke Eiben ’25 smiled proudly as he announced that the Class of 2025 gift includes furniture for Waddell Terrace, pavers that honor senior class parents and division parent representatives, and a contribution to the Annual Giving fund toward the purchase of new golf carts for Steward’s maintenance team. 

Julia Leonard ’25, who joined the Steward community as a senior, read “What Life Should Be,” an inspiring poem by Patricia A. Fleming filled with reflection and meaning. 

The Middle/Upper School chorus, directed by Middle/Upper School Choral Teacher Heidi Taylor, performed an uplifting rendition of “I Set My Sail.” 

Senior Speaker Xavier Nelson ’25 brought the audience to its feet for a standing ovation with his energetic, from-the-heart speech. Xavier spoke about the Class of 2025’s path to graduation, thanking parents, teachers, families, and the College Counseling team for their encouragement and support. 

“Although I have been chosen to deliver this speech … this isn’t just my story,” said Xavier to his classmates. “This is our story and our journey. Remember: We are destined to change the world!”

“Today we are grateful that some of their JK and kindergarten teachers can be here to present this award to them,” noted Mr. Pollicino, who invited Kindergarten Teacher Catherine Hathaway, Grade 2 Teacher Lyn Lunsford, and retired teacher Kate Strickland to join him onstage to present the Lifer awards.

 

Spartans Forever
In his commencement address, Head of School Dan Frank encouraged the Class of 2025 to take time to savor the present. 

“Today, you want to rush,” he said. “Everyone else here, though, especially your parents, wants to slow down and hit ‘pause.’ Let’s slow down a bit and look back.” He shared memories both humorous and touching from the Class of 2025’s years at Steward and asked everyone to “sprinkle some magic stardust” to spread happiness. 

Mr. Frank then shared heartfelt words about each graduate and presented the Dixon Award, named in honor of Helen Dixon, the founder of The Steward School. This award, given annually to the member of the senior class who has made outstanding contributions to all phases of life at Steward, is the highest award presented to a student. Congratulations to the 2025 Dixon Award recipient, Nathan Gu ’25. It was especially moving that Mrs. Dixon’s granddaughter, Beth Dixon Sterling ’08, presented the award to Nathan.  

Amid cheers and applause, the proud graduates walked across the stage to accept their diplomas from Mr. Frank and Mr. Pollicino. Then, they enjoyed another school tradition: tossing blue-and-gold confetti into the air as they celebrated the culmination of their Steward education. It was a picture-perfect moment!  

College Bound
The 69 members of the Class of 2025 will attend 37 different colleges and universities in 14 states and the District of Columbia. College readiness is an integral part of the Steward experience. Thanks to a challenging curriculum, dedicated faculty, staff, and coaches, and our top-notch College Counseling program, 100% of our graduates are offered admission to four-year colleges and universities.

Arts and Athletics Commitments
Each spring, seniors who have committed to arts or athletic college programs participate in a school tradition: commitment ceremonies. These informal gatherings on campus bring together the students and their proud families, teachers, and coaches. This year’s arts and athletic college commitment ceremonies were held on May 14 and 21, respectively. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve in college and beyond!