Kicking off the end-of-year celebration of the Class of 2025 was the third-annual Senior Pinning Ceremony, marking their transition from George School students to George School alumni. Advisors and the Board of Trustees shared dinner with the seniors to honor their achievements and experiences. Students received a pin marked with the GS seal from their advisor, serving as a reminder to always “mind the light.”  

Board Member Christian Donovan ’95 opened the ceremony. Currently the Head of Friends School of Baltimore, Christian previously served as Director of Admissions at George School.  

"My road was paved by the contributions of giants, some of whom you know, like Paul Machemer, Norman Tjossem, Laura Kinnel, Tom Hoopes, Bill Enos, Rachel Williams, Melaina Young, Nancy Starmer and countless others.” It reminds me that if I have had any successes, it is because I have built upon the ideas of those titans who supported me, cared deeply for me, and nurtured the sparks of my personal and professional aspirations and ambitions.” 

He poses a question to the students in the room: who are your titans? 

“Maybe in the month you have remaining you’ll share a meal in this dining hall or sit together at Meeting for Worship. Take a moment to say thank you. Spend some time appreciating who they are and how they have supported you.”  

Students Cecilia Li ’25 and Anica Bush ’25 shared warm memories and reflected on the takeaways from their experience at George School.  

“All of us entered George School at some point in our lives a little more naïve and a little less knowledgeable than we are now, and as a class, we have developed roots at our school. We have grown a light inside of us nourished by our changing community,” shared Anica.  

The class has been through a lot together. They navigated a new head of school, the 7-term schedule, college applications, and countless late nights studying to get to this moment.  

“I came to George School as an international student from China. I didn’t know if I would belong,” shared Cecilia. “And yet, it was here—in these buildings, under these trees, in the warmth of shared silence—that I found my first home away from home.” 

“I’ll remember George School not for one memory, but for a thousand gentle ones,” she continued. “Thank you, George School, for teaching me how to notice.” 

After dinner, young alumnus Denys Sharpylo ’22 prepared students with words of wisdom to carry with them as they near commencement.  

“Looking back, GS has put me on the path of becoming the person that I am today, as well as developing crucial collegiate and professional skills,” Denys shared. “Wherever you go, seek opportunities to apply yourself and discover new interests, you never know what your next passion could be.” 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!