On May 25, 2025 George School celebrated its one hundred and thirty-first annual Commencement. 

After a morning of breakfast, pinning roses, and photoshoots with friends, the class prepared for the moment many have thought about since their first days at George School. 

Led by the daisy chain of juniors, the Class of 2025 walked together for the last time to the outdoor Auditorium, greeted by a community of family, fellow students, and faculty and staff who have guided them along their journey. 

Head of School Justin Brandon, who was celebrating his first commencement with the class, shared words of encouragement as students prepare to step into the world as transformed students and community members. 

Inspired by the George School mission to “Mind the Light,” Student Invocation speaker Noordeep Nagra related her time at George School to a Quaker hymn “The George Fox Song.”

“Walk in the light, wherever you may be… Walk in the light, wherever you may be.”

“To me, the light is the discovery of purpose, the cultivation of conscience, and the spirit within all of us that has been fostered during our time at George School,” she explained. “As our class is now seated here, in this beautiful space that is illuminated by our unique spirits, let us reflect on our time here. Our individual journeys have not been isolated, but this light has made us interconnected, both to each other and to the larger web of our school.”

Interwoven between the presentation of diplomas by Class Sponsors Zahra Patterson and Edna Valdepeñas, students shared personal reflections in the form of original speeches, poetry, and musical performances. 

Students shared how their experience at George School brought forth valuable life lessons. For Trinity Hughes-Crawford, that was learning to validate yourself, for Peter Tang, it was building the courage to let go to make room for future opportunities, and for Dallan Reimels, it was discovering the value of experiencing life outside of his comfort zone – and experiencing his own adventures outside of those he read in his favorite novels. 

“At George School, I found adventure in the seemingly mundane moments: in the late-night conversations with friends that somehow turn into life-changing revelations,” Dallan reflected. “The sunset that engulfs South Lawn every dusk with gentle perfection, or in Silent Worship, the moments of self-discovery when you realize the answers to many of life’s uncertainties lie in your constant faith and a devotion to seek them out.”

Prominent George School musicians contributed their talents throughout the ceremony. Opening the reflections, Kentaro Bauer performed “Movement from an Unacompanied Bach Cello Suite.” Brandi Chesner sang an original song “Just Words,” while Noah Buxton and Beckett Holmes used the words of the Beatles’ “In my Life” as their tribute. 

The Class of 2025 leaves George School with a legacy of friendships, achievements in and outside of the classroom, and a lifetime of memories. “Four years ago, we came to this place as strangers. Today, we leave as a family,” said Peter Tang. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Continue to shine your light for the world and know that you always have a home here at George School.