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News & Photos
Ceremony Celebrates Upper School Achievement
The Upper School Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 30 at Childs Memorial Terrace celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 and underclass students. In her opening remarks, Head of Upper School Merritt Livermore ‘91 spoke about the power of persistence evident in the Upper School every day.
“The student who stays after class or goes back at the end of the day to see the teacher to master a difficult concept. The artist who revises their work again and again until it matches their vision, whether that be in the studio, on the stage, or with an instrument in hand. The athlete who puts in extra practice— shots on goal, another lap, more serves or pitches— when no one is watching,” she said, noting, “These quiet victories—these moments of persistence in the face of challenge—are just as worthy of celebration as any honor we'll bestow today.”
She added, "The truth is, high school isn't just about the achievements that make it onto transcripts or into trophy cases. It's about the battles you fight when no one is watching. These moments don't come with medals or certificates today. But they represent the kind of growth that matters most in life.”
Livermore concluded by saying the most important recognition comes from within. “It's when you can look at yourself and say, 'I gave my best. I grew. I persevered.’"
The ceremony continued with the presentation of leadership awards, and the induction of members of the Classes of 2025 and 2026 into the McDonogh Chapter of the Cum Laude Society. The inductees joined the seniors who, in 2024, became members of the prestigious honor society, which recognizes academic achievement grounded in character, honesty, and integrity.
After the presentation of the Departmental Awards, Livermore returned to the theme of her opening remarks, reminding the students, “Both the victories we recognize publicly and the quiet persistence that happens every day are worth celebrating.”
(See the full list of awards presented at the Upper School Awards Ceremony here. The list will be updated after Commencement on Friday, June 6.)