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Joyous Class of 2025 Commencement

The Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 6, was more than a celebration of the 165 members of the Class of 2025—it was a final opportunity to offer life lessons before the end of their McDonogh journey.

The morning event was preceded by the Baccalaureate Ceremony, held in Tagart Memorial Chapel. Retiring math teacher and Upper School registrar Lisa Veltri encouraged the class to view their future from the perspective of both a drone (the big picture) and binoculars (the small things that matter). “The binoculars help you understand deeply; the drone helps you act wisely,” she said.

Following the intimate ceremony, students processed out of the chapel doors, through a gauntlet of cheering faculty and staff, and down Chapel Hill to Childs Memorial Terrace. The ceremony began with the presentation of awards, and remarks from student speaker Mason Bainbridge, who was introduced by the senior Class President Joshua Brown. 

Before the conferral of diplomas, Head of School Dave Farace '87 addressed the Class of 2025. He spoke about the power of gratitude, noting, “Orientation toward gratitude doesn't deny life's challenges; rather, it provides resilience in facing them.” 

He concluded, "Seniors, as you leave our campus today, know that the gift of a McDonogh education prepared you not just to survive in a volatile world, but to transform it. You leave today with a diploma and the capacity to create the future you wish to see. So go forth and give something more than you take.” 

The morning ended with the singing of the “Dedication Hymn” and a heartfelt benediction by Dr. Kevin Costa, director of spiritual and ceremonial services.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

See the complete list of awards presented at Commencement and the Upper School Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 30. Watch the Commencement Ceremony here.