Berkeley Carroll Commencement 2025

The morning clouds and rain broke to create a crisp and clear Thursday evening in Downtown Brooklyn for The Berkeley Carroll School’s celebration of its 138th Commencement Exercises in The Theater at City Tech. The program began with a processional of faculty and staff followed by the student processional. The 90 graduates from the Class of 2025 entered the auditorium to a jubilant crowd full of family members and friends. Their smiling faces and elation set the tone for a joy-filled ceremony. 

Head of School Lisa Yvette Waller welcomed all in attendance and commented on what a gift it was to be gathered together for this culminating event. Dr. Waller began with expressing gratitude for the Class of 2025 and noted, to much applause, how the class is the largest in Berkeley Carroll’s history. She described how the class’s enthusiasm, nostalgia, and positive energy was palpable and set the tone within the schoolhouse providing a fine example for the students who will come after them. A thoughtful moment of recognition that their collective accomplishments were not solely attained, Dr. Waller encouraged students to thank their educators and loved ones who have nurtured and shepherded them toward this milestone. She continued with a moment of reflection and acknowledgement of the loss of a beloved classmate, Taylor Rose Sookra in 2021, “A truly exceptional scholar-athlete, Taylor was a dedicated student and a fierce competitor— excelling in the classroom and on the basketball court. During her time at Berkeley Carroll she also made enduring connections among her friends, on her teams, and in her classes, and so BC was transformed in kind for Taylor having been with us. She was a bright light and her spirit shines on.” 

Dr. Waller continued her remarks with how the class as a whole has left an indelible mark on BC, “Public and private, large and small, these successes are the manifestation of your talent, your curiosity, your effort, and your perseverance [and they] provided you with passion and confidence that will well equip you for the future.” She noted that the achievements of the class were not without setbacks and imparted the wisdom that “navigating a measure of adversity engenders humility and resilience.” She also shared that the unique contributions of each student are valued and celebrated by teachers and peers. Dr. Waller stated that it has been so gratifying to watch the class learn from and with each other and to watch them root and cheer for one another, “Across myriad identities and interests, you have exercised the muscles needed to forge community and to cultivate cooperation within the context of your various pursuits.” Dr. Waller ended her remarks with thoughtful advice to the graduates, “Class of 2025, you have come of age in a multifaceted school situated in a diverse city that I hope have made manifest the significant challenges and also the immense rewards that attend our efforts to embrace one another, cultivate belonging, and make common cause. I look forward to watching you do well and do good in the years to come. I am confident that you will live up to your legacy and that you will keep at it.”

The audience then listened to an additional greeting from Co-Executive Council Presidents Kaya C. '25 and Ferris Z. '25. Kaya and Ferris began with thanking all in attendance and reflecting on the term, “one last time” and how unnerving that sentiment is to them. They noted how the phrase means that they are leaving their community of 90 strong, “One last time means that we will never be high school seniors again.” With hope and optimism for the future, they described how they would not have to leave Berkeley Carroll behind them, but rather, they would be entering adulthood saturated with the experiences, values, and lessons of high school. Kaya and Ferris embraced nostalgia and shared highlights and memories through the years beginning with ninth grade New York at Night events, preparing for finals, walking tours, college meetings, and senior nights and celebrations. They imparted heartfelt affirmations to encourage their classmates as they prepare to embark on their college journeys: let us keep choosing the joy of kinship; let us continue to find moments of solidarity within our individual journey; let us continue to be the kind active community members who enrich a space by showing up exhaustively; let us keep nurturing those around us with our own vulnerability, let us continue to take pause and celebrate milestones big and small; let us try to use both the tumult and triumph of high school as a framework for the future. Kaya and Ferris concluded their remarks, “Class of 2025, we have book-ended this year with a senior sunrise and a senior sunset—thank you for making everything in between so memorable, meaningful, and special.”

A musical interlude proceeded with a rendition of “Red Clay” by Freddie Hubbard performed by Berkeley Carroll’s talented jazz band musicians.

Next, the audience heard from Class Speakers Molly C. '25 and Max M. '25. Molly and Max began their speech by introducing each other in witty fashion as Max noted that Molly is ranked third nationally in Speech and Debate for speech writing and so, of course, required his assistance. Laughter aside, they alluded to the last time they graced the stage together in their roles as The Baker and The Baker’s Wife in Berkeley Carroll’s performance of Into the Woods. They teased the audience with a fleeting hope of song that was quickly quelled much to the chagrin of their classmates. Molly and Max then began in earnest with effusive gratitude for the people and loved ones who have supported them in their journey stating, “You are all here tonight because we love you.” Turning to the Class of 2025, they shared, “Our experience at Berkeley Carroll is unique. Our small school means that we have a tight knit community. We move through the halls recognizing each other's faces, but perhaps an even more important part of our experience is where we go to school.” They continued describing what it means to be a student in the city and how the beauty that is right in front of them is often overlooked. Molly and Max reminisced about how the class began as nervous ninth graders trying to navigate their way on trains to get to school. They mused, “We were a little naive, but we were confident.” The metaphor continued with each grade level marking an evolution for the passengers on the proverbial train ride of high school, “As 12th graders, our train has emerged above the ground and we have taken our seats by the windows watching the sunset by the Brooklyn Bridge.” As they contemplated their last stop, Molly and Max highlighted that this year, above all things, the class became one, “Four years ago we bonded over our similarities and shared passions, but now we have learned not to be afraid of what makes us different and that is a beautiful thing.”

Commencement keynote speaker Radley Horton '90 was then welcomed onto the stage by Assistant Head of School for Program and Innovation Stephen Mak.

Horton is a proud alumnus of Berkeley Carroll and a member of one of the first graduating classes after the merger in 1982. He is currently a professor at Columbia University’s Climate School, and is a leading expert on extreme weather events and their societal impact. He began by describing his recent visit to Berkeley Carroll and how he approached the visit with the curiosity of a scientist. Horton shared with joy and fascination about how moved he was by the conversations he had with students, who he asked to tell him about their interests and how their skills might help the world. What he found in their replies was an enduring theme of empathy, collaboration, interdependence, a focus on community and service, and joy. He witnessed senior speeches and noted the authenticity of the speakers and how their peers embraced them. Horton commented on his visit to the Beta Lab and how supportive and positive students were with each other. The maturity of students and their sense of community coupled with overall kindness were highlighted in his speech.

As a climate scientist, he stated that he is often asked, Is there still hope?; Is there still time? He noted that he is trained to think quantifiably and when considering tipping points, even the smallest changes can create a larger event. Horton drove this point home by acknowledging to the Class of 2025 that they have brought about cultural change to BC through their acts of kindness and building of community. The fierce wondering Horton posed is if this is possible within the context of their school, how might it be applied to the world at large. How can human agency rewrite the narrative and bring about hope and guide the solutions we pursue? He argued that even though climate modeling may not look good, everything is conditional based on ifs. As critical thinkers, we cannot underestimate the solutions. He encouraged the Class of 2025, “You tell us that it does not have to be this way.” Horton continued by championing a courageous cohort based in humanity to use the bad things happening to bring about good and change. He concluded with offering the class congratulations, faith, and hope as they continue to search for meaning.

The next half of the program included speeches from Upper School Faculty Speaker Jamison Rich and Dean of the Class of 2025 Matt Budd. Rich began by stating, “Wow, nightmares can come true.” He clarified that he was not only referring to his fear of public speaking, but that he was scared to say goodbye to the Class of 2025. He said that even with his unease and discomfort, he was still showing up because that is what this class has taught him. Rich noted, “How you show up for people matters—kindness, consistency, and compassion matter.” He described how this class in particular didn’t just show up for school, they showed up for each other and by doing so, turned small moments into joyful ones. Rich concluded, “The most meaningful things you build will not be on your resume."

Dean Budd spoke about how his face was sore from smiling so much over the last several days while celebrating the Class of 2025. He then led all in attendance in a breathing exercise that centered everyone. He noted how breathing can help ground us and make us fully present in the moment. Budd mused about how the class would often come together for story time and given his roots in elementary education, he thought, what could be one last book I read to them? He chose The Thank You Book by Mo Willems in which Elephant and Piggie go on a “thank-o-rama montage” adventure. Inspired, Budd continued with humorous anecdotes and myriad thanks expressing authentic gratitude for the Class of 2025. In conclusion, he shared a final thank you with a motion of his flat hand from his mouth downward (the sign for thank you in American Sign Language), which was the first language his own children were taught.

Upper School Director Jane Moore led the presentation of diplomas with Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees James Shipp P '28 and Head of School Lisa Yvette Waller. Each member of the class walked onto the stage to receive their diploma and a single white rose. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We are so proud of you and wish you all the best as you begin your college journey. 

Class of 2025 College Enrollments

First Name	Initial	College/University
Willow	A	College of William & Mary
Oghosa	A	Binghamton University
Aaron	A	Davidson College
Jazeera	A	Lehigh University
Savannah	B	Drexel University
Josef	B	Yale University
Arlo	B	Tulane University
Solomon	B	Swarthmore College
Lily	B	Tulane University
Bethsabee	B	University of Miami
Cameron	B	Colorado College
Kai	B F	Purdue University
Leah	B	Mount Holyoke College
Arden	B	Wesleyan University
Ariana	C	Bowdoin College
Sarah	C-S	George Washington University
Renee	C	Columbia University
Molly	C	Northwestern University
Nathaniel	C-S	Lehigh University
Kaya	C	Northwestern University
Siri	D	Lehigh University
Jane	d B	University of St Andrews
Amaya	D	Washington University in St. Louis
Daniel	E	University of Pennsylvania
Soefi	E	Vassar College
Matilda	F	Smith College
William	F	Chapman University
Katherine	F	University of Virginia
Benjamin	G	Pitzer College
William	G	Tufts University
Evan	G	Purdue University
Devra	G	Barnard College
Dean	G	Cornell University
Maggie	G	Villanova University
Maximillion	G	Union College
Dahlia	G	Tulane University
Samuel	H	Amherst College
Thomas	H	Tulane University
Bennett	H	United States Naval Academy
Daniela	H	Rice University
Zaina	H	Pitzer College
Elias	I	Tulane University
Maksis	J	University of Colorado Boulder
Mia	K	Pratt Institute
Ula	K	Oberlin College
Isaac	L	The Ohio State University
Sofia	L	University of Maryland, College Park
Sydney	L	Emory University
Aya	L	Vassar College
Clare	M	Wesleyan University
Taseen	M	Williams College
Maxim	M	Georgetown University
Ava	M	Washington University in St. Louis
Felipe	M	University of Michigan
Juliette	M	University of Miami
Michael	M	Howard University
Echo	M	Pitzer College
Luke	M	Elon University
Oska	M-B	University of Exeter
Saul	N	Northwestern University
Olivia	N	University of Delaware
Chloe	N	Wake Forest University
John	P	New York University
Mikhail	P	University of Vermont
Sarah	R	Tufts University
Isaac	R	New York University
Tobias	R B	Colorado College
Heshel	R	Duke University
Jordana	R	Loyola Marymount University
Claudia	R	University of Wisconsin, Madison
Addison	R	Occidental College
Anthony	R	George Washington University
Joseph	S	University of Maryland, College Park
Anthony	S P	Bennington College
Keira	S	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Alexis	S-G	Ithaca College
Julius	S	Stanford University
Emmett	S	Tulane University
Natan	S	University of Michigan
Alexander	S	University of St Andrews
Quinn	T	Savannah College of Art and Design
Justin	V	Washington University in St. Louis
Amelia	V	Washington University in St. Louis
Tobin	v O C	Syracuse University
Dashiell	W	University of Denver
Kaden	W	SUNY College at Cortland
Liam	W	Colorado School of Mines
Hypatia	Y	Skidmore College
Myra	z M	San Diego State University
Ferris	Z	Northwestern University