Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation

On Saturday, May 31, during a commencement celebration filled with cheers, tears and unforgettable moments, students in the Class of 2025 took a big step into their future. 

The ceremony in the Fonseca Center gym began with a heartfelt invocation from Abdoulaye Ngom, upper school modern and classical languages teacher, followed by remarks from Beth Nolan ’69, chair of the Board of Trustees. Class of 2025 co-president Velizar Lazarov took the podium and issued a challenge to his peers: “Who do you want to be? What do you want to be remembered for?” 

Co-president Sophie Moussapour reflected on “precious Masters memories,” including gatherings around the Harkness table, a symbol of dialogue and inclusion central to both the Masters experience and her class’ identity. “No table is too small if a friend is sitting alone,” she reminded the audience, embodying the class’ spirit of community and “pull up a chair” culture.

Before introducing commencement speaker Hélène Biandudi Hofer, Head of School Laura Danforth urged the seniors to be witnesses and storytellers of both beauty and justice in the world. Quoting poet Mary Oliver, Danforth said, “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” 

Biandudi Hofer, a broadcast journalist, documentary filmmaker and conflict navigator, praised the students for their journey and resolve: “What’s remarkable about all of you is that you’ve accomplished something that we adults are still trying to figure out: You’ve learned to create this culture where setbacks can be reframed as setups for comebacks.”

Senior members of Dobbs 16 sang the School’s “Alma Mater,” providing a joyful coda to the commencement address, before students accepted their diplomas. 

After the celebratory rose toss, Head of Upper School Peter Newcomb described the transformative period of adolescence as one of “becoming” and encouraged the graduates to “approach the future with curiosity, courage and compassion” while becoming the best versions of themselves.

With closing words that left few dry eyes, senior class dean Rene Hurley declared to the newest group of Masters alumnae/i, “Class of 2025, you are my baby,” and thanked them for a year filled with love, kindness and growth. “Spread it to the world,” she shared.