As we look back on the 2024-2025 school year, we are filled with admiration for the remarkable ways the Hackley Community unites to support one another. Throughout the year, we have witnessed countless inspiring acts of compassion and the formation of enduring friendships on the Hilltop. This Commencement Supplement is a heartfelt tribute to the strength of our community and the individuals who make Hackley so special.
į To find 2024-2025 photo galleries, please log in to Hackley Online, click on the “Resources” tab and open the “SmugMug Photos” page. You may also access SmugMug directly at hackleyschool.smugmug.com
Bella Edwards ’25 AP Studio Art
Middle School Art Show
Middle School Art Show
Sydney Morris ’26
Three Dimensional Design
Lower School Art Show
Lucia Butterfield ’25 AP Studio Art
The Year in Visual Arts
Upper School Art Show Lower
Middle School Art Show
Kayce Park ’25 AP Studio Art
Lower School Art Show
Lower School Art Show
Upper School Art Show
The Year in Visual Arts
Middle School Art Show
Fiona Pedraza ’26
Studio Art
Ava Maughan ’25 AP Studio Art
Lower School Art Show
Upper School Art Show
Hailey Won ’25 AP Studio Art
The Year in Visual Arts
Zora Blu’
Lower School Art Show
Troy Song ’27 Intermediate Studio Art
Middle School Art Show
Auggie Teacher ’27 Intermediate Studio Art
Middle School Art Show
Lower School Art Show
Isabella Barriera ’25 AP Studio Art
The Year in Performing Arts
Seventh and Eighth Grade Acting Intensive: “When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors”
Third and Fourth Grade Strings and Tone Chimes Concert
Jazz Combos Spring Concert
Upper School Chorus Spring Concert
Upper School Band Winter Concert
Fifth and Sixth Grade Musical: “Dear Edwina Jr ”
Upper School Acting Showcase
Middle and Upper School Bands Spring Concert
First Grade “Flat Stanley”
Upper School Musical: “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”
Middle School Strings Winter Concert
Middle School Chorus Spring Concert
The Year in Performing Arts
Kindergarten Collage Concert
Middle School Strings Spring Concert
Middle School Band Concert
Upper School Winter Chamber Concert
Second Grade Play
Jazz Combos Winter Concert
Upper School Play: “You Can’t Take It With You”
Upper School Chamber Ensembles Spring Concert
Fourth Grade Americana Play
Middle and Upper School Choral Ensembles
The Year in Athletics
Varsity Wrestling had a 9-9 record, placing third overall in the Ivy League and second overall in the NYSAIS Championships One wrestler was crowned Ivy Champion at 215 lbs and three Hornets were selected to the All-Ivy League Team Hackley had five wrestlers in the NYSAIS finals and one received a bid to New York Federations in Albany Coach Fran Stanek also received his 200th career win in January
The Girls’ Varsity Golf team had a very good season, finishing 6-6 overall and 5-3 in the Ivy League, good for a tie for second place The team also finished fourth in NYSAIS out of 12 teams The future is very bright for the girls’ golf program
The Indoor Varsity Track and Field team achieved 53 individual qualifications to NYSAIS, as well as seven individual and one relay medal at Ivy Championships However, it was at the NYSAIS Championships where the team truly shined, achieving four individual qualifications to NYSPHSAA Championships Additionally, two girls’ relay teams qualified for Nike Indoor Nationals, where they performed exceptionally well The girls’ Sprint Medley Relay team finished third in the Emerging Elite category and set a Hackley record, while the girls’ 4x800m team placed 10th, also setting a Hackley record
The Boys’ Varsity Basketball team capitalized on its momentum with another 15-win season and a second place finish in the Ivy League The boys have led the basketball program to an impressive three-year stretch of 50 wins
Visit hackleyschool.smugmug.com to see the athletics galleries
The Varsity Football team came away with an 8-1 record, going undefeated in regular season play Though the season ended with a hard-fought loss in the championship game, the Hornets consistently excelled on offense, defense and special teams Strong leadership from the captains and upperclassmen set the tone throughout the season It was a memorable year marked by grit, teamwork and determination
This season, the Varsity Baseball team fell just short of clinching a playoff spot Overall, the team showed improvement in their win-loss ratio and had some of the best offensive statistics in the league Two players earned All-Ivy League honors, and with a core of experienced players returning, the Hornets are looking to clinch a playoff spot next year
Girls’ Varsity Swimming was undefeated in dual meet competition this year Led by five All-League selections, five team records and one Ivy League record, the Hornets defended their Ivy League title, winning the championship in back-toback seasons The team also placed second out of 21 schools in the NYSAIS Championships
Coming off a challenging season the year before, the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team turned things around, rallied together and went undefeated in the Ivy League, proving their resilience and determination The Hornets’ efforts culminated in a strong playoff run, and they made it to the quarterfinals The team set a standard for grit, teamwork and having fun
Girls’ Varsity Squash had a good season, going undefeated and winning the Ivy League The Hornets then went on to finish the season at High School Nationals, where they placed seventh in Division III, resulting in an overall finish of 39th in the country This year’s senior captains led the team with commitment, dedication and hard work
The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team had a very successful season, ending with an 11-4 record With many young players, this team continued to grow throughout the season One senior set the all-time scoring record for Hackley, but, more importantly, the team came together in its talent, skill, teamwork and love of the game The seniors had a strong impact on the team’s many young players, and the future is bright!
The Boys’ Varsity Soccer team was led by an outstanding senior class and built a special connection as a group One highlight of the year was winning at home on the last day of the regular season to earn a spot in the NYSAIS tournament This year’s Hornets distinguished themselves through their hard work and deep bond The seniors left a profound mark and their impact will be felt for years to come
Boys’ Varsity Tennis finished fifth in the Ivy League this year, and with a majority of the starting lineup returning next year, the team is looking to build on the solid momentum from this season into 2026 The Hornets’ No 1 doubles team was a semifinalist in the NYSAIS Championship, and the No 1 singles player was a quarterfinalist and also was named to first team All-Ivy League
The Varsity Track and Field team had multiple individuals and teams qualify to compete at the NYS Federation Championships and New Balance Nationals this year The girls were dominant all season and finished with their first Ivy Championship win in 10 years They continued to show strength at NYSAIS Championships, finishing third out of 27 schools The girls won one relay and four individual championships at Ivy Championships, had three NYSAIS Champions and set two new team records The boys continued to show strength as they finished just off the podium in fourth place at Ivy Championships and eighth at NYSAIS Championships, crowning one Ivy League champion
The Year in Athletics
The Varsity Fencing team won the First Annual NYSAIS State Fencing Championships, with contributions from boys’ saber (first), boys’ foil (second) and boys’ epee (sixth) Boys’ foil also won the ISFL League season title for the sixth consecutive year — a School and League record Boys’ saber took second and epee fourth, while the girls’ team came away with third in foil, fifth in saber and sixth in epee Individually, Hackley had three All-ISFL League team members, boys’ foil (first for the third consecutive year) and saber (first and fifth) At the ISFL League Individual Championships, the team won titles in boys’ saber and foil for the third consecutive year
Girls’ Varsity Tennis had an excellent 10-2 fall season In addition to reaching the Ivy Championship finals, the team also posted impressive results in the NYSAIS tournament, with the No 1 singles player reaching the finals and No 1 doubles team making it to the semifinals Powered by spirited practices, smart play and tight team camaraderie, the squad delivered impressive improvement and had plenty of fun along the way
The Varsity Softball team had a great season, going 12-5, but ultimately lost in the state final The Hornets battled various injuries all season but that didn’t stop their determination to win One of this year’s highlights was facing one of Section 1’s top teams and going toe to toe with them, just falling short in the end The team had three All-Ivy League players, two named to the first team and one to the second team
Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse had a special season, finishing 15-4 and winning the NYSAIS Championship as the No 4 seed Three players were named first team All-Ivy League, with one also being named a U S All-American, and three players were also named to second team All-Ivy League Eleven seniors provided outstanding leadership throughout the year, and a great core of players will return to try to defend the title next spring
The Boys’ Varsity Squash team had another successful season, finishing with a 16-6 record The team was undefeated in the Ivy League, clinched its fourth consecutive Ivy League Championship and was a finalist at the NYSAIS Championships The boys advanced to Division II at High School Nationals, finishing 31st out of 112 teams in the country
Thanks to strong personal efforts, the Varsity Cross Country team had great showings at weekend invitationals and during the championship season At the Ivy Championships, the boys’ team scored fourth out of seven teams on the 4K course In the girls’ race, Hackley placed second A total of four runners earned All-Ivy recognition At the NYSAIS race, the boys’ team earned fifth out of 24 scoring teams on the 5K course, while the girls’ team took fourth place, and two athletes qualified for the NYS Federation Championship Beyond their achievements, the team demonstrated character, and the leadership of its veterans will welcome new runners and continue the Hornets’ success next season
The Varsity Field Hockey team had an inspired season, including some brilliant games that were all about heart, passion and team play The Hornets fought hard throughout the season, dominating in the first round game of NYSAIS and eventually losing a heartbreaker in the semi-finals in one of the most competitive field hockey games seen The team’s grit, determination and “clear eyes, full hearts” defined the season
The Girls’ Varsity Basketball team fought hard this season With the graduation of six seniors last year, the team started rebuilding the program behind a very talented group of young players and earned a bid in the NYSAIS Championships, ultimately losing in a very close game With the return of many key contributors, the future looks bright for the Hornets
The Boys’ Varsity Golf team finished the season by winning three of its final four matches to even its record in Ivy League play to 6-6 The team’s 500 record earned it a tie for third place in a very deep league this year The Hornets had one player earn first team All-Ivy League honors and also qualify for Federations Although there are five graduating players, the team has a young and strong group returning for 2026
Boys’ Varsity Swimming had a strong year of growth with multiple personal bests throughout the season by each athlete With a young roster led by three graduating seniors, this season was a great stepping stone for next year
Fourth Grade Recognition Day
Lisa Oberstein
Director of the Lower School Lisa Oberstein celebrated the Class of 2033 at the Recognition Ceremony held on June 3, 2025
Good morning, families, faculty, staff, guests and students! We are so excited to gather today in Diller Hall — joined by our entire Lower School community — to celebrate the Class of 2033 . Welcome, everyone!
“This is it. This is your rare and wonderful life. It is the greatest gift you will ever receive.” These words begin the picture book Why Not?, a beautifully written and illustrated story by Kobi Yamada and Gabriella Barouch. This book had a place in each homeroom this year, inspiring students to dream big, appreciate each moment and “marvel at the beauty of this world and to experience the joy of being alive … to try something you have never tried before.”
Fourth graders, you are a group of students who live and embody the ideals outlined in Why Not? As a grade, you are spirited, passionate, social and energetic. You consistently exemplify an enthusiasm for life, bringing an eagerness and sense of wonder to everything you do.
When I asked your teachers to share stories about you, many talked about how much you value each other. You welcome new students with open arms and lead with kindness. We have seen you as excellent role models to your younger siblings and Kindergarten buddies, choose and proudly recommend favorite books to one another, and shine on stage as musicians and actors. As a group, you are inquisitive, expressive and creative — sometimes it seems like you will
literally burst with ideas and excitement! We love your enthusiasm and encourage you to hold onto your joyful and adventurous nature as you move forward in your educational journey.
As you get ready for this exciting new chapter, we have some advice to carry with you. First, from your teachers:
• Be kind, always. Kindness never goes out of style. The way you treat people will always matter more. As kind and gentle as you have been with your Kindergarten buddies is as kind and gentle as you should be with your friends, family and yourself. Choose kindness and empathy each time, and you might not always win, but you will always succeed.
• Stay curious. Keep asking “Why?” and “How?” and “What if?” Your questions are powerful, and they’ll help you keep learning for the rest of your life.
• Be yourself. You are enough, exactly as you are. Keep growing, but don’t let the world convince you to be someone else. Your voice matters.
• Always embrace others’ perspectives. You can keep this in mind when you are not getting along with a friend or when you find other bumps in the road.
• And yes, someone just had to include a reminder to read fiction! (You might know who that is.) Reading about fictional characters’ experiences broadens our character and empathy.
Your Kindergarten buddies also want to offer a few words of advice:
• If you are nervous, you can do research and experiments!
• If you’re looking for something to do at recess, you can read non-fiction books or make necklaces and earrings!
• The Kindergarteners say that you should always remember what a good time you had in Lower School, and if you remember what great buddies you were to the Kindergarteners, your nerves will float away!
Your teachers, parents, family members and friends are all very proud of you and wish you all the best as you move on from the Lower School. Fourth graders, take a moment to turn to your families and teachers — the people who have cheered you on — and give them a big round of applause for all their love and support.
At the end of the book Why Not?, the author asks the question, “Why not leave this world a little better than you found it?” As Lower Schoolers, you participated in HEAL and Community Engagement groups, stood up as upstanders when you saw friends who needed help, and, this year, served proudly as the seniors of the Lower School. As you move onto Middle School, we hope you remember all you learned in your Lower School years. Keep your spirited energy and the kindness you’ve shown toward others and use them to go forth and spread beauty and light, making the world a better place with each step you take.
Unreserved Creativity
By 4C, Class of 2033
Creative efforts
Hudson kayaking all day
Reuse junk wisely
Creating cards for teachers was a blast
In art class, we made mandalas in the past
Orchard work is so much fun
We love playing in the sun
Education
Carver Center
Discovering new things
Being a Kindergarten mentor
Learning
Creativity
Fantastic, fearless
Sculpting, solving, singing
Friends, catapults, trifolds, Keva
Dancing, drawing, dreaming
Efforts
4C, Class of 2033
Eloise R ’33 recites 4C’s class poem, “Unreserved Creativity” at the Fourth Grade Recognition Ceremony
Unreserved Generosity
By 4K, Class of 2033
Unreserved generosity looks like you sharing with me or saying something kind
Then I give you a million dollar smile
That’s what generosity looks like I can see it from a mile
Unreserved generosity sounds like being heard
Respecting other’s ideas
Makes you feel
Like you’re part of the herd
It sounds like
“It’s okay”
“I forgive you”
“I see you’re feeling blue”
“Is it okay if I just sit with you?”
Unreserved generosity feels like
The pounding of your heart listening
Being yourself
Grateful for being noticed
Feeling like they care
Unreserved generosity
Is letting go of something I love
To help someone I love
It feels warm and fuzzy inside
Knowing I have a true friend by my side
James B ’33 recites 4K’s class poem, “Unreserved Generosity” at the Fourth Grade Recognition Ceremony
4K, Class of 2033
Unreserved Effort in Friendship
By 4S, Class of 2033
Friendship is like an umbrella, It protects you from the storms. And when your skies are gray and blue, Your friends are there to comfort you.
Friendships are like a rocky road, When you stumble; I won’t let you crumble. I’ll help clear a path and lift you up, It’s a friend’s job to fill your cup.
Friendships are like roses, They have petals, but also thorns. They bloom with love and laughter, And can change through times of scorn. With care they grow strong and true, A bond that tie cannot undo.
United, we help one another, Lifting each sister and brother. With kindness and teamwork, we thrive, Growing strong in 2025
4S, Class of 2033
Rowan H ’33 recites 4S’s class poem, “Unreserved Effort in Friendship” at the Fourth Grade Recognition Ceremony
Eighth graders gather on the steps of the Center for the Creative Arts and Technology in preparation for their Recognition Ceremony on June 2, 2025
Eighth Grade Recognition Day
The Class of 2029 selected Middle and Upper School computer science teacher Dan Shaw ’ 14 as the faculty speaker for their Recognition Ceremony held on June 2, 2025.
Good morning everyone — parents, family members, friends and, most importantly, our incredible Class of 2029
It is truly an honor to stand before you today as we recognize the hard work, growth and accomplishments of this amazing group .
When I first learned that I would be here speaking to all of you today, I knew that coming up with the right words to talk about this class would require all of my resources. My first instinct was to empathize with your position; it has been 15 years since I have been in your shoes, ready to make that next step.
That seemed like a good idea, but as I delved further and further into that position, my eighth-grade self’s plan was to wait until the last minute to come up with a speech. That might be a tune you all have heard before. So, I pivoted and decided to lean more on what my gut was telling me about this class. The first months of this school year, I had walked into Mrs. Tranchida’s room and told her that this eighth grade group is special.
Now, to quantify why that is, there are a couple of things that you may or may not know about Hackley students or the mark of a Hackley student. What is publicly known is that they are hardworking, intellectually curious, highly motivated, and from that, we have phenomenal scholars, artists, musicians, athletes — I think 15% of this class participated in a
high school sport this year, which is remarkable. You guys have all of those talents in spades.
What you may not know is that similar to how in everyday life people will complain about their finances, about their job, the DMV — which you might find out in a couple of years — Hackley students like to complain about the lunch. I had four sessions — I taught every single eighth grade student — and without fail, every class comes up with some reason why they hate the lunch. The lunch could be perfectly fine, they might have things that they love about it, but right away it goes back to, “Oh, this is the lunch today. What the heck?” And do I fan the flames as a former student? Maybe.
Every day, these kids work tremendously hard, exploring and tackling various problems laid before them. Yet, as it goes, in each of my sections, the topic (and the dismay) of the daily lunch has been brought up, with debates of the merits of having grilled cheese or nachos for lunch exploding into an impassioned series of courtroom-style cases being held for every lunch entrée ever served in that cafeteria.
Dan Shaw ’14
And for me, what makes this class stand apart is how rambunctious they are, how just the right amount of mischief comes from them, their personality, the collaboration and an embracement of that chaos and silliness. Don’t lose that.
To our students, I wanted to finish with a final word of advice, so bear with me. I know that at these junctions you are excited, maybe a little anxious to make that next step. As a fourth grader, I couldn’t wait to take “real classes” like English and History (to my regret later). As an eighth grader, I couldn’t wait to be taken more seriously, preparing for high school, thinking about college, getting my driver’s license — all those things. Then, as a senior, I was thinking “time to grow up.” Graduating college and interviewing at Hackley, that goal didn’t change; I still think that from time to time. I think I finally crossed that one off after I put the last period on this yesterday. But that’s beside the point.
A fact a lot of you may not know about me, but is relevant to this group, is that I am a twin. His name’s Andy; he’s severely autistic and non-verbal, but we have a very close bond. Growing up, we shared a bedroom, each with a twin bed side-by-side with a little gap in between. A habit of his was to, in the middle of the night, shuffle over into my bed. As younger kids, this was OK — not ideal, but at least I still had room to sleep.
Getting a little bit older, well, I wanted that gap to be a gulf. I would make pillow walls, I would create pillow dummies, but he still found his way into my bed. Every night was an intense game of musical chairs.
Eighth-grade me had ambitions, designs on my older brother’s room as he was moving out. Beyond the excitement of high school, new friends, varsity sports, driving, I would have my own space carved out. And those things came true. A few years later, as a junior and senior in high school, well rested, I would think back to my previous setup. And as frustrating as it was at the time, I couldn’t help but smile. A few times, I would even sneak my way back into that old room, and there would come my brother sneaking into the bed in the middle of the night.
The times ahead for all of you are exciting. You are all here today, friends and family behind and next to you, because you are ready to move forward. I know you are looking at this as a moment to define yourselves for years to come. When you look back at all the happy, sad, heartwarming and embarrassing moments, I hope you can look back with a smile on your face, knowing that they brought you to this exact spot.
Class of 2029 — the last of the 20s — let’s make that next step!
Eighth graders listen to faculty speaker Dan Shaw ’14 at their Recognition Ceremony in Diller Hall on June 2, 2025
Eighth Grade Recognition Day
The Class of 2029 selected Johannah H. ’ 29 as the student speaker for their Recognition Ceremony held on June 2, 2025.
I have the privilege of offering a few reflections First, I’d like to thank the many faculty, family and parents who have taken the time to be here today to support my fellow graduates and me
Today, as we sit in Diller Hall, we celebrate the end of Middle School and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Upper School. For some of us, this journey began in Kindergarten. For others, it began this year. And for many — myself included — it started somewhere in between. No matter when you arrived, I hope Hackley has had the same impact on you that it’s had on me.
Our class has been through quite a lot together. From remote learning during the pandemic to constant Wi-Fi mishaps during class, and even Mr. Maisonet’s history essays — we’ve faced so many challenges. But through it all, we’ve grown stronger as a class. We’ve learned to rely on each other and to help one another through challenges. We’ve collaborated as classmates on many projects.
Johannah H . ’29
The Middle School Choral Ensemble performs “Seasons of Love” by Jonathon Larson at the Recognition Ceremony on June 2, 2025
This year alone, I’ve learned about the human body in science, the difference between postulates and theorems in geometry, memorized so many lines in English class, and so much more. While we’ve certainly had our fair share of challenges, the real lessons we’ve learned didn’t come from textbooks — they came from the people around us. Teachers who go above and beyond, classmates who make every day better and a community that truly cares. That’s what this class is all about.
Our class has been through it all, but we’ve formed friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. In the wise words of Twilight Sparkle, “Friendship is magic.” As we move on toward the Upper School, keep your friends and your loved ones close, and, eventually, you’ll prevail with those around you.
As I look around, I see a class full of unique individuals — athletes, artists, scientists and future leaders. We’re each so different and, yet, together, we’ve created something truly special.
And while this may feel like an ending, it’s really the beginning. High school will bring new challenges, new friendships and new opportunities. It won’t always be easy, but if we’ve learned anything from Middle School, it’s that we are more than ready.
Thank you again to everyone who helped us get here. Congratulations, Class of 2029.
Let’s keep moving forward — with curiosity, courage and maybe slightly better time management.
The Class of 2029 gathers on the Johnson Courtyard steps on Recognition Day
The Class of 2025 gathers for a group photo at the start of their final year on the Hilltop
Cum Laude Address
Sophia Bannister ’15
Sophia Bannister ’ 15 offered this year’s Cum Laude Address. Sophia graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English from Barnard College of Columbia University and earned her master’s degree in poetry from Hunter College, where she was awarded the Thomas Hunter Fellowship. Her work has been recognized by the Randolph and Eliza Guggenheimer Prize for Distinguished Work in English Literature and the Miriam Weinberg Richter Memorial Award for Scholarship, Criticism, or Creative Writing. She has taught expository and creative writing as an adjunct lecturer at Hunter College and organized literary programming at the Hudson Valley Writers Center. Her writing has appeared in Zócalo Public Square, Hole in the Head Review and Poetry Online, among other publications. She currently teaches English and Language Arts at NYC STEM Club.
Congratulations, everyone! Cum laude means “with praise ” You’ve certainly earned that praise
Like the rest of your graduating class, you’ve lived through times that tested what school and community could even mean. Your education before even reaching high school was interrupted by a global pandemic that isolated you from friends, disrupted your learning and made even ordinary milestones feel uncertain. You’ve grown up surrounded by news of mass shootings, climate crises, war, censorship, state violence — things that devastate, overwhelm and divide. You’ve watched adults struggle to make sense of it all, sometimes failing in ways that may have left you disillusioned. You’ve navigated the rising tide of anxiety, the Hilltop’s at-timesrelentless pressure to perform and the
intrinsic pull toward perfectionism. And somehow, you’ve done it with academic honors.
Even more than praise, however, today you’ve earned the right to ask what all your hard work is for. And that question — What is all this for? — is the beginning of finding purpose. Not just what you’re good at or what will earn you more praise, but what you owe. Not just what you love to do, but what you love. What you’re willing to stand up for. What you’re willing to risk something for.
After this ceremony, what will you choose to do with the praise you’ve been given — will you ask harder questions, will you push back against easy answers, will you notice what’s wrong even when it would be easier not to? You have the chance now and every day after this one to decide who you will be in a world that doesn’t need more successful people. It needs brave ones. It needs people willing to risk being misunderstood. It needs people who are willing to
Cum Laude Society
trade comfort for clarity, who are brave enough to be honest when the truth is costly.
Today, you are being honored for your achievement. So I want to ask you now: What do you want your future achievements to serve? If you carry forward your ability to succeed, which I know you will, the world will find its use for you. But if you also carry forward a sense of what’s worth struggling for, then you become powerful.
Sometimes parents say they hope their children become “well-adjusted” adults, but I hope part of each and every one of you refuses to ever “adjust” to the cruelties of the world that in adolescence can often seem their most glaringly unacceptable.
So, carry your praise with humility, but seek and carry your purpose with courage, maybe even a little audacity. Because while praise fades, the truth endures. Your brilliance is real. Wield it fiercely.
Gabrielle Diaz-Alcantara
Phoebe Dungca
Alexander
Cole Byrne
Angela Croce
Jackson Fauber
Sikander “Sasha” Haider
Megan Hopkins
Rebecca Ingles
Francesca Jones
Jack Magidson
Vivek Malik
Sarah “Mika” Nuzum
Emily “Samantha” Reyes
Peter Roberts
Nina Zeltser
Alicia Zhu
The 2025 Inductees to Hackley’s Cum Laude Society: Isabella Barriera
Aran Basu
“Alex” Booth
Senior Dinner Address
Brigid Moriarty
English Department Chair and Senior Class Dean Brigid Moriarty was chosen by the Class of 2025 as this year’s Rice Award recipient. She delivered the Senior Dinner Address on June 2, in which she encouraged the Seniors to commit to finding ways to express themselves in the moments that matter, even when it feels like there are no words.
I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to the Class of 2025 for this honor . I feel so humbled to be talking to you tonight at your Senior Dinner .
Thank you to the Rice brothers who have endowed this award. And thank you to the members of the parent committee who have done so much to organize this extremely special event, especially Autumn Derby and Sally Kesh — I can’t even believe how beautiful it looks in here.
Thank you to the senior advisors and all the faculty and staff who have helped this amazing class to make it to tonight — the list is long, and I appreciate all you do every day.
And, most of all, thank you to the Class of 2025 for so many things, some of which I will touch on tonight.
I keep finding myself saying to anyone who will listen, I cannot believe that this day is here — I cannot believe that you are graduating. Not because I ever doubted that you would (I promise), but because the time has gone by so quickly.
Time passing is one of the most profound experiences we have as human beings, and yet, it is maybe the most challenging to put into words. We say things like “time
flies” and “don’t blink, or you’ll miss it” but these feel silly, shallow and altogether inadequate expressions of how it really feels.
As any parent in the room can attest, there are few markers of time more profound than your own kid growing up. There is nothing more simultaneously heartbreaking and heart-expanding than watching your baby become a child, become a young adult. But so often, words fail us in these moments.
As I thought about what I wanted to say tonight, what wisdom I wanted to share in my final time speaking to you as a grade, I just kept thinking, “I don’t have the words.” I don’t have the words to tell you how much you all have meant to me — to express adequately what an inspiring, eclectic group of people you are, how much you have grown over these past four years, how excited I am for you or how much I will miss you.
And, as I kept circling around in my head, stuck on how I just don’t have the words for tonight, I thought of a text exchange I had with my dad recently. This past January, my dad celebrated 21 years of sobriety.
His decision to get sober has been one of the most meaningful events of my life — I was just about your age when that pivotal change occurred in my family, but, in many ways, it feels like yesterday.
On his 21st sober anniversary this year, I texted him: “Proud to call you my dad on all days, but especially today; I love you more than words can express.” And, in response, my dad — always ready with a quip — texted back: “goes both ways, my dear daughter. But we’re both pretty good with words, so let’s commit to try.”
That sentiment stuck with me — the commitment to trying to express ourselves even when it feels impossible, even when it feels like words will fall short of what we want to say.
And at a moment like this one — your graduation, the closing of such a special chapter of your childhood, the beginning of a new phase of your life — words feel particularly inadequate.
While it is inevitable that words will fail and time will pass, that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do about it. So in an effort to follow my dad’s advice, I am going to “commit to try” to offer you a sort of antidote to these
two inevitabilities that feel particularly present in the room with us tonight.
When your own words fail you, art can help. For me, this has always been literature, but I would argue that any form of art can help us “say” what we are having trouble saying ourselves. An example of this: as I wrestled with what I wanted to talk to you about tonight, looking for the right words and failing over and over again, my mind kept returning to this one page in my favorite novel, Jennifer Egan’s A Visit From the Goon Squad.
This book is so close to my heart, and I feel really lucky to have had the chance to share it with some of you in our class this year — if you didn’t quite love it as much as I do, give it another chance. Return to it in a few years. I’m telling you, it’s a perfect novel.
My favorite part of the whole book is a single page in the famous “PowerPoint chapter.” Every time I read this page (and there have been many), it makes me feel all the feelings. To me, this moment articulates so beautifully, so perfectly what these big transitions — these moments that are so challenging to put into words — can feel like.
Aliya Pine, Andrea Hegarty and Zariah Stewart at the Senior Dinner, held on June 2, 2025
But in my drafting process, I kept thinking: “Brigid, stop. You cannot talk about the PowerPoint chapter in your speech. Come up with a better idea.” But I just couldn’t stop myself. It was where my brain automatically went when I thought about this moment; it was the closest I could come to expressing what I wanted to express to you tonight. So I am going to “commit to try” to make it work.
Plot-wise, this chapter is narrated by Allison Blake, one of the main characters’ daughters, as she teeters toward young-adulthood. Rather than writing in a conventional journal (as her mom wishes she would), Allison creates these PowerPoint slides to record her daily experiences and to try to understand the things beyond her grasp, the things beyond words — primarily her relationship with her mother and her younger brother.
In case the label “PowerPoint chapter” didn’t give it away, this chapter, close to the end of the novel, is composed entirely of PowerPoint slides. In being written in this way, the chapter’s very structure asks
questions about the boundaries of expression as characters look for ways to convey meaning when conventional narrative and linguistic structures fail or fall short.
Toward the end of the chapter, after a long walk with her dad where they stumbled upon some eerie-looking solar panels, they return to their house, and this slide depicts Allison’s thoughts upon their return:
As Allison stands outside her childhood home, she suddenly feels alienated and distant from it — “afraid” that she has traveled forward in time and is no longer a child; that she no longer belongs in this place that has been so familiar to her.
But with that imagined version of her future comes a recognition of all she has in the present — what she calls the “sweetness” of living together with her family in her house, feeling safe and secure in all of its familiarity.
When I read this now, I can’t help but think about all of you in this moment of transition — straddling two worlds, a comfortable and familiar past and an unknown, perhaps a little bit scary, but exciting future.
While the dominant emotion this slide evokes might be fear or sadness, or both, underneath is a deep and tender kind of appreciation for what once was taken for granted — watching the present suddenly become the past generates that appreciation.
Will Belleville, Quincy Flournoy, Ronen Fleck and Hugo Everitt at the Senior Dinner, held on June 2, 2025
In imagining herself far removed from this place that she loves, Allison can see it clearly — how “sweet” it was in spite of, or maybe even because of, its challenges.
We aren’t offered these moments of reflection very often. We move through our lives with the blinders of familiarity on, believing that how things are now is how they will always be — and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
But moments like tonight, moments like your upcoming graduation, these simultaneous endings and beginnings, offer us the chance to stand outside of what has been the invisible familiar and see it clearly — to recognize and appreciate all its sweetness and all its impermanence.
As you look around you tonight, you are surrounded by familiar faces — your parents, your friends, your teachers — and familiar places — Akin Common, the Lower School, the arch, the Tuck, the library. For the past four or more years, this has been your everyday
— your invisible familiar. But tonight, you have the opportunity to step outside of that familiarity and see these people and these places more clearly.
You are leaving this place you have called home, and while there is sadness in that, there is also this incredible opportunity to see what once was familiar as something special, something fleeting, but also something you can return to. And the coolest thing about returning to a place that was once familiar is that it returns you in small ways to the self you once were.
In an excerpt that Jennifer Egan uses as the epigraph for A Visit From the Goon Squad, Marcel Proust writes: “Poets claim that we recapture for a moment the self that we were long ago when we enter some house or garden in which we used to live in our youth.” So, when you come back to Akin Common in a year, five years, 50 years, you will “recapture” for a moment the Hackley version of yourself — the one sitting at their Senior Dinner right now — in a way that is more like visiting a past self than just remembering one.
Attendees of the Senior Dinner, held on June 2, 2025, applaud Rice Award winner and Senior Dinner speaker Brigid Moriarty after her speech
Proust calls these returns “hazardous pilgrimages” — “hazardous” because we can only hope to find small slivers of our former selves in these once familiar places, but “pilgrimages” because there is something sacred and worth undertaking about the act of returning, and, in returning, being returned to a former self, a former time, a former feeling, even just for a moment.
So that’s a long way of saying I hope you’ll come back to visit.
But, in all seriousness, let yourself feel the weight of this moment, sitting here tonight, in all the best ways possible. This is an ending and it’s a beginning; this is a moment when all your familiar experiences crystallize into memories, and you have the unique opportunity to peer over your shoulder with that stomach-fluttering mix of appreciation for what came before, sadness that something is ending and excitement for what is to come.
I hope that you, like me, will follow my dad’s advice
and commit to try — dig deep and express yourselves in the moments that matter, even when it feels impossible. Especially then.
I hope that when you find yourself in need of words, you will consider turning to a good book or your favorite piece of art.
And I hope that you will make the pilgrimage back to this Hilltop, hazardous as it may be, many times throughout your lives.
Thank you for inviting me to speak tonight, and thank you for listening. Thank you, most of all, for the past four years; I can’t imagine a better group of people to have spent them with.
Allow me to borrow Egan’s words one last time: “Being here all together was so sweet. Even when we fought. It felt like it would never end. I’ll always miss it.”
Thank you.
Hackley Seniors, their families and employees gathered on Akin Common on June 2, 2025, for the annual Senior Dinner
Class Day Awards
Class Day is a Hackley tradition in which students and employees gather together to acknowledge the end of another year of growth in “character, scholarship and accomplishment . ”
The Ron DelMoro Award for Excellence in Teaching
Kristen Adams
Awarded to a Lower School teacher, nominated by their peers, for excellence in teaching
Mary Lambos Award
Kate Schiller
Awarded to a Middle School teacher, nominated by their peers, for excellence in teaching
Anton & Lydia Rice Inspirational Teaching Award
Brigid Moriarty
Senior Dinner speaker, chosen by the Senior class
Yearbook Dedication
Brigid Moriarty
Chosen by the Class of 2025
Oscar Kimelman Award
Jenny Leffler
Voted on by the Class of 2023 and presented to the teacher who has most contributed to their subsequent progress
The Robert Pickert Award for Coaching Excellence
Gregory Gall
Chosen from employee nominations and selected by the Head of School in consultation with the Senior Administrative Team and the Director of Athletics
Drama click here for photo gallery click here to watch the video of the full ceremony youtube
The Hilltop Award
Regina DiStefano
Chosen by the “Lifers” in the Class of 2025
Middle School Subject Awards
Josephine “Josie” M. ’29
English
Desmond “Desi” C. ’29
History
Sage S. ’29
Spanish
Anya M. ’29
French
Rohan M. ’29
Latin
Benjamin S. ’29
Chinese
Alexandra “Ali” B. ’29
Art
Norah M. ’29
Chorus
Adhijay A. ’29
Instrumental Music
Stella M. ’29
Lower School students perform at the Class Day Awards ceremony, held in the Johnson Center for Health and Wellness on June 5, 2025
Pauline M. Gillim Library & Reading Award
Raine L. ’29
Arthur Niles King Science Award
Dustin R. ’29
Capt. Charles M. Kelly Jr. & Ethel Kelly Mathematics Award
Johannah H. ’29
Middle School Miller Bowls
Sophia F. ’29
Notable Improvement
Josephine “Josie” M. ’29
Kindness and Courtesy
Tamer H. ’29
Enthusiastic Cooperation
Lawrence M. Symmes Award
Norah M. ’29
Presented to the Most Constructive Middle School student
Community Council Award
Beniamino “Ben” Iaderosa ’26
Awarded to the Council member who made the greatest contribution to the Council’s activities
Community Music Awards
Jack Magidson ’25 Band
Alicia Zhu ’25 Chamber Ensembles
Aran Basu ’25 Chorus
The Class of 1972 Community Service Awards
Lillian “Lilly” Rosenthal ’27
Tenth grade
Bode Cice ’26
Isaac Ahn ’26
Eleventh grade
Awarded to the freshmen, sophomore and junior students who best personify the spirit of service to others — a quintessential Hackley tradition
Science teacher Regina DiStefano accepts the Hilltop Award, chosen by the “Lifers” in the Class of 2025, at the Class Day Awards ceremony, held on June 5, 2025
Ira Seebacher Scholarship
Photography Award
Olivia Houck ’25
Awarded to the student whose work in photography has over three years achieved the highest distinction in technical skill and artistic vision
Class of 1938 History Award
Troy Song ’27
Awarded to a sophomore for the most distinguished essay in History
Class of 1936 Cup
Owen Spencer ’27
Presented to the outstanding sophomore for distinction in any or all phases
Albert R. Dupont Award
Sarah Sichel-Outcalt ’28
Presented to the outstanding freshman for distinction in any or all phases
Upper School Miller Bowls
Dean Chung ’25
Notable Improvement
Emily “Samantha” Reyes ’25
Kindness and Courtesy
Peter Roberts ’25
Enthusiastic Cooperation
Hackley Bowl
Jiya Dhakad ’26
Ari Spiegel ’26
Outstanding Juniors
Junior Subject Book Award
Fiona Pedraza ’26
English
Macey McLane ’26
History
Rohan Krishna ’26
Latin
Elan Suttiratana ’26
Math
Sophie Huang ’26
Science
Juno Yang ’26
Technology
Benjamin Nadorf ’26
Visual Arts
French
Jinyi “Isabelle” Cai ’26
Spanish
Sebastian Mann ’26
Chinese
The Benjamin E. Bergen ’96 Award
Gemma Lasky ’27
Varsity “H” Award
Theodore “Theo” K. ’29
Boys’ Middle School Athletics
Samantha S. ’29
Sage S. ’29
Girls’ Middle School Athletics
Head of School’s Award
Samuel “Sam” Suniewick ’25
Presented to the student-athlete whose performance, sportsmanship and leadership on and off the athletic field have set an example for all Hackley students to follow CLASS
Remy Becker ’25 (center) accepts the Bruce F Roberts Scholar Athlete Award from Head of School Charles Franklin (right) and Rick Roberts ’70 (left), son of Bruce F Roberts
Class of 1921 Athletic Trophy
Jack Perlman ’25
Awarded by the Athletics Department to a male for distinction in Upper School athletics
McIlhenny Bowl
Brooke Koffler ’25
Awarded by the Athletics Department to a female for distinction in Upper School athletics
Mrs. Frederick W. Sherman Book Prizes
Nina Zeltser ’25
Classics
Olivia Houck ’25
English
Lilo Haidara ’25
Alan Seeger Prize in Writing
Jack Magidson ’25
History
Modern Languages
Sikander “Sasha” Haider ’25
Mathematics
Lucia Butterfield ’25
Visual Arts
Angela Croce ’25
Performing Arts – Drama
Alexander “Alex” Booth ’25
Performing Arts – Musical Theater
Phoebe Dungca ’25
Technology
Stanley Pennock Prize in Science
Vivek Malik ’25
Class of 1963 Charles Tomlinson Griffes Award
Gabrielle Diaz-Alcantara ’25
Steven A. Frumkes Award
Charles “Charlie” Perlman ’25
For the Friendliest Senior
Valedictorian
Vivek Malik ’25
Salutatorian
Sikander “Sasha” Haider ’25
Royal A. Clark Memorial Award
Rafael Castro ’25
Meredith Lee ’25
Bruce F. Roberts Scholar Athlete Award
Remy Becker ’25
Richard Perkins Parker Memorial Cup
Charles “Charlie” Perlman ’25
Gabrielle Diaz-Alcantara ’25 accepts the Class of 1963 Charles Tomlinson Griffes Award from Performing Arts Department Chair Bettie-Ann Candelora
2024–2025 Athletics Awards
FALL SEASON
Football
Pennock MVP Award
Samuel “Sam” Suniewick ’25
OHM Award for Outstanding Enthusiasm and Dedication
Thomas O’Brien ’25
Jim Reilly Award for Superior Athleticism and Sportsmanship
William “Will” Belleville ’25
Defensive MVP
Lucas Vitale ’25
Offensive MVP
Hugo Everitt ’25
Field Hockey
MVP
Devyn O’Callaghan ’25
Coaches Award
Elizabeth Doherty ’25
Heart Award
Zoe Kalapoutis ’25
Soccer
BOYS’
Unreserved Effort Award
Remy Becker ’25
Award for Leadership
Tyler Mook ’25
Heart Award
Philip Mahamedi ’25
GIRLS’
MVPs
Gabriella Petriello ’26
Gemma Lasky ’27
Coaches Award
Sarah Barsanti ’25
Animal Award
Annika Duggan ’26
Most Improved
Ihunanyachi “Linda”
Ohia-Enyia ’25
Cross Country
MVPs
Macey McLane ’26
Henry Prescott ’26
Coaches Awards
Rafael Castro ’25
Meredith Lee ’25
Rookies of the Year
Alberto “Ace” Perez ’27
Layan Sow ’27
Tennis
GIRLS’
MVP
Lili Kanev ’28
Coaches Award
Riya Monday ’27
WINTER SEASON
Wrestling
MVP – Frederic W. Neilson Award
Emmanuel Henderson ’26
“Iron Horse” – Hardest Worker
Justin D’Alessio ’26
Most Improved Wrestler
William “Will” Belleville ’25
Rookie of the Year
James Eleck ’28
Coaches Award
Peter Roberts ’25
Squash
BOYS’
MVP
Matthew Gluckman ’25
Most Improved
Jack Magidson ’25
Andre Reichelsdorfer ’25
Coaches Award
Arjun Virk ’25
GIRLS’
MVP
Jiya Dhakad ’26
Coaches Award
Sejal Virk ’25
Most Improved
Elizabeth “Emerson” Pedraza ’28
Swimming
BOYS’
MVP: Manny Sanguilly Award
Vivek Malik ’25
Jason Triano Award (Coaches Award)
Asher Navas ’25
Most Improved
Tyler Stern ’27
GIRLS’
MVP: Charles Bates Award
Lola Frey ’27
Coaches Award
Kayce Park ’25
Most Improved
Harlo Navas ’27
Basketball
BOYS’
MVPs
Jack Perlman ’25
Jelani Middleton ’26
Coaches Awards
Tyce Cannon ’25
Charles “Charlie” Perlman ’25
Most Improved Player
Alexander “Alex” Nuzum ’27
GIRLS’
Leadership Award
Annika Duggan ’26
MVP
Donia Karandikar ’25
Most Improved
Nora Husseini ’27
Dedication & Service Awards
Alessia Sorvillo ’25
Giulia Sorvillo ’25
Fencing
MVPs
Joshua Lee ’25
Nima Jones ’26
Coaches Awards
Francesca Jones ’25
Mathew Calderon ’27
Most Improved
Inkosi Brou ’26
Layla Kesh-Heil ’27
Indoor Track and Field
MVPs
Trashgim “Jimmy” Mulosmani ’25
Margaret “Maggie” Yalmokas ’25
Caitlin Morrow ’27
Coaches Awards
Rafael Castro ’25
Ashley Hollingsworth ’26
Ari Spiegel ’26
Rookies of the Year
Ryan DiStefano ’28
Kathryn “Katie” Yalmokas ’28
SPRING SEASON
Baseball
MVPs
Ronen Fleck ’25
Logan Wissner ’27
Silver Slugger – Silver Trophy
Samuel “Sam” Suniewick ’25
Coaches Award
Anthony “Ryan” Carpenito ’25
Most Improved
Dean Chung ’25
Tyler Parrot ’27
Rookie of the Year
Nicholas “Nick” Fratianni ’28
Lacrosse
BOYS’
Hislop Award – MVPs
Jackson Fauber ’25
Tyler Mook ’25
Allen Award
Remy Becker ’25
Dog Pound Award
Zachary Berger ’25
GIRLS’
MVP
Brooke Koffler ’25
Coaches Award
Sarah Barsanti ’25
Hornet Award
Nora Esposito ’28
Golf
BOYS’
MVP
Jiarui “Jerry” Guo ’28
Coaches Award
William “Will” Belleville ’25
Most Improved
Philip Mahamedi ’25
GIRLS’
Most Wins
Linnéa Boettner ’26
Lowest Scoring Average
Zoe Sellon ’28
Softball
MVP
Andrea Hegarty ’25
Coaches Award
Sarah Sichel-Outcalt ’28
Most Improved
Jaiya Patel ’28
Tennis
BOYS’
MVP
Alexander Chorny ’26
Coaches Award
Peter Roberts ’25
Track & Field
MVPs
Trashgim “Jimmy” Mulosmani ’25
Margaret “Maggie” Yalmokas ’25
John Pierre Ngbokoli ’26
Emma Curran ’27
Coaches Awards
Meredith Lee ’25
Julian Mann ’26
Rookies of the Year
August “Auggie” Teacher ’27
Kayla Reardon ’28
2024–2025 3x4 Awards
Each year, 3x4 Awards are earned by students who have completed three seasons of sports each year for all four years of Upper School.
Cross Country, Squash, Track & Field (indoor/outdoor)
Zoe Kalapoutis
Field Hockey, Basketball, Lacrosse
Meredith Lee
Cross Country, Swimming, Track & Field (indoor/outdoor)
Devyn O’Callaghan
Field Hockey, Basketball, Softball, Lacrosse
Sean Reardon
Cross Country, Soccer, Squash, Track & Field
Community Council members (back row, left to right) Shikhar Misra ’26, Jack Magidson ’25, Tian Cheng Wu ’28, Alberto “Ace” Perez ’27, Sarah “Mika” Nuzum ’25, Beniamino “Ben” Iaderosa ’26, Rafael Castro ’25, Philip Mahamedi ’25, Jinyi “Isabelle” Cai ’26, Owen Spencer ’27, Alex Nuzum ’27, Peter King ’26; (front row, left to right) Lillian “Lilly” Rosenthal ’27, Madison Cruz ’26, Hailey Won ’25, Meredith Lee ’25, Pia Severin ’28 and Cornelia Gruenberg ’28
Community Council 2024–25
SCHOOL WIDE OFFICERS
President Rafael Castro ’25
Vice President
Beniamino “Ben” Iaderosa ’26
Secretary/Treasurer
Sarah “Mika” Nuzum ’25
Senior Class President
Meredith Lee
Senior Class Representatives Hailey Won, Philip Mahamedi and Jack Magidson
Junior Class President
Peter King
Junior Class Representatives
Jinyi “Isabelle” Cai, Shikhar Misra and Madison Cruz
Sophomore Class President
Lillian “Lilly” Rosenthal
Sophomore Class Representatives
Owen Spencer, Alberto “Ace” Perez and Alex Nuzum
Freshman Class President
Cornelia Gruenberg
Freshman Class Representatives
Tian Cheng Wu, Pia Severin and Charlotte Frazier
BOARD OF MAGISTRATES
Seniors
Isabella Barriera, Anthony “Ryan” Carpenito, Matthew Gluckman, Olivia Houck, Francesca Jones, Tyler Mook, Jack Perlman, Annabel Previdi and Emily “Samantha” Reyes
Juniors
Madison Cruz, Sophie Frazier, Rohan Krishna, David Lefkovits and Obinna “Obi” Nnamdi
Sophomores
Nora Husseini, Gemma Lasky and Charles “Charlie” Napach
MIDDLE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
Middle School President Norah M. ’29
Middle School Vice President Isla D. ’30
Eighth Grade Representatives
Johannah H., Rohan M., Chizara “Zara” N. and Kennedy W.
Seventh Grade Representatives
Jack F., Henry K., Alexander “Zander” M., Shaleen S., Benjamin “Ben” S. and Sanaya T.
Sixth Grade Representatives
Andy F., Blakely H, Hugo K. and Colin M.
Fifth Grade Representatives
Augustus “Gus” E., Sophia J. and Sydney W.
Commencement
The Salutatory Address
Sikander “Sasha” Haider ’25
Salutatorian Sikander “Sasha” Haider ’ 25 addresses the Class of 2025 during Commencement on June 7, 2025.
Good afternoon everyone — family, faculty, friends and, most importantly, fellow graduates Congratulations, Class of 2025 — we made it! The finish line is finally here It’s been a long, winding road, and we haven’t walked it alone So many people helped us reach this moment, and I know I speak for all of us when I say, thank you
To our teachers — both those cheering us on here today and those who’ve gone on to pursue new dreams — you made learning not just bearable, but genuinely fun. You stayed late to meet with us, granted last-minute extensions when we begged on our hands and knees, and, in Mr. Lobko’s case, even gave up half a banana to rescue me from the agony of skipping breakfast after oversleeping. Your generosity, patience and unwavering support shaped us more than any grade or test ever could.
To our administrators — you’re the invisible gears that keep everything moving. You organize the chaos we create, helping us dive into clubs, classes and crazy ideas without worrying about the logistics of it all. You shift our schedules when we realize we’re in over our heads, and — perhaps most heroically of all — you call snow days without
waiting to see whether it actually snows.
To everyone who keeps Hackley running, thank you for making this campus not only beautiful but welcoming. Despite our best efforts to lose every plate, mug and utensil in the Senior Lounge, there’s always a hot, delicious meal waiting for me when I sneak into the cafeteria at 11 : 55 a.m. (sorry, Mr. Arnold). Even on the most chaotic day of all — orange chicken day — I can always count on finding, if not any forks, at least one lonely spoon.
To our families — you made sacrifices, gave us love and supported us through everything. You carried us through late-night essay writing, post-test meltdowns and existential college spreadsheet crises. You gave us the privilege of a Hackley education and the strength to rise when things got hard.
And to my classmates — my friends, and those I’ve quietly admired from afar — thank you. You’ve pushed me, and each other, to grow — not just as students, but as people. You’ve shaped me more than you’ll ever know, whether inspiring me to read an extra book, to spend a summer volunteering at Hudson Scholars or even just to let it slide whenever my friend would cheat in Monopoly.
As I stand here, I’m reminded of a story about Alexander the Great. When he learned about outer space, he wept — not out of fear, but because there were so many planets out there, and he hadn’t even conquered one. But when I look out at all of you, I don’t see anyone weeping. I see people who’ve conquered countless worlds already — all while juggling AP Spanish quiz de vocabularios and Ancient Greek translations.
I see martial arts masters and dynamite debaters; NYSAIS stars and virtuosic artists whose work I was lucky enough to see on exhibit this week. I see a DJ. I see the bold and brilliant who took the Coffeehouse stage by storm; graceful dancers; masterful musicians; organizers who pulled our entire class together for trips, projects, pranks; and volunteers who used their free time to truly change lives.
I see researchers tackling ideas I may never understand, and — perhaps rarest of all — classmates who actually get Hackley English.
We’ve explored far beyond our little Hilltop, too. From China to Spain, Uzbekistan to Argentina, Tanzania to the Bahamas. We survived the edge of civilization that is Camp Pok-O-MacCready and navigated the tangled trails of the Tarrytown woods. We’ve already conquered so many worlds, and as we depart for college, we’ll go conquer many more.
I began this speech by saying we “made it,” but that’s not quite right. And so, in true Hackley fashion, allow me one final act of wheel-spoking: saying we “made it” sounds like we stumbled our way here by luck. But this wasn’t luck — it was grit. This was years of dedication, long nights studying, early morning meetings, effort poured into every class, every challenge, every moment.
We didn’t just make it. We earned it. Every single one of us fought for this — with our brains, our hearts and, yes, sometimes our tears.
So let me end where I began, with the words now properly said: Congratulations, Class of 2025 — we’ve earned this.
Salutatorian Sikander “Sasha” Haider (far left) joins fellow Upper School Chamber musicians (left to right) Mason Lee ’26, Elleana Derby ’28, Alicia Zhu ’25 and Elizabeth Doherty ’25 for a rendition of “Long Live” by Taylor Swift at the Commencement ceremony Gabrielle Diaz-Alcantara ’25, Dr Lauren Rigby and Kathryn “Katie” Yalmokas ’28 are out of frame
The Valedictory Address
Vivek Malik ’25
Valedictorian Vivek Malik ’ 25 speaks to the Class of 2025 and families during the Commencement ceremony held on June 7, 2025.
To start, I’d like to thank the Hackley Parents’ Association, Board of Trustees, B&G and Flik for making this Commencement ceremony possible Thank you to Mr Franklin, Mr King, Ms Coy, Ms Marija and the entire Hackley administration for the work you do to keep Hackley running both in front of and behind the curtain
Let’s also take a moment to appreciate our dean, Ms. Moriarty, who has done an incredible job keeping our class on track for the past four years, and for having faith that we would graduate. Thank you to our inspiring advisors and teachers for their dedication to not just our education but to us as human beings.
I promise this entire speech will not just be me thanking people, but I’d like to additionally thank my advisor, Mr. Lobko, as well as Mr. Fitzpatrick, Dr. Ying, and all my teachers and my friends for their unwavering support of my personal and academic journey.
Thank you to my parents, because I wouldn’t be here without them — as well as my entire family for putting up with me.
And, finally, thank you to all the parents, families and friends here today to support us, the Class of 2025.
I remember reading earlier this year in Doc Rob’s class an excerpt from a book called Thinking, Fast and Slow by psychologist Daniel Kahneman. In it, he describes two systems of thinking: System 1 is spontaneous, intuitive and emotional; System 2 is slower, more methodical and logical.
While Kahneman argues that we often default to System 1’s fast thinking because it’s easier, I would argue something different. And seeing as Kahneman hasn’t been through Hackley English, I should have an edge up on him. I’d argue that not everyone in our class defaults to the fast thinking of System 1 Through years of discrete observation, I’ve noticed that our class is split on which system of thinking we feel comforted by; half our class defaults to fast, spontaneous thinking, while the other half relies on slower, methodical thinking.
At the beginning of our journey together as a class, both the fast- and slow-thinking people tended to self-segregate; some of us ditching school to go to a concert or pillaging the candy supply at the Club Fair without actually signing up for the club; others retreating to secluded spots (or trees), stashing acorns and avoiding spontaneous social interaction.
But over our years together, this changed. In our time at Hackley, we’ve seen quite a few changes — we saw the Performing Arts Center crumble and the Center for the Creative Arts and Technology rise in its place; we’ve experienced three different schedule changes and two Heads of School. And in the moment, these
were the changes that felt like they mattered most. Our “experiencing selves,” the selves that live in the moment, clung to what we could see around us and rode the temporary high of novelty.
But there was a more important change occurring during that time; not a physical change at Hackley, but a psychological change in all our minds. This psychological change is one that we, today — reflecting on the past four years — will appreciate more.
Our mindsets were blending into an intellectual and emotional smoothie that was the product of the experiences we shared and endured together. In other words, we were learning to collectively think both fast and slow.
So, let’s talk about the fast thinking: spontaneous collaboration increased exponentially throughout our time together — herds of classmates across friend groups would huddle together in the library to complete the Friday Crossword, giving Mr. Ruocco a run for his money. Let’s not forget the raging debates over lectins and seed oils in the Dining Hall, and intense Brawl Stars sessions in the Senior Lounge. Our camaraderie grew so strong, we made sure all the teachers in surrounding classrooms knew it — and even the New York Times !
We were only able to collectively think fast because of the unexpected hardships we were forced to endure, especially freshman year, that made us all throw logical thinking out the window, rely on our emotions and be present for one another.
And the slow thinking? Well, for starters, we meticulously worked together over four years, dissecting comps, sometimes comparing grading styles of various teachers, to turn Hackley English into practically a science. But, more importantly, our collective slow-thinking consciousness developed gratitude, shown by the end-of-year videos Sam would put together, where we expressed our appreciation for our teachers.
And, again, as with the fast thinking, it was the moments of forced collaboration, through boat building and Hilltop relays, that made us develop
this collective motivation to do and create incredible things.
Simply put, we rubbed off on each other, especially with respect to our mindsets and personalities, and we’re now all better off for it. I think this is important, because there will come a time in our lives when making difficult decisions about our personal lives and careers will necessitate both fast and slow thinking. This ability to comfortably think both fast and slow will come in handy, beyond just deciding to let it slide whenever a friend cheats in Monopoly. We could use our slow thinking to meticulously plan a career at our dream company and execute that plan flawlessly. Or, we could use our fast thinking and depart from our illustrious careers to start anew and fly the skies!
But no matter what happens in our lives, because of the exchange of mindsets that has taken place over the years we’ve spent together, we’ll be equipped for anything that comes our way. This collective, fastand-slow-thinking hybrid — hive — mentality is the reason we’ll owe our future successes to each other.
So, with both my fast- and slow-thinking minds, thank you for listening, and congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Seniors Olivia Houck and Francesca Jones share a laugh at the Commencement ceremony
The Commencement Address
Julianne Puente ’91
Julianne Puente ’ 91 delivered the 2025 Commencement Address. Julianne has been the Head of School at Albuquerque Academy in New Mexico since 2020. After graduating from Cornell, she returned to the Hilltop for 14 years, working in a number of roles across campus from teacher to coach to administrator. Her professional journey then took her to King’s Academy in Jordan, where she served as deputy head of school and dean of students, and then to Albuquerque Academy. Julianne has returned to the Hilltop often, including as a speaker to the graduating Hudson Scholars cohort in summer 2023.
Some speakers might say, “It’s nice to be here ” Others, “It’s good to be back ” But for me, it just feels like coming home
I had the pleasure of spending time with the Class of 2025 this morning, and it’s clear: you’re the real deal! There’s a genuine connection among you — a respect and camaraderie that doesn’t just happen. You’ve built it, moment by moment, over your time here. That kind of bond isn’t forged through group projects or advisory snacks alone. It comes from the daily work of showing up for one another, of laughing together, supporting each other and, yes, surviving your senior project panels or completing at least one impossible science lab report side by side. You’ve clearly shaped a class culture that’s inclusive, warm and joyful. And it shows.
And then I heard about your senior prank: puppies and a bouncy castle? That’s not just a prank, that’s a full-blown community wellness initiative. Thoughtful, joyful and — dare I say — adorable.
My class? We made boxer shorts that said on the front right leg “Hackley School 1899” and, across our rear ends, “Enter here to be and find a friend.” Not exactly classy.
From the moment I first drove onto this campus, Hackley became part of me — and that feeling never really left. I loved being a student here. I loved being
on the faculty. And, in many ways, I grew up on the Hilltop. Hackley has stayed with me ever since — sometimes in ways I never saw coming.
Take, for example, June of 2020, when I had just started as Head of School at Albuquerque Academy. The chair of my board, Diane Ogawa, invited me to her house for lunch — a simple invitation, or so I thought. Wanting to take in the beautiful New Mexican landscape, I decided to walk the two miles from my rented apartment. Google Maps showed a lovely open space with clearly marked trails bordering her house, so I figured I’d take the scenic route, slip through the back and stroll up to the front door.
What Google Maps did not show were the massive walls surrounding every house in the neighborhood. Nor did it warn me that cell service would be nonexistent once I entered the trails against the Sandia Mountains. After wandering around a bit, unable to identify the house — because of, well, you know, the walls — I took my best guess at which house was Diane’s and hoisted myself up onto a sixfoot wall, only to realize it was much more than six feet down on the other side. This was not the grand entrance I had envisioned.
As I attempted to shimmy along the wall in search of a more graceful descent by way of lawn chair, a woman stepped out of her kitchen — large dog in tow — and, understandably, more annoyed than concerned about this strange woman straddling her wall, yelled out: “Who are you and what exactly are you doing?” Knowing this was not a good look for anyone, let alone one for a new head of school, I blurted out — honestly, without hesitation — “I am Jenny Leffler!”
She squinted at me. “Who are you trying to see?”
Thinking quickly, I knew I couldn’t say Diane Ogawa. Caught up in my made-up story and reckoning with the fact that I was still riding her wall like a horse, my inner New Yorker emerged, and in the last moment it came to me: “I am looking for Diane. Dian…a Kaplan.”
The woman stared at me. “There are no Kaplans here.”
“Oh really?” I said, and, using my highly honed skills of feigning shock and dismay learned from 30 years of working with teenagers, “That’s soooo surprising.”
Luckily, she took pity on me and let me out the side gate, and I scrambled down to the street, where I finally found Diane Ogawa’s house and used, you know, the actual front door.
So, my advice to all of you today? Your Hackley friends will always be with you — whether they want to be or not — when you finally land the big job, take the welltraveled road — or, better yet, take a car — and, for the love of all things good, use the front door. To this day, when I visit Diane’s house, her husband still asks if I’d prefer to enter through the window.
But long before there were window entrances, career milestones or decades-deep friendships, I was just a kid from Yonkers — curious, uncertain and seeing Hackley for the very first time. That visit, quiet and unassuming as it seemed, would end up shaping everything that came after.
So let me ask you: Do you remember the first time you ever visited the Hackley campus? I remember the first time I did. It was Feb. 22, 1984, around 4 o’clock. It was a raw, gray, rainy day, and my dad and
Upper School history teacher Vladimir Klimenko (center) with recent graduates (left to right) Jack Magidson, Gabrielle DiazAlcantara, Nina Zeltser and Aran Basu
I drove from Yonkers to Tarrytown to watch my then CYO basketball coach and now long-time friend and current Hackley Varsity Softball coach Margaret Scarcella ’84 score her 2,000 th point for Hackley.
By the way, where is Andy Hegarty? I loved following your career 1,000 strikeouts! And Brooke Koffler — all-time goal scorer in girls’ lacrosse. What a record! And boys’ lacrosse and my buddy Chris Arnold — way to take home the state title, again! I digress; back to the story.
We arrived early, and my dad and I decided to check out the campus before watching the game. As we made our way up the hill, I remember driving past the triangle and seeing the back of a large English Tudor house perched high above us as the road gently meandered to the right, only for the house to be eclipsed by a stone chapel as the road swept back left. Reaching the top of the hill, my dad and I sat in the front seat, stunned by the now unfurled expanse of the Quad. Two giant Copper Beech trees and the massive oak that adorned the Quad were as aweinspiring as its buildings. As the car’s wipers briefly cleared the rain from the windshield, I remember my
dad looking across the Quad and saying quietly, “I’ve never seen a school like this before. Do you think you’d like to come here?”
Without hesitation, I said, “Yes.”
It was instinctive, immediate — and in that moment, something shifted. My life changed. Hackley became a part of me. And it’s never let go.
Now, decades later, I stand here looking out at all of you who have made this same campus your own. Different day; unfortunately, similar weather. But the same feeling persists. One day, you might clearly remember as I still do the distinct smell of the old Performing Arts Center, the soft-but-ever-present creak of the two wooden steps leading from the ninth grade hallway past the art room, the warm light cast by the Tiffany fixtures in the Dining Hall.
These details will stay with you, even as the campus continues to evolve and new generations claim it as their own. And that is as it should be. I am thrilled you enjoyed the state-of-the-art Johnson Center; the light-filled, visionary Center for the Creative Arts and Technology; and the beautifully rebuilt library — faithful to its original charm but reimagined with modern purpose and space. Each represents a thoughtful addition to a campus that embraces tradition and growth. Hackley gets into you. It roots itself in who you are, and, if you let it, it will help shape who you become. I’ve worked at some extraordinary schools — schools with breathtaking campuses and inspiring architecture — but none as beautiful as this one. We’re fortunate to call the Hilltop our own, no matter when or for how long we’ve been part of it.
So, Class of 2025, let me not squander the next few minutes offering you advice about how you need to be true to yourself — which, depending on who you think you are right now, could either be wise counsel or wildly irresponsible.
Instead, I want to share with you just a little how Hackley shaped me.
Like I said, I was lucky enough to attend Hackley twice — once as a student, a proud member of the
Tyler Mook ’25 and Jimmy Mulosmani ’25 are all smiles signing copies of this year’s Hilltop yearbook after the Commencement ceremony
Class of 1991, and again as a faculty member for 14 years. I really grew up on this campus — first as a teenager trying to figure myself out, and then as an adult still trying to do the same. Hackley taught me how to write, how to think critically, how to ask hard questions and how to challenge ideas. And, maybe most importantly, it taught me how to be brave.
And let’s be honest — Hackley gives you many opportunities to be brave. Some are serious: standing up for your values, asking for help, taking a risk on something that feels just out of reach. Others are a little more … specific. Like trying to get from Hackley to Poly Prep for a 4:30 p.m. game on a Friday. That takes a different kind of courage — or maybe it’s just stupidity, and not something I recommend testing too often. And I gather it is something Hackley or Poly has yet to fix.
I started bare bones — Algebra 1, Spanish 1, English 9, Geology with the incomparable Randy McNaughton, Anthropology with the GOAT John Van Leer ’65. I didn’t arrive polished or intellectually confident. But I was taught by the best.
Over my two stints on the Hilltop, I was fortunate to learn from some of the true Hackley legends — you might better recognize some of them as the Gargoyles: Walter Schneller, John McAuliffe, Rob Pickert, Arthur Naething, Anne Budlong, Doug Clark, Phil Variano, Jed Dioguardi and Kerry Clingen. They gave me a voice and a strength of mind. Along with my parents — who are here today and have always believed in me — these teachers shaped who I would become.
And I’d like to take this opportunity to officially nominate one more to that Gargoyle pantheon: Anne Siviglia. She was my eleventh grade English teacher and advisor when I was 16. I’m now 52 . It has to be time to set her stone!
Mrs. Siviglia didn’t just teach me to write well — though she did that. She helped me find clarity and conviction in my own
voice. She worked with me on my college essays. Years later, she edited my materials when I applied to King’s Academy. And when I sought to be head of school at Albuquerque Academy, she was still there, across continents, helping me shape my letter of interest and educational philosophy. That’s nearly four decades of mentorship. That’s what Hackley gives you — teachers who don’t stop believing in you, long after the grades are in and the classes are over.
How do you say thank you to people who will keep shaping your story? You say thank you — and then you pay it forward. I have tried to do just that.
Here’s something I first learned here on the Hilltop and have honed over time: even if you don’t feel brave, act like you are. Most people can’t tell the difference. I speak from experience.
Second thing I realized is that you may not always end up where you thought you were going, but you often end up where you were meant to be. Let me explain. As a young child, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said: a blacksmith.
Hackley faculty members cheer on the Class of 2025 at the Commencement ceremony on June 7, 2025
Not the cool, molten-metal-wielding artists you see at craft fairs today, but an actual farrier. Someone who shoes horses.
While most kids dreamed of becoming firefighters, astronauts or doctors, 6 -year-old me, in 1979, was aspiring to a career that was already mostly obsolete. I even remember my mom gently begging me to stop asking strangers to bend their knees so I could lift their feet and pretend to “shoe” them.
Obviously, I did not become a blacksmith. But the drive to work with my hands, to build, to create — and even to protect — has always been part of me. And, for a long time, I thought I’d channel that energy into becoming an attorney. I was on that path: I graduated from college, interned at the same law firm in Manhattan for four summers and was all set for a career in law.
But something pulled at me.
As a collegiate athlete, I wasn’t ready to give up playing. I really wanted to coach. And honestly? I just really liked school. So I abandoned the idea of law school — and a few other more “rational, highly lucrative” opportunities — to take a $ 4,000 internship at Hackley. I was one of Walter Johnson’s
first hires. I worked in the kindergarten, stuffed admissions packets, taught sixth grade P.E with Fran Stanek and, somehow, convinced Rob Pickert to let me be the Varsity Softball head coach. It was a far cry from working at Skadden, but it worked out. Because Hackley felt like home; not just familiar, but foundational. It’s where I learned what a great school looks like but, more importantly, what a great school feels like. And that feeling has guided every step of my career since.
Instead of forging metal and bending steel, I’ve spent my life building teams and shaping schools. So maybe, in a way, I did become a blacksmith after all. I’ve had the chance to forge, shape and burnish communities I love — and I’ve certainly had to learn how to take the heat. We’re often told to follow our dreams, but I’d encourage you to be flexible with them — let them evolve with you. Sometimes, like me, you just have to wait a little while to see how they come true.
So yes, I once dreamed of being a blacksmith, nearly became a lawyer and, somehow, ended up a head of school. Which, when you think about it, makes perfect sense. Most days, I’m hammering out logistics while listening to highly articulate teenagers, parents and faculty argue, usually about why a rule technically doesn’t apply to them or suggesting I lead by doing exactly what they say.
But like a blacksmith, I get to help shape something strong and lasting — sometimes with heat, sometimes with pressure, always with care. The work is rarely quiet and never easy, but every day, I walk onto campus knowing I’m helping to forge a community — and that’s an incredible gift.
To the Class of 2025: We know you will live lives of meaning and purpose, bringing wisdom, conviction and compassion to everything you do. And so, borrowing the words of my senior English teacher who ended every class the same way for 35 years he taught on this very campus: Go forth and spread beauty and light.
Thank you, and congratulations.
Seniors Kayce Park, Charlie Perlman and Aliya Pine at the Commencement ceremony
