Each September, Convocation marks the official start of the school year, bringing the entire Nightingale community together to celebrate the excitement and promise of a new beginning. Held in the Susan Hecht Tofel ’48 Gymnasium, Class XII Co-presidents Eve H. ’26 and Alice P. ’26 opened the gathering.

They reflected on the senior class’s annual retreat, held the day before, where they were tasked with creating a motto that represents what leadership looks and feels like to the Class of 2026. On the morning of Convocation, they proudly stated: “For the Class of 2026, leadership is compassionately cultivating a community where we have the courage to be our authentic selves.” Their hope is that all members of the Nightingale community will feel empowered to live in their own unique way.

Student Council Vice President Vivian Y. '26 followed and noted the many different ways that Nightingale students participate in their own ‘convocation’ every day. “We come together in the classroom and on the field, through the traditions we share, and by standing with one another in hard times and celebrating each other’s successes. These acts of coming together, big and small, are the true heart of Nightingale and what makes it so special.”

Then, as is tradition, a student from each division was selected to represent their fellow classmates and share their words of wisdom for the upcoming school year.

Representing the Lower School, Ruby S. '34 bravely stepped to the podium and encouraged students and adults alike to persevere, even in challenging times.

“I hope you know that your comfort zone is just the minimum of what you are capable of and sometimes the only way to get good at something is reaching out beyond your pretend limits. Well, I am talking to the grades younger than me, and I am also talking to the grades above me. We all need a reminder to push ourselves sometimes—even adults! If something is hard, don’t give up and keep trying. If we all believe in ourselves, we can do anything.”

Middle School speaker Alisa A. '30 spoke to the importance of cultivating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

“My advice to you all this year, whether you’re just beginning, or facing your final months, is to be the girl who welcomes. Be the classmate who helps someone succeed in a subject that seems difficult, but isn’t so hard with support. Be the friend to visit the roof with, because you’re never really too old for it. Enjoy the little moments between homework, the laughs, the bonds, the memories which are sure to last forever. Let truth, friendship, and loyalty define our community and our lives here at Nightingale. But most of all, be the one to make someone feel like they belong.”

Council President and Upper School representative Stephanie A. '26 reflected on what it means to not just be a part of a community, but to feel like one truly belongs. She recalled a moment from her Class IX grade year when she had received a disappointing grade on a Latin test, and the moments that followed.

“I just broke down crying in the middle of the Class IX grade homerooms. Mind you, this wasn’t a dainty, single-tear kind of crying, but a full-on, gasping-for-breath ugly cry. Before I even had a chance to collect myself privately, I was suddenly surrounded by a group hug. This group hug was created by everyone I could think of: people from my Latin class who could understand the struggle, peers just happening to be sitting next to me, and even friends who had traveled from the other side of the crowded homeroom just to get to me. At this moment, I realized Nightingale was a place where I could be vulnerable and people would come together to lift me, and others, up. This is the power of our community; the power of seeing someone who needs help and offering it, not because you’re expected to, but because you actually care. It’s a power that exists in every one of us here today.”

That group hug was a defining moment of belonging for Stephanie and one she is dedicated to ensuring all Nightingale students experience throughout their time on 92nd Street.

At the conclusion of her speech, Stephanie received a standing ovation—the first time that has occurred at a Convocation celebration.

Following, Alumnae Board Vice President Alexis Versandi-Issacs '01, proudly representing nearly 4,000 Nightingale alumnae, addressed the community. She spoke to the enduring power of friendships forged at Nightingale and what it means to be able to grow into oneself as an individual and a student.

“That is what becoming at Nightingale is all about. There’s no one mold. Each of you is building different versions of yourself and those versions come together into something even stronger. At Nightingale, you don’t just belong, you’re celebrated for exactly who you are in every stage of becoming.”

She continued, offering her advice for the new school year.

“So whether you’re starting Kindergarten or heading into senior year, remember that Nightingale is not just preparing you for the future. It’s giving you a family. One where I hope you will champion each other, help each other, and feel safe enough to ask for help at every stage of your own coming together. Know that your Nightingale family is here for you on both sides of the blue doors. And with that support, I hope you’ll have courage to seek out new challenges and take the inevitable stumbles along the way in your stride. I can not wait to see all that you do together this year.”

Convocation set the tone for the year ahead—a year filled with courage, compassion, and connection. As the community left the gymnasium, the call to welcome, support, and celebrate one another echoed as both a promise and an invitation: to create a school year defined by belonging.

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