JUNE 16, 2025

On Wednesday, June 11, community members gathered in the auditorium to honor the achievements of the Class of 2029. Joined by loved ones and their Middle School peers, Class VIII processed into the ceremony from either side of the room. As each pair reached the center of the stage, they struck a pose before taking their seats.

“Class of 2029, you are thoughtful,” Class VIII Dean Kristin Webster said in her introductory remarks. “You are genuinely and wholeheartedly celebrators of each other's successes, whether it's kindness, call outs, varsity sports, wins, debate championships or dramatic performances, you are each other's greatest champions. You look after one another and show continued gratitude for the unique gifts that each of you brings to our community, being women who champion. Other women will take you far in life, and it's one of the greatest rewards of an all girls education.”

Ms. Webster also highlighted the class’s humor, resilience, and passion, reflecting on the year’s adventures—including a few mischievous moments. After a brief address from Head of School Paul Burke, Middle School Co-president Olivia T. ’29 took the stage to share a poem she had written, reflecting on the class’s journey at Nightingale, beginning with their Kindergarten Walk-Up with seniors in 2016.

“Through chaos and change, we’ve learned to survive. Together, our class is bound to thrive. Because our grade? We’re impossible to ignore—loud, bold, and ready for more…So here’s to the Class of 2029, to our past, to our future, to you. To the lessons learned and friendships so true. We've made it this far, together we'll grow, into our next adventures, with our bright, Nightingale glow,” Olivia said.

She then welcomed her Co-president, Summer P. ’29, to the podium. Summer also reflected on the class’s many memories on 92nd Street, emphasizing how their recent trip to Alabama brought them even closer. “Our recent trek to Alabama I believe, truly embodies the class of 2029. After long days, we all actively participated in class discussions regarding what we learned that day and supported each other on hard nights. We came back to New York closer than we had ever been. This year we conquered so much, from tackling the memorial project head on when it seemed impossible to difficult language tests and so much more. I know myself along with all of the teachers and adults in the building who helped support us through it all are so incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished.”

Following a short video montage in which Class VIII members shared messages of appreciation for one another, Class Speakers Avery O. ’29 and Eliza G. ’29 addressed the audience.

“We ask ourselves, how do we feel about the future? What does high school have in store for us? If the past four years have taught us anything, we know whatever the future may bring, we have the support that we will need to get through the challenges we will face,” Avery said. “We will have the coaches to push us beyond our limits, the creative outlets we need to explore and free our minds, and, last but not least, we will be able to laugh about embarrassing moments with our friends. Congratulations to the Class of 2029—we made it!

Eliza recalled when she first learned the alma mater “For Nightingale” and connected the Class of 2029 to the lyrics: “minds, and hearts, and voices strong.” Eliza spoke specifically to the growth of her peers’ voices, hearts, and minds during their time at Nightingale and how those words came to life: “We are all always a part of the voice, mind and heart of the Class of 2029,” she said.

Head of Upper Middle School Martha St. Jean shared: “Class of 2029: you are real. You are capable. You are ready. We love you. We are proud of you. And we can’t wait to see what you build next. As you move up and onward, I find myself doing a bit of the same. This moment is a milestone for all of us, for you, a step into high school; for me, it’s a quiet shift as I prepare to take my next steps too. You were the first class I began middle school with, and that will always hold a special place in my heart. We’ve been through a lot together: some big, some small, some messy, some joyful. But through it all, you’ve reminded me what’s possible when young people are given the space to lead, to question, and to become.”

Finally, each member of the Class of 2029 received a rose as their name was read, signifying the end of their Middle School years, and the beginning of their next adventure: Upper School.