Commencement: To the Class of 2025 - Congratulations

On Saturday, June 14, the Forest Ridge community came together to celebrate the Class of 2025 in our 117^th Commencement Ceremony.

Head of School Mary Rose Guerin started the ceremony honoring our graduates and calling out the compassion, care and empathy that are hallmarks of the Class of 2025.

“You’ve distinguished yourselves not just through your intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and positive leadership, though this alone would be enough to make any school proud. What sets you apart as a class is your sense of joy, your relentless pursuit of growth, and most especially, your deep compassion and care for others.

You consistently make space for one another to show up fully and authentically. In a world that often encourages conformity, you have built a culture that honors individuality, vulnerability, and belonging. This, more than any test score, grade, or accolade, will shape the impact you have on the world.

During your time at Forest Ridge, you have embraced challenges and celebrated triumphs. You have become leaders, artists, environmentalists, activists, scholars, and innovators—always with courage and always with heart.

Your Sacred Heart education has asked you to stretch not only your intellect, but your spirit. You’ve learned to listen with empathy, to act with integrity, and to lead with purpose.”

We were honored to have Valedictorians Abby B. and Anna R. address their classmates with a speech celebrating their peers and the unique qualities that each graduate brought to the class:  

“Earlier this year, on our senior retreat, we were asked to reflect on the question 'What do you love about your senior class?' I said that I love the special connection we all share. Our community has gone through many changes, and I could not be prouder of the accomplished group of students sitting in front of me today. We love…

The eternal optimism and legendary hype woman found in Mia,

Or Selam’s humility and compassion towards everyone she meets.

Amy’s abundant talent in both arts and STEM,

And Milo’s humble spirit and perfectly timed humor.

Evelyn’s endless generosity and iconic laugh,

Lauren’s commitment to what is right and standing up for those who need it most,

Or the kindness and warmth that follows wherever Maddy goes.

We could’ve written about Catherine E.’s limitless drive to achieve social justice and equity,

And Kate’s unshakable sense of self and killer golf skills,

Julie Grace’s unbridled creative passion and profound ingenuity.

Kacia’s selflessness and desire to care for others at all times, 

And the sunshine and energetic passion Julia brings into every room she steps in.

We of course love Cecilia’s dedication and diligence when it comes to balancing being a future Olympian and a high school student,

And the joy and excitement my power berry buddy Jaya carries with her through her contagious laughter.

The way Jamie always delivers, no matter how many responsibilities she is juggling,

And Catherine L.’s welcoming demeanor that made her the first person I talked to on my first day.

There’s also Annie’s incredible artistic abilities and witty comments in class,

Jacklin’s outstanding ability to lead with grace as both a volleyball and tennis captain.

Ellia’s calm presence and perfectly timed jokes,

And Faven’s dedication to being a good friend and advocating for what she knows is right.

Emanda’s approachable presence and the way she never fails to make you laugh,

And Josie’s readiness to share what she loves with everyone she meets.

We also would have written about Iris’s attention to detail and artistic lens on life,

Or the way Mohan never fails to greet everyone with a smile and kindness.

Regina’s infectious laughter and captivating dance skills,

The way Jessie carries herself with distinguished confidence and enviable style,

And Vega’s high emotional intelligence and the endearing nicknames she gives to everyone.

And while there’s only so many ways to say it, we want you to know that we love every version of you we got to grow up with.”

Jennifer Nicol ’05, Assistant Head for Academics, rounded out the graduation speeches with advice for our graduates as they move into this next phase of their lives, and reminded them that Forest Ridge will always welcome them back with open arms. She encouraged students to explore and discover new things, ask for help along the way, and to not be too hard on themselves – it is all part of the journey! She emphasized that our graduates are set up to succeed as they leave the Ridge:

“You’re not stepping into this next stage empty-handed…

You know how to take a moment of espacio to center yourself. This will be incredibly powerful as you embark on new adventures and tackle great unknowns.  

You see beyond differences to find common ground. This is essential to progress in our increasingly divided world. Continue to make authentic connections with those not already aligned fully with you and you can create the change you want to see.  

You are kind. Even when you’re mad or hurt by each other, you root for one another’s success. Keep this quality in yourself and you’ll always be surrounded by those who do the same for you.  

You are hard workers. You have read voraciously for Epic Novel and Critical Theory, wrote insightful AIS papers, and conquered complex math tests. Throughout life, you will be in spaces where you have less knowledge and experience than others, but if you’re willing to be patient and work harder, then you will be successful.  

You expertly apply wise freedom to grow in courage and confidence. Keep nurturing these skills of personal growth and you will continue to grow new abilities, cultivate strengths, learn from mistakes, and discover resilience when meeting challenges.  

And you are a child of the Sacred Heart, which means you are never far from a community ready to support you. If ever you feel lost, know you are always welcome at Forest Ridge. No matter how far you go or how much changes, you remain connected to something deeper.”