Forty-two fifth graders joined the ranks of hundreds of Bright School alumni during the 112th graduation ceremony held on Friday, May 23, 2025.

Several students performed solos as guests found their seats. The Reverend Polk Van Zandt, great uncle of graduate Stone Pratt, opened the ceremony with an invocation.

Assistant Head of School for Operations and Technology Renee' Kropff opened the ceremony with some words of wisdom for the graduates.

The fifth grade handbell ensembles played two pieces followed by the traditional “Country Gardens,” performed on recorders by the fifth grade class.

Fifth grade teacher Mrs. Ann O’Brien spoke about the profound impact of Bright school, saying, “How lucky we are to have shared these years together.”

A class gift of a pavilion for the fifth grade recess area was presented by Arya Clinebell, Fisher Moore and Kenzie Rogers.

Before diplomas were presented, Bright School alumnus and father of two alumni, Gabe Thomas '94 spoke to graduates about the importance of embracing mistakes. "We get terrified of mistakes and we feel like we need to be perfect, but perfect is not real. We can grow from mistakes," he told the crowd.

Mr. Thomas also praised Bright School for helping him learn how to do new things, like play the recorder. "This school has an amazing culture. It creates a foundation that's much more than academics." 

Diplomas were presented to each graduate and the ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater and a poem read by James Exum, Colby Watts and Charlotte Cohn.

More photos from the ceremony can be viewed here.