HM Community Celebrates the Class of 2024
Photo: Barry Mason
On Wednesday, June 12th, the Horace Mann School community came together to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2024.
Under blue skies on Alumni Field, the Class of 2024 celebrated their final achievement as Horace Mann students: commencement. For these students, their time at Horace Mann included many highs and a few lows, all of which were touched upon by the various speakers.
When this group started high school, not only were they faced with the run-of-the-mill challenges associated with being teenagers, but also had their first year of high school torn apart by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ninth and tenth grade were characterized by mask wearing, periods of online learning, a lack of social gatherings, and strict health protocols. Despite the rocky start, this class was able to develop meaningful relationships with one another and HM faculty and staff. In his speech, Head of School Dr. Tom Kelly applauded the class’s resilience and urged them to continue to listen, think for themselves, and have empathy for others as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
In addition to Dr. Kelly, speakers included the presider and Class of 2024 Grade Dean, Stephanie Feigin, and Board of Trustees Chair, Larry Grafstein. At Horace Mann, the class valedictorian is elected by their peers. This year, Upper Division Head Dr. Jessica Levenstein had the pleasure of introducing Naomi Yaeger, the elected valedictorian. She spoke about the hardships this class has endured, their exceptional dedication to the school-wide game of X (a live-action game in which players try to eliminate one another by tapping each other with wooden spoons in an effort to become the last surviving player), and was able to reference a few inside jokes that showcased the class’s close-knit relationships.
At the conclusion of the celebration, all present rose to sing the Alma Mater. The newly minted alumni stood arm in arm, smiles beaming as they reflected on all the ways they have grown at HM.
The entire HM community wishes the Class of 2024 well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives and become part of our alumni community!