Ava Sollenne of Greenwich Named St. Luke’s 2023 Valedictorian

On Friday, May 26, St. Luke’s School celebrated the 83 members of the Class of 2023 during the School’s 94th Commencement Ceremony. Head of School, Dr. Mary Halpin Carter, told graduates, “When you think of St. Luke’s, know this is how we will remember you: Woven from a strong moral fiber., Buttoned up yet utterly playful. Able to appreciate life’s little gems and each other's achievements. Kind and continuously curious. The very best of St. Luke’s.”

Greenwich resident Ava Sollenne was named St. Luke’s Valedictorian. Head of School Mary Halpin Carter said Sollene is committed to ensuring her success and that of those around her. “Ava is both academically motivated and community-minded,” Halpin Carter added. “Her incredible record of accomplishment in the classroom is built on a foundation of genuine curiosity. She is a strong collaborator; a curious, insightful, and kind person; a quiet but purposeful leader in the classroom and the school. She is a generous classmate who listens intently and thoughtfully to what others have to say.”

During her valedictorian address, Ava shared some memories of her time at St. Luke’s.

“Whether you’re a so-called ‘lifer’ at St. Luke’s or a classmate who joined this amazing community only two years ago, the impact St.Luke’s makes on its students is immeasurable,” she said. “While today may mark the end of our high school careers, I want to dedicate a moment to point out the many uplifting ‘firsts’ we have experienced and the many ‘firsts’ we will create in the near future.

“I am proud and honored to say that the Class of 2023 is the first graduating class under Head of School Dr. Mary Halpin Carter…Another first came on Halloween when we trick-or-treated with our 5th-grade buddies, and again before Winter Break when we decorated hundreds of cookies with them…The Class of 2023 was the first ever senior grade to experience Head’s Holiday…[We] inaugurated the new Togetherness Terrace… And it would simply be wrong of me not to mention the first-ever girl’s varsity basketball team’s New England championship win.”

“Today sparks a new beginning for us all, a new series of firsts, but it also heralds the end of an era. “This feeling of closure comes as a beautiful sorrow, a sentiment that stems from the departure of strong foundations and relationships we have built here. How special this place must be for the bittersweet heartache to be felt so profoundly when it is time to move on.”

Congratulations, Ava and St. Luke’s Class of 2023!

Visit www.stlukesct.org/grad to watch Ava’s full remarks and addresses from: St. Luke’s Board Chair Jennifer L. Foster, Head of School Dr. Mary Halpin Carter, Salutatorian Jack Sullivan, Class President Macy Millones, and seniors Peter Cioffi and Abby Thomas.

St. Luke's is a secular (non-religious) private school in New Canaan, CT, for grades 5-12. St. Luke's mission is an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. Learn more.