St. Luke’s 88th Commencement Celebration

The sun was shining on June 2 as 77 seniors filed into St. Luke’s 88th Commencement ceremony. Head of School Mark Davis, a New Canaan resident, welcomed families to the ceremony: “Today, more than any other day, our hearts overflow with conflicting emotions. We feel joy in what you have accomplished here and in who you have become, and we feel excitement for your futures. At the same time, we feel sad that our time together has come to an end. And so we feel a beautiful sorrow that stems from the love and relationships that have grown during your time on the Hilltop, and the knowledge that the daily coming together that gave birth and shape to those relationships now comes to a formal end as of this Commencement.”

New Canaan resident Luke Martocchio is the 2017 Salutatorian. Martocchio, who will attend Harvard this fall, addressed fellow students: “I see my friends here before me, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude as I am flooded with memories of the times we’ve shared. Although my personal recollections are probably a little different from yours, one thing is for sure: We’re all very lucky to have had such transformative relationships with our teachers, and to have benefited from such invaluable opportunities to learn. This, indeed, is St. Luke’s.”

The 2017 Valedictorian is Grace Zaro of Wilton who will attend Stanford this fall. Davis described Zaro as incisive, persuasive, fearless and principled. He added: “The grounded, self-effacing nonchalance that makes Gracie such an appealing person belies the power of her mind and her singular drive to learn, to perceive, and to excel. Do not be fooled by her casual demeanor. This is a scholar who combines innate brilliance with both discipline and a fiercely intense focus. In high school this has brought her to valedictory heights. At Stanford and beyond, the sky seems the limit.”

Davis sent the Class of 2017 off with a Farewell Address: “Soon—at college and throughout your life—you will face tough choices, in new communities and in unfamiliar cultures...Whatever the circumstance, remember us. Remember St. Luke’s, and all the people who love you. Remember that here you have constructed a strong moral compass...within yourself. It’s there. Use it. Whenever you feel untethered, remember St. Luke’s.”

St. Luke’s is a secular 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. St. Luke's Center for Leadership advances our mission by helping students develop exceptional leadership ability. A kind, inclusive community awaits you at St. Luke's.

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