King School Celebrates Class Of 2023

Via King School

STAMFORD, CT — Warm weather and even warmer hearts swept through the King School campus as 84 graduating seniors received their high school diplomas last week, surrounded by proud families, faculty, and staff.

NFL player Kevin Pierre-Louis, who graduated from the school in 2010, returned to his alma mater to highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and self-confidence.

"Graduation is a time of reflection and celebration, and today we celebrate you, the graduating Class of 2023,” said Head of School Carol Maoz as she opened the ceremony. "You are a remarkable class – multifaceted, resilient, and supportive of one another."

Maoz delivered her remarks following a ceremonious procession of faculty, staff, and trustees; an invocation by Reverend Mark Lingle; and a performance of “The Star Spangled Banner,” sung by the upper school choir. She applauded the graduating seniors’ hard work, academic achievements, and ability to make an impact.

“You have the power to make a difference in the lives of those around you. With that power comes great responsibility. Use your education and talents to make the world a better place.”

Board Chair Tom King, a parent of a graduating senior and two King alumni, congratulated his daughter, Ellie, and her peers. He acknowledged that transitioning to college can be daunting but expressed complete confidence in the graduates' preparedness.

“Our school has always placed a strong emphasis on academic excellence, and our graduates have been trained to think critically, solve problems, and tackle real-world issues,” said King, noting that academic excellence alone is not enough. “King School has always placed a strong emphasis on character development as well. You, our graduates, are not just intelligent; you are also compassionate, empathetic, and responsible individuals.”

Valedictorian and scientist Ben Persily, known for his outstanding scientific achievements and academic record, was lauded for his character by Head of Upper School Marnie Sadlowsky as she introduced him. “He stands out for who he is, and who he is shines through in what he does,” said Sadlowsky.

Persily, who hopes to one day earn a Nobel Prize, encouraged his classmates to reach high and find their own “Nobel prizes” and head to college “with the drive to take on all challenges that come your way, the drive to create and innovate within your chosen field, the drive to change the world.”

After Sadlowsky awarded Certificates of Distinction to 28 seniors, Pierre-Louis' highly anticipated keynote address praised the graduates for their hard work.

“Today is a great day. It’s a day to celebrate the completion of your hard work thus far and a pivotal moment in your own journey as your work continues,” said Pierre-Louis, underlining the importance of being flexible and finding opportunities in challenges.

“Remember that it's great to have a plan, but it’s also okay for that plan to change. Sometimes things in your life can go right while others are going completely left. Fortunately and unfortunately, the two can coexist.”

The former Houston Texans' linebacker encouraged graduates to seek self-improvement and self-improvement even in “unlikely sources.” “If you’re where you’d like to be, continue the work. You’ll have an opportunity to build upon it and make it better. If you’re not where you’d like to be, continue the work.”

Senior Speaker Tess Fredette ’23 recalled her first days at King and celebrated the tight friendships she has forged since. “We grew up together, we learned together, we failed, and we succeeded, and now, here we are. We went from awkward lower and middle schoolers to the remarkable seniors that we are today!”

Tess enlisted her peers to use their talents for good. “We now begin our adult lives. We have had so much given to us, and now it's our time to go out and make the world better.”

After collecting their diplomas and pausing for a blessing by Reverend Lingle, Maoz invited the graduates to stand.

“The moment has arrived. On the count of three, move your tassels from right to left. 1,2,3! Congratulations, Class of 2023!” said Maoz, adding, “Now go make the world a better place – I know you can do it!”

As the graduates tossed their hats, a jazz combo of teachers and students infused the tent with rhythm, and the graduates danced their way out of the tent, ringing bells and celebrating the conclusion of this memorable occasion