Jack Sullivan of Wilton Named St. Luke’s 2023 Salutatorian

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.”

Wilton resident Jack Sullivan was named St. Luke’s Salutatorian. Sullivan is headed to Brown University in the fall. “He enjoys learning and appreciates a good challenge,” Halpin Carter said of Sullivan. “He actively participates in St. Luke’s Model United Nations Club and prioritizes community service. Confident, poised, and humble, Jack is a model of scholarship and hard work.”

During his address, Jack shared wisdom gained during his time at St. Luke’s. “The word salutatorian has nothing to do with grades or the number two,” he said. “Instead, the salutatorian title describes my role today: to welcome all of you. Looking back at my high school experience, all of my proudest accomplishments have resulted from welcoming challenge with open arms. Sure, sometimes I’ve definitely bitten off more than I could chew. And yes, sometimes you will get all the answers wrong… But it is only by welcoming challenge that you can discover and actualize the version of yourself that would otherwise lay buried. My life is forever changed as a result of the things I’ve learned to welcome in my time on the Hilltop. In a way, the value and necessity of welcoming have been the subjects of one long lesson preparing me for the final assignment of welcoming you all. But before I do, I encourage all of you to not underestimate the value of welcoming and to make an effort to welcome more. Right now, we are all faced with welcoming the joys and challenges of Commencement. I encourage you to welcome all that Commencement represents. This ceremony means so much more than a simple graduation. It means a bittersweet end to some of the most impactful years of our lives. It means saying goodbye to the familiar. It means making peace with unfinished business. It means a new beginning. It means something unique to each and every member of the audience.”

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

Visit www.stlukesct.org/grad to watch Jack’s full remarks and addresses from: St. Luke’s Board Chair Jennifer L. Foster, Head of School Dr. Mary Halpin Carter, Valedictorian Ava Sollenne, 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.