Congratulations to the Class of 2025

On Saturday, June 7, the Stuart Class of 2025 stepped boldly into their next chapter as Stuart graduates.

Click here for photos from all Commencement ceremonies   Click here for a recording of the live stream from the ceremony

For this year’s Commencement exercises, class president Annarose Bourgoin St-Maurice and class speaker Juliette Vergara addressed their classmates with fond memories and empowering remarks on the power of being a Stuart girl: 

“And now we stand before you today, marking a milestone moment in our lives — a time to celebrate who we’ve become, the memories we’ve created, and the challenges we’ve overcome. This moment also signifies the close of a chapter — one that, for some, has spanned over a decade, and for others, just a few transformative years. Yet regardless of its length, this chapter has laid the foundation for the lives of purpose, service, and leadership we strive to lead. This foundation, rooted in the Sacred Heart Goals and Values, will continue to permeate throughout the many phases of our lives, both professionally and personally, serving as an invisible, yet unbreakable bond between us. So, no matter where the next chapter of your life may take you, the experiences and lessons we shared will serve as a constant reminder of our sisterhood and community here at Stuart.” - Annarose

“After today, we will no longer be Stuart students. We will be Stuart alums. We will represent Stuart in every action we take.  When people look at you, they won’t just see a girl able to conquer the rigorous academic requirements Stuart boasts. They will see a woman educated through the teachings of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Who understands leadership, compassion, and service — someone who walks the world with purpose (and posture). It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been here for ten years or just one — the values of Stuart shine through. We’ve lived them: intellectual curiosity, deep faith, social awareness, personal growth, and community building. “Nothing stops a Stuart girl?” — not just a slogan. More a capsule version of a way of life; a path to a life well-lived that was learned inside these green brick walls. It demands we give our very best in every situation. To honor the 5 Sacred Heart Goals with which we’ve been seeped in our high school careers. To advocate for our community, our beliefs, and most importantly ourselves.” - Juliette

Commencement speaker Catherine McKee van Kampen ’84, a trailblazing attorney, distinguished humanitarian, and tireless advocate for justice, as well as a proud Stuart alumna, offered a powerful charge to the graduates: to pursue leadership with courage, service, and conviction:

As a proud Stuart Alum, I come to you today with a proposition and a plea regarding women in leadership. The proposition is that having women in leadership is essential for creating a better world. The plea is that you, dear graduates, dedicate yourselves to being the women leaders who create that better world.

You are now the CEO and architect of your big, beautiful life. Write your story in colorful, bold letters.

Your time at Stuart has instilled in you the miracle of you and the importance of connecting to your humanity. There are 8.2 billion people on Earth. Half are women and girls. You are one of them. The same God that made the moon, stars, mountains, and seas knew the world needed the one and only you. Louie Giglio said, “Your life is a miracle, and the Creator of the universe knows you by name and is big enough to breathe out stars, yet intricate enough to fashion together the trillions of cells that make up every facet of who you are.” Astronomer Carl Sagan taught, "…the cosmos is within us. We're made of star stuff." So let your star shine—and sprinkle your stardust everywhere meaningful to you.

The ceremony included the conferral of diplomas, with each graduate honored for her contributions to the Stuart community. Following tradition, Executive Student Government President Nyla Flamer led the turning of the rings, symbolizing the graduates’ readiness to share their gifts with the world. The Tartantones performed “Here’s to Song” before the ceremony concluded with a final blessing—and a joyful splash in the Stuart stream.

The final address was delivered by Head of Upper School Dr. Marissa Muoio in her trademark blend of heart and humor, inspired by the Gen Z phrases that swirled daily through the Upper School office. You just have to hear it. From “big queen energy” to “living like you’re independently wealthy,” Dr. Muoio celebrated the Class of 2025 for their presence, their joy, and their Sacred Heart spirit:

“You have lived richly—in your friendships, in your curiosity, in the way you’ve supported one another through heartbreak, deadlines, and triumphs. You’ve understood that time is the real currency—and you’ve spent it wisely: laughing loudly, hugging tightly, celebrating often.”

She continued: “You have done the hard things—but more than that, you’ve done the holy things. You’ve made peace. You’ve wept together and laughed even louder.”

In a moment of vulnerability and love, Dr. Muoio offered the graduates an original poem, written just for them:

Next
by Dr. Marissa Muoio

she does not walk ahead of you
she walks in another time entirely
you call her next because it’s easier than asking
what she sees that you don’t

her thoughts are breadcrumbs—
not to lead you to her
but to show you the way
you might become yourself

sometimes you notice a seed
sprouting in the trail she’s left
and you wonder—
was it hers, or could it be yours?

she doesn’t wait,
but she doesn’t mind if you follow.
she doesn’t need to be seen,
only to leave something behind
for those ready to find it.

To live like this—to leave seeds, to trust that something will grow, to walk by faith rather than sight—is deeply Sacred Heart. It’s deeply you.

So what do I hope for you, Class of 2025?

That you keep showing up to your own life the way you’ve shown up to Stuart: fully present, richly alive, and grounded in the knowledge that your worth is not earned—it’s inherent.

I hope you continue to live like you’re independently wealthy in all the ways that matter: rich in love, abundant in joy, and generous with your gifts.

And I hope you keep being salt and light in this world—a world that desperately needs the flavor and radiance you so naturally offer.

Thank you, Class of 2025, for being our students, our teachers, our joy.
Go forth with courage.
Live wide.
Shine bright.

As Dr. Muoio reminded them at the close, the graduates are not small and finished—but, in the words of Janet Erskine Stuart, "seriously begun."

Click here for photos from all Commencement ceremonies 

Click here for a recording of the live stream from the ceremony

Below is the full list of the Class of 2025

Bryanna Avalos
Hawa Baka
Eliska Bohmanova
Annarose Bourgoin St-Maurice
Mizan Chennault
Charlotte Close
Maya Dev
Alexandra Durish
Rachael Enimil-Ashun
Sophia Feng
Nyla Flamer
Samara Grant
Sanaya Grant
Amanda Guadalupe
Emily Harlan
Elise Hwang
Aryianna Johnson
Milla Kress
Nana Larbi
Allison Lee
Linyah Lokesh
Lola Lopez-Spencer
Riley Norton
Avani Prabhu
Kadance Robinson
Lourdes Ronquillo
Kamani Rush
Doris Tao
Dana Thompson
Juliette Vergara