News & Views
New Canaan Country School Holds Closing Exercises
At New Canaan Country School’s Closing Exercises on Friday, June 7, Head of School Aaron Cooper reminded members of the Class of 2024 to draw upon the many strengths they developed during their tenure at the Pre-K through Grade 9 school, noting that they were already capable of surmounting difficulty. “When you work towards a common goal with others, your chances of success increase.”
“You have done hard things, and because of that, you are capable of doing great things. I am proud of you and grateful to you. Your teachers and I congratulate you on all you have accomplished in your years here at NCCS. You have made this school better through your talents, drive, support of one another, and enthusiastic pursuit of excellence.”
Ninth-grader Opal Thompson of Stamford delivered the Salutation in which she welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged Upper School students and their families, as well as the school’s faculty and staff, all of whom gathered outside on the school’s Grace House lawn.
Ninth-grader James Moody of Darien presented the Class Reflection. He noted that “NCCS has empowered all of us to grow both as individuals and as a collective group. NCCS has offered us an academic environment in which we can encourage each other to excel and work hard to achieve our goals.”
Mr. Cooper was joined on the dais by Kirsten Rosolon, Head of Middle and Upper School (Grades 5-9), who spoke of each graduating student. She quoted their teachers, advisors, and coaches, sharing memories and anecdotes of their time at school, before welcoming them onstage and conferring upon them a customized certificate bound in leather.
Class of 2024 graduate Cullen Smith of New Canaan received the Gamble Award, which is presented to the student who exemplifies, to the highest measure, the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
James DiBiasio of Darien received the Johansen Award, which is presented to the member of the graduating class who most exemplifies the qualities of care and concern for others, compassion, and a sense of community.
The Class of 2024 will attend the following secondary schools: Berkshire School, Brunswick School, Canterbury School, Deerfield Academy, Emma Willard School, Greenwich Academy, Greenwich Country Day School, Greens Farms Academy, Kent School, Miss Porter's School, Sigtuna School, Sweden, St. George's School, St. Luke's School, Stamford High School, The Hotchkiss School, Westminster School.
The Class of 2024 includes: Daria Bank, Lily Arneill, James Bilden, Cecilia Calia, Max Calia, Aditya DebNath, James DiBiasio, Jack Engle, Samantha Flores, Bowen Fry, William Gallagher, Madelyn Harder, Hunter Harper, Sam Herdeg, James Knowles IV, Arthur Lilley, Harper Macon, Mateo Mendoza-Silva, James Moody, Grace O’Donnell, Marcus Ortiz, Lillian Peake, Edward Regan, Cullen Smith, Michaela Springer, Opal Thompson, Katharine Tocks, and Catalina Villari.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
