Ninth-grader Capone Andrade of Bridgeport delivered the Salutation in which he welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged Upper School students (Grades 7-9) and their families, as well as the school’s faculty and staff, all of whom gathered in the school’s Athletics & Wellness Center.
Ninth-grader Julia Coniglio of New Canaan presented the Class Reflection. She noted that she and her classmates constantly redefined the definition of team over the years, embracing both the school’s mission of leading lives of impact and purpose as well as its community values.
“Living our childhoods in an environment like Country School has taught us responsibility, leadership, and kindness. It allows us to try new things, mess up, and start again. It has everyone watching rooting for us to succeed, sitting on the edges of their seats in anticipation.”
“I am so grateful to be part of a community that creates a safe and fun learning environment and where student-teacher relationships are valued. One that celebrates mistakes and encourages curiosity.”
Class of 2023 graduate Andres Catano 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.
Capone Andrade 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 2023 will attend the following secondary schools:
Avon Old Farms, Berkshire School, Calhoun School (NYC-Day), Greenwich Academy, Greens Farms Academy, Hill School, Hopkins School, The Hotchkiss School, Kent School, Miss Porter's School, New Canaan High School, Rye Country Day School, St. Paul's School, St. Luke's School and Sacred Heart Greenwich.
The Class of 2023 includes:
Samantha Aliapoulios, Capone Andrade, Lillian Back, Celia Baliotti, Consuelo Bowman, Andrew Burr, Octavio Calderini, Joseph Calio, Andres Catano, Ella Charron, Caroline Coniglio, Julia Coniglio, Charlotte Cooper, Jonathan Gavidia, Peter Goodyear, Louisa Gosk, Harry Jellinek, Katherine Johnson, Larson Johnson, Daley Keogh, Eleanor Levinson, Jayden Liu, Itzel Llamas, Charlotte Mannix, Grady O'Connor and Blaire Williamson.
Class of 2023 websiteFull length video of Closing Exercises