Celebrating Roxbury Latin’s Class of 2023

On June 3, the 378th year of The Roxbury Latin School culminated with Closing Exercises and the graduation of the Class of 2023. The traditional and intimate ceremony—which includes the seniors, their families, the faculty and trustees—took place in Rousmaniere Hall. Immediately after the ceremony, under cloudy skies, the 52 newest alumni of The Roxbury Latin School celebrated on the Senior Grass with classmates, family members, and members of the faculty. The light drizzle of the morning did nothing to dampen spirits. (View a gallery of images from the morning.)

Beginning with opening remarks from Headmaster Kerry Brennan—which acknowledged the challenges and triumphs of this particular group of boys, and also noted their many, worthy accomplishments—the ceremony included the singing of America The Beautiful, Commemoration Hymn, and The Founder’s Song, as well as a performance of Ave Verum Corpus sung by The Latonics, featuring eight of the day’s graduates. The ringing of the school bell, chiming 3-7-8, officially concluded the school year.

Class valedictorian, elected by his classmates, was Akshay Kumar, whose speech expounded upon the personal meaning and relevance of poet Anne Bradstreet’s line, “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” Akshay’s address drew a standing ovation from his classmates; you can read those remarks in full here.

The elegant and powerful commencement address was delivered by The Reverend Morgan Allen, rector of Boston’s venerable Trinity Church, and father to graduating senior Michael Allen. Father Allen shared with the graduating seniors three beautifully drawn and important lessons—about what they’ve been given, and what they might choose to do with those gifts—through the 1864 essay titled “The Generous Gambler,” by Parisian poet Charles Baudelaire. Read Father Allen’s address in full.

Following the ceremony’s addresses, Headmaster Brennan and President of the Board of Trustees Ethan Berman ’79 awarded diplomas to the 52 newest alumni of The Roxbury Latin School.

Three major Class I prizes were also awarded during Closing Ceremonies:

The Richard A. Berenberg Prize, for generosity of spirit and concern for others, was presented to Owen Butler and Emmanuel Nwodo.

The Class of 1913 Award, for significant contributions to the life of the school, was presented to Justin Shaw.

The William Coe Collar Award, for achievements and contributions to the school that are deemed by the faculty as most deserving of recognition, was presented to Akshay Kumar.