Celebrating Roxbury Latin’s Class of 2025

On May 31, the 380th year of The Roxbury Latin School culminated with Closing Exercises and the graduation of the Class of 2025. The traditional and intimate ceremony—which includes the seniors, their families, the faculty and trustees—took place in Rousmaniere Hall. Immediately after the ceremony, the 56 newest alumni of The Roxbury Latin School celebrated on the Senior Grass with classmates, family members, and faculty members. (View a gallery of images from the morning.)

Beginning with opening remarks from Head of School Dr. Sam Schaffer—which acknowledged the 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. The ringing of the school bell, chiming 2-0-2-5, officially marked the end of the school year.

Class valedictorian, elected by his classmates, was Raj Saha, whose speech explored the everlasting community formed while being a student at RL. “The joy of brotherly friendship, the grit forged through our struggle, the curiosity to understand and examine our world, the everlasting commitment to service—they are the gifts of RL that have found a home in us just as much as we have found a home in RL.” Read his remarks in full here.

The powerful and inspiring commencement address was delivered by Amanda Cook, Vice President and Editorial Director at Crown Publishing, and mother to graduating senior Oliver Cook and alumnus Aidan Cook ’20. Mrs. Cook explored the power of stories and storytelling, reflecting on some beloved books and extolling the many benefits of reading, for our minds and our souls.. She implored the audience to read, and insisted that in today’s world, in which technology demands so much of our attention, reading can be a radical act. Read Mrs. Cook’s address in full.

Following the ceremony’s addresses, Head of School Schaffer and President of the Board of Trustees Ethan Berman ’79 awarded diplomas to the 56 newest alumni of The Roxbury Latin School.

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

The Richard A. Berenberg Prize, for generosity of spirit and concern for others, was presented to Darian Estrada.

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

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 Raj Saha.