The Class of 2025 Leads with Purpose

For the first time in Mount Vernon’s history, Commencement was truly a global event. On Saturday, May 17, as the Mount Vernon community gathered in Atlanta to celebrate the graduating Class of 2025, families and friends around the world were able to participate in the ceremony—thanks to a live-stream broadcast designed to connect the entire MV ecosystem, including the School’s online global campus.

Head of School Kristy Lundström opened the ceremony by acknowledging the School’s global audience:

“A special welcome to our Dewey School families in Vietnam—we are so grateful for your partnership and presence today. We are proud to celebrate four Vietnamese students graduating in person, here with us this morning—what a remarkable expression of our global community in action.”

She also recognized families of Mount Vernon School Online students tuning in across time zones, reflecting on the expanded reach and promise of the School’s personalized learning programs:

“Your commitment to learning, innovation, and purpose is an important part of our story, and we celebrate you today as well.”

From Atlanta to Hanoi, whether attending in-person or watching on demand, the 2025 Commencement Ceremony reflected Mount Vernon’s vision of an interconnected, purpose-driven community—and marked a joyful celebration of learning, leadership, and legacy.

Student Voices Take Center Stage

The ceremony featured reflections from student leaders whose words underscored the power of growth, community, and authenticity. Delivering the Salutatory Address, Ryley Fuller offered heartfelt gratitude and a bit of humor, setting the tone with:

“I know that personally, without the support from God, my family, my friends, my teachers, and of course Grammarly, I would not be here speaking today.”

He went on to highlight the wide-ranging accomplishments of the Class of 2025—from “multivariable calculus box optimization” and Latin sports broadcasts, to championship-level athletics, impactful clubs, and student-led innovation, even joking about “Photoshop abominations” in Innovation Diploma. With wit and warmth, he reminded his classmates that their time at Mount Vernon has been marked by “enthusiasm, support, and amazing accomplishments”—and concluded with a powerful affirmation:

“Regardless of where you go or what you do, you will always have a place in the Class of 2025.”

Valedictorian and Head Prefect Herris Fentress delivered a stirring and deeply personal address about legacy, gratitude, and the unseen support behind every success. Reflecting on his 13-year journey at Mount Vernon, Herris humbly shared:

“Every time people congratulate me on being the Valedictorian, I think of this thing Isaac Newton once said—or at least according to the internet—he said: ‘I stand on the shoulders of giants.’”

He acknowledged the “proverbial giants” of the MV community—teachers, coaches, administrators, friends, and family—who helped shape him into the person he is today. From shouting out academic mentors such as Dr. Schewe and Ms. Lederer, to thanking his esports coaches for teaching him resilience, Herris painted a vivid picture of a community that empowers through care, encouragement, and opportunity.

Looking ahead, he challenged his classmates to think beyond accolades and toward impact:

“Your greatest opportunity to make a difference isn’t only in the achievements or success you have now, it’s also in the way you impact the people around you, and how that impact shapes the future.”

He concluded with a message that resonated across the gym: “Go out there and be giants. Thank you all.”

Beau Reinking, Sustainability Prefect, offered the final Benediction, quoting Brené Brown:
“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.”

His words captured the collective courage of this class to lead from a place of authenticity and compassion.

Leadership and Legacy

Following the student speeches, Kristy Lundström delivered a heartfelt and personal message to the Class of 2025—indicating that 2025 Commencement was her favorite day of the year:

“You and I started this Upper School journey together,” she said, speaking directly to the seniors. “From the beginning, you’ve shown us who you are: deeply curious, kind, original, bold.”

She celebrated their range of accomplishments—both academic and personal:

• Winning State Championships and performing Shakespeare
• Designing apps and haunted houses
• Logging over 3,200 service hours
• Launching Mount Vernon’s Global Campus and personalized pathways
• Mentoring younger students and leading with authenticity

“You’ve led not by having all the answers,” she said, “but by asking better questions and being brave enough to try again.”

“Class of 2025: Your fingerprints are all over this place—not just in the design labs and hallway art—but in the relationships you’ve built and the legacy you’ve left.”

During her inspirational close, Lundström offered a final charge to the graduates:

“Say yes. Don’t ask why—ask why not? Say yes to the tough conversations, to going first, to being bold. Use your knowledge, use your skills, lean into your attributes—because you know how to design a better world. So go do it.”

“Be bold. Bear fruit. Be giants.”

Honoring Character

A Mount Vernon tradition, the David Barclift Leadership Award was presented by Kristy Lundström to Reese Hickey, recognizing a senior whose character, vision, and servant leadership have left a lasting impact on the community.

A Celebration in Music and Joy

Introduced by Academic Prefect Charlotte Nagel, the traditional senior musical performance brought down the house with a mashup of Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” A group of talented graduates—Anthony Beccaria, Dareen Cheong, Amelia Katz, Lawson Neff, Jake Pierce, Beau Reinking, and Sydney Smith—took the stage, transforming a meaningful Mount Vernon tradition into an unforgettable highlight of the morning.

For Anthony Beccaria, who joined Mount Vernon as a freshman, the performance was more than a farewell—it was a full-circle moment. He began playing guitar with Upper School Music Instructor Mr. G in Grade 9 (having never played before). What started as casual practice soon evolved into a passionate pursuit of musical excellence, with Anthony embracing every opportunity to refine his craft.

By the time he stepped onstage at graduation, Anthony had become known for his talent and humility—but nothing prepared the audience for what came next. His “Free Bird” solo was nothing short of electric. As he leaned into the final guitar riff, fingers flying across the fretboard, the audience erupted in cheers and celebration.

What began as a simple senior tradition became a moment of transcendence—a powerful sendoff that showcased not only musical skill but also the spirit of this remarkable class. The performance was joyful, raw, and full of heart. A perfect exclamation point on a morning filled with love, reflection, and limitless possibility.

A Global Class, A Shared Purpose

With 70% of the class heading to colleges out of state, 11 students committed to play collegiate sports, and more than $7 million earned in scholarships (excluding HOPE), the Class of 2025 is ready to lead on a global stage.

From local neighborhoods to international communities, and from screen to stage, these graduates leave not only with diplomas but with purpose—and a charge to lead boldly, wherever their journeys take them.

Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang.

🎓 Watch the full Commencement Ceremony on the Mount Vernon YouTube Channel.

View the full photo gallery.