This year’s ninth grade graduates are ready to go boldly and take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
For more than 100 years, Country School has provided an intentional journey that balances strong academic preparation with social emotional development for children age 3 through grade 9. The result is alumni who are confident leaders and bold thinkers, prepared to contribute to their next school and beyond.
The members of New Canaan Country School’s Class of 2022 included, front row from left: Annie Harrigan, Ellie Rosolen, Eleanor duPont, Lyla Koch, Morgan Powell, Anne Boggess. Second row from left: Reed Ghriskey, Riley Newport, Caroline DiBiasio, Penelope Arredondo, Christopher Santa. Third row from left: Jack Nally, Daniel Marin, Jack Fichthorn, Oliver Golden, Brodie O'Connor, Lane Gallagher. Fourth row from left; Colin Mackey, Brendan Buda, Alex Thiersaint, Dario Sanon. Fifth row from left: Matthew Fry, Matthew Rivera, Matthew Schell. Not pictured: Flynn Sellschop.
At Closing Exercises Tuesday, June 14, Head of School Aaron Cooper encouraged the members of the Class of 2022 to draw upon the many strengths they developed during their tenure at the Pre-K through Grade 9 school, particularly the skill of leaning in to challenge. The graduates, their families, faculty and staff gathered on the front lawn of the school’s campus for the outdoor ceremony.
“Lean into tension even as it might be uncomfortable. Lean into stress even as it does not feel good. Lean into the new ideas you will encounter in your classes, even when they don’t make sense. Lean into the perspectives of your new classmates, even if you at first disagree. Lean into sharing your own beliefs, in class and with your peers, even if they are first met with silence. Lean into the losses as much as the wins, taking what you can learn from them. It will serve you well in the next several years and in the next several decades.”
Class of 2022 Secondary School Destinations
Berkshire School
Brunswick School
Canterbury School
Deerfield Academy
Fairfield College Preparatory School
Greens Farms Academy
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich Country Day School
The Hotchkiss School
King School
New Canaan High School
Northfield Mount Hermon School
The Putney School
Rye Country Day School
St. Luke's School
Westminster School
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Student Speaker
Caroline DiBiasio
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Student Speaker
Matt Rivera
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Ninth Grader Caroline DiBiasio of Darien delivered the Class Salutation in which she welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged the school’s faculty and staff and sense of community as integral to the class’ success, particularly during the pandemic. She went on to recount several of the highlights the graduates had experienced together during their academic journey and how they evolved into leaders. “We have made this place our own.” Read Caroline's complete remarks.
“Living through a pandemic is a once in a lifetime experience and it was far from easy. From this experience, we learned the importance of resilience and sticking together. By sticking together and being there for each other, we were able to support one another whenever we needed.”
— Matthew Rivera '22
Ninth Grader Matthew Rivera of Stamford presented the Class Reflection. Noting the adversity of the past three years caused by the pandemic, he credited the school community for teaching the class both perseverance and inclusivity. “Living through a pandemic is a once in a lifetime experience and it was far from easy. From this experience, we learned the importance of resilience and sticking together. By sticking together and being there for each other, we were able to support one another whenever we needed.”
He went on to note that despite the periods of health-imposed isolation, the class emerged closer than ever. “After a couple years spent social distancing, this physical closeness engendered an inclusive camaraderie. Everyday at lunch, in an effort to fit everyone in at the table, we moved all the chairs to the left or right to make room for everyone who wanted a seat. No one ever complained about having to make room for someone, we all just did it.” Read Matthew's complete remarks.
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Award Winners
Brendan Buda and Penelope Arredondo
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Brendan Buda 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.
Penelope Arredondo 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.
Parent Testimonials
"We are proud of Brendan’s academic progress, but Country School’s lasting impact is the quality of his character — molded over time by special people pushing him in the right way when needed, caring for him and supporting him on so many levels."
- Jessica Holscott & Jeff Buda of Norwalk
"Caroline has grown into a confident young woman on a supported path full of discovery, friendship, challenges and opportunities."
- Marisa & Michael DiBiasio of Darien
"I have been so impressed with the emphasis on character development and public speaking at NCCS. Matt is ready to take on his next presentation with pride and confidence."
- Jennifer Bentley & Ricky Rivera of Stamford
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.
