At New Canaan Country School’s Closing Exercises on Friday, June 6, Head of School Aaron Cooper reminded members of the Class of 2025:

“You have written, researched, spoken, collaborated, designed, revised, and reflected. You’ve worked through challenges and shown up for each other—in classrooms, on fields, on stages, and in the small moments in between. And through it all, you have grown into the kind of people who are ready not just to succeed at what comes next, but to shape it with purpose, confidence, and heart.” — Aaron Cooper, Head of School.

“Of all the things this school does, above all it puts you—our students—at the center and asks you to speak for yourselves. In other words, it shows that you matter.”— Read Aaron Cooper's full remarks 

 

 which she welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged Upper School students and their families, as well as the school’s faculty and staff, all of whom gathered outside on the school’s Grace House lawn.

 

“Now our words and our voices will be important building blocks as we move on to new places and write our next chapters.”— Clare O’Brien ’25 Read Clare’s full remarks.

Reflection. He noted that “We’re walking into the future with resilience that was built here, with friendships that will last far beyond these walls, and with a confidence that we earned. So, wherever you’re headed after today, remember this: You are not starting from scratch. You are starting from experience. From strength. From a shared history that ties you to everyone sitting here today.” — Miles Chandor ’25 Read Miles's full remarks.

 

Mr. Cooper was joined on the dais by Kirsten Rosolen, Head of Middle and Upper School (Grades 5–9), who spoke of each graduating student. She quoted their teachers, advisors, and coaches, sharing memories and anecdotes from their time at school, before welcoming them onstage and conferring upon them a customized certificate bound in leather.

Class of 2025 Award Winners



Nate Berhe 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.

Caroline Irwin of New Canaan received the Johansen Award, 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.