Major Milestone

As Spartans experience the richness of campus life, they are also preparing for a future that they will help shape. Inside and outside the classroom, students create, innovate, and make meaningful connections with each other and the world around them. We are exceedingly proud of The Class of 2024, whose graduation ceremony on May 24 was an opportunity to reflect on their hard work and wish them well as they step into the next phase of their lives: college! The ceremony was filled with memories, laughter, and more than a few happy tears. 

The Class of 2024 processed into the gym as “Pomp and Circumstance” was performed by Steward’s band under the direction of Middle/Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher John McAlister. Nathan Gu ’25 and Ada Long ’25 served as junior marshals, and Upper School Mathematics Teacher Barbara Filler and College Counseling Administrative Assistant Braeden Glancy ’15 gave the invocation. Jason Herzog (chair of the Board of Trustees and father of Emma ’24) gave a warm welcome to families and friends.

The Senior Class Gift presentation is a much-loved Steward tradition, and Class President Emma Herzog ’24 smiled broadly as she announced that the Class of 2024 gift includes an inspirational quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. displayed on a wall in the Upper School, patio furniture for the Upper School terrace, and a coffee table and laptop tables for the senior lounge.  

The Middle/Upper School chorus, directed by Middle/Upper School Choral Teacher Heidi Taylor and featuring several Class of 2024 choral members, performed a lilting rendition of “What a Wonderful Life.”  

Senior Speaker Connor Murray ’24 expressed thanks to Steward’s dedicated teachers, who “taught us that failure is not a negative thing … it can be interpreted as a learning opportunity or a way to improve for the future.” To his classmates, Connor said, “If you were to leave here with one message from me, it would be to never change and to continue to inspire others. You are some of the funniest, smartest, and coolest people I have known. I am proud of the impact we have had on the Steward community, and so grateful for the opportunities The Steward School has provided for our future.”

Head of School Dan Frank advised the Class of 2024 to appreciate the value of slowing down and reflecting.

“Tell those who have been there for you — friends, family, teachers, coaches — how much they have meant to you,” he said. “And I hope that each day, if you don’t already, and moving forward, especially when you start college in the fall, that you slow down, look carefully, with curiosity and not judgment, at those around you. And that for better or worse you can learn from them, and, over time, discover what you can offer them in support and kindness.”

Mr. Frank then shared heartfelt words about each graduate, followed by the presentation of the Dixon Award, named in honor of Helen Dixon, the founder of The Steward School. This award is presented annually to the member of the senior class who has made outstanding contributions to all phases of life at Steward. This is the highest award presented by The Steward School to a student. Congratulations to the 2024 Dixon Award recipient, Jackson Rhamy ’24.

As the proud graduates walked across the stage to accept their diplomas from Mr. Frank and Upper School Director Adam Seldis, families beamed with pride and cheered. The newly minted graduates enjoyed another school tradition: tossing blue-and-gold confetti into the air as they celebrated the culmination of their Steward education.   

The 66 members of the Class of 2024 will attend 39 colleges and universities in 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. College readiness is an integral part of the Steward experience. Thanks to a challenging curriculum, dedicated faculty, staff, and coaches, and our top-notch College Counseling program, 100% of our graduates are offered admission to four-year colleges and universities.

Each spring, seniors who have committed to arts or athletic college programs participate in a school tradition: commitment ceremonies. These informal gatherings on campus bring together the students and their proud families, teachers, and coaches. This year’s arts and athletic college commitment ceremonies were held on May 14 and 22, respectively. The following graduates committed to arts programs: Avery Bates ’24 (Auburn University; architecture), Caitlin Calkins ’24: (VCU Arts; honors program), Elise Gresham ’24 (Bard College), and Henley Voeks ’24 (VCU Arts; honors program). The following graduates committed to athletics programs: Grace Virginia Deal ’24 (Catawba College; lacrosse), Kyle Jurkuta ’24 (Wilkes University; lacrosse), and Tori West ’24 (Emory & Henry College; basketball). View the Steward Snaps from Arts Signing Day and Athletic Signing Day.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve in college and beyond! 

View the Steward Snaps from Graduation 2024.