From the Grove: Timeless Wisdom for the Class of 2025 

A day of joy, reflection, and anticipation filled the Grove on Thursday, June 12 as Moses Brown School celebrated the Upper School Commencement for the Class of 2025. (see video collection)

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from student co-president Avery H. ’25. She expressed immense gratitude to families, friends, and teachers for shaping the class, emphasizing the "lessons and values that Moses Brown has worked tirelessly to instill in us each and every day." Avery cited Quaker reformer Elizabeth Fry on the continuous "search for truth both within ourselves and in the world around us."

Student co-president Kazuya B. ’25 then took the stage, recounting the amazing journey shared by the class. He vividly painted a picture of their "Future Friday" celebration, capturing how the seniors reminisced about high school milestones and admitted to sometimes taking their unique experiences for granted. Kazuya proudly described the Class of 2025 as driven entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, scholars, and, most importantly, "thoughtful, supportive, resilient, and genuine people."

Head of School Katie Titus addressed the graduates, reflecting on what wisdom she wanted to impart on this special day. Rather than sharing her own advice, she chose to highlight the collective wisdom of the Class of 2025, gleaned from new senior exit interviews. These conversations revealed powerful themes, which Katie summarized through three inspiring quotes: a Sanskrit proverb on the power of relationships, Vince Lombardi on the strength of will, and Maya Angelou on the lasting impact of how you made people feel. Katie confidently declared, "You are ready for what's next. Your backpack is full, and so is our pride in you."

A cherished tradition, the Spoon Ceremony, followed, where senior Senate representatives Sophia C. ’25 and Kate F. ’25 symbolically passed leadership to the Class of 2026. Sophia lauded the Class of 2025's "strong, confident leaders" and their "clear value of community," while Kate expressed faith in the juniors to "continue to thrive as you step into your unique roles as our school leaders."

A highlight of the ceremony was the return of alumnus Chris Savage ’01, P’34, ‘36, co-founder and CEO of the innovative video marketing platform Wistia, as this year’s commencement speaker. The Class of 2025 was inspired by Chris's journey from MB student to tech visionary, as he shared his insights on innovation, leadership, and staying true to your values. Chris delivered a heartfelt and profoundly insightful address, weaving together personal anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey with the timeless lessons he credits to his time at Moses Brown.

Chris, whose family roots run deep at MB – with his mother, Patricia Savage, teaching math here for 27 years, and his own daughters currently enrolled – shared three powerful takeaways that have shaped his path: “the art of listening (to yourself)," "building authentic community," and "the courage to ask 'why.'" He credited years of attending Quaker Meeting for Worship at Moses Brown as invaluable training in "listening to inner inspiration" – a skill that proved crucial in identifying a nascent industry. His message was a powerful reminder that the foundation received at Moses Brown is not just academic, but deeply rooted in character, intuition, and a spirit of inquiry. As he advised the graduates, "Stay curious. Question assumptions. Never stop asking why. And above all else, do not be afraid to be wrong."

Head of Upper School Laura Twichell officially declared the Class of 2025 graduates, acknowledging their unique journey, which began fully in-person during the challenges of COVID-19. She praised their joyful energy and how they grew into "welcoming role models and friends for the upper school."

Finally, student co-president Charlie Lai ’25 offered a heartfelt message of gratitude on behalf of the class, thanking teachers, staff, and families for their unwavering support. He encouraged his classmates to remember the collective journey: "this moment was made possible by every person who believed in us, challenged us, laughed with us, and stood by us." Charlie urged them to "be the people who bring out the best in others, who support others with kindness and compassion, and who reflect that same light and care we’ve so generously been given."

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
 

MIDDLE SCHOOL 
Closing Exercises – June 11, 2025

Moses Brown School celebrated its Class of 2029 on Wednesday during the Middle School Closing Exercises held in the Grove. This student-led ceremony honored the eighth grade class as they prepared to transition to Upper School. (see video collection)

Student speakers Zana K. ’29 and Colton M. ’29 opened the ceremony, reflecting on their collective growth: "we've grown so much during our time here, academically, socially, and personally. Today is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and also to look forward to the bright path ahead of us."

Head of School Katie Titus shared wisdom gleaned from pre-primary friends, advising the eighth graders to thoughtfully pack their "metaphorical backpacks" with lessons and memories while leaving behind self-doubt and drama. "High school will be different and in many ways bigger," Katie noted. "The key is being deliberate in what you choose to put in your backpack, those lessons and memories that made you stronger, kinder, and wiser." She confidently declared, "You are ready for what's next. Your backpack is full, and so is our pride in you." 

Following her remarks, Katie was joined by Zana to deliver a heartfelt, surprise tribute to Interim Head of School Maureen Nagle, expressing deep gratitude for her empathetic leadership and steady presence throughout the year.

Kelli L. ’29 reflected on the quick passage of time and the formative memories created. She spoke of how the MB community, like a rock shaped by the elements, has influenced her. "More than friends, more than teachers, and more than peers, the MB community is what makes me who I am," Kelli shared.

Naveen S. ’29 highlighted the profound impact of teachers as "mentors and allies," emphasizing how Moses Brown's Quaker values foster relationships beyond academics. Lorraine Colas ’29 shared her personal journey of stepping out of her comfort zone to join Quaker Life, which led to unexpected leadership opportunities. "Say yes. Try the thing you’re scared of," Lorraine urged. "Middle school is about growth. About change. About becoming someone you never thought could be."

Interim Head of School Maureen Nagle offered a final tribute, praising the Class of 2029 as "an incredible group of leaders." She thanked the dedicated faculty and staff for their support throughout the year. Nagle concluded, "You are talented, you are scholarly, you care about each other, you know how to have fun, and you are ready to take this next step into high school."

Congratulations to the Class of 2029!
 

LOWER SCHOOL
Closing Exercises – June 10, 2025

Moses Brown School honored the 30 fourth graders of the Class of 2033 at its Lower School Closing Exercises on Tuesday. The ceremony, held in the Woodman Family Community & Performance Center, celebrated their transition to Middle School.
 

Head of Lower School, OJ Martí, welcomed attendees and praised the students' journey. "Our deepest hope is that you feel a profound sense of belonging, a strong connection to this vibrant community, and a true feeling of accomplishment today," Martí stated, commending their "remarkable unity" and consistent embodiment of the school's core values.

Head of School Katie Titus offered encouraging words, advising the class to "make the moments count." She highlighted their past achievements, from the Invention Convention to Peace Games, as examples of their curiosity, kindness, and readiness to connect. Katie reassured them for the next step, declaring, "You. Are. Ready." She encouraged them to "Be welcoming to new students... Be open to trying new things... Be determined to do your best, even when it’s hard. And most of all, keep making the moments count."

In closing, Martí celebrated the fourth graders' growth in empathy and understanding through projects like the Immigration Project and Interfaith Centers. "As you leave the Lower School today," he concluded, "please take with you the warmth of our community, the pure joy of discovery, and the unwavering belief we have in each and every one of you. Go forth with courage, with integrity, and with that beautiful open heart."

Congratulations, Class of 2033!