Seniors begin commencement week with the Baccalaureate/Senior Send-off

Gross shared memories of his personal failures – including attending the wrong English class for the first three days of sixth grade – and stories of growth. He thanked RE's teachers and his family. Mostly, he reminisced about special moments and the strong bonds formed over seven years with fellow members of the Class of 2024.

"I have no doubt that each of us will carve paths of remarkable success wherever we go and I am beyond happy to have shared the last seven years with each and everyone of you," he said. "But Ransom Everglades does not stop here. We are not leaving it behind, no, we are taking it with us – all the big things and all the little ... Take these high school memories, these incredible years with you. I know you will all do absolutely unbelievable things. You’ve only just started. Don’t stop now."

Read the full salutatory address
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Natland, Carson and Williamson told seniors that their connection to Ransom Everglades will change, but not disappear. Through RE's loyal alumni community, in fact, the bonds may grow stronger. Carson urged seniors to "opt in" to RE's welcoming community early.

"This community will be here," she said. "Opt in not only because it will open doors that you have no idea you need opened, but because you, too, will open doors for people, And that is transformative."

Students also heard from Head of School Rachel Rodriguez, who noted that "today is a testament to your hard work, dedication and perseverence ... you have demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of challenges. Your achievements have not only made your families proud, but also have enriched our school community." COO and Interim Head of the Upper School David E. Clark '86 congratulated students and introduced Gross, and Dean of the Senior Class Roger Caron challenged students to live out the school's core values in the face of challenging times.

Lucia Soto '24 sang "Journey to the Past," and Emma Holtzman '24 and Gabrielle Lieberman '24 together performed "Oh Happy Day/ Get Happy." Students also enjoyed a senior video assembled by Jake Perdigon '24 under the direction of Senior Class Advisor Jorge Guzman.

Williamson honored RE's legacy families, and, immediately after the ceremony, all posed for a photo on the steps of the Fernandez STEM Center. (See below for the legacy family list.) Students also placed their bricks in the Miller Quad, and then proceeded to a class dinner at the Anderson gymnasium organized and executed by the Ransom Everglades Parents' Association.

Class of 2024 Legacy Families