On a sunny afternoon in May, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School celebrated Commencement for the Class of 2024, honoring the students’ achievements and memories before they take flight and embark on their next chapter.
Entering the Fieldston Quad alongside their advisories, the graduates greeted friends and family on the way to their seats. Following Head of School Joe Algrant’s welcome, the senior Percussion Ensemble students performed a graduation drumline routine, capturing the day’s exuberant spirit.
In the first student speech, Amiri Moreno ’24 reflected on his growth at ECFS and how discovering a love for music helped him shape his future path. “As we all graduate, I want you to remember not to worry about what label you might be given,” he told his peers. “Just continue to make the most of every opportunity you get. If they only give you an inch, find a way to take a mile.”
Joey Ravikoff ’24 spoke from the perspective of attending ECFS for the past 14 years, sharing how he recently reconnected with his influential 5th Grade teacher. “I realized that graduation is a wonderful milestone that doubles as an excuse to give thanks to those whose contributions sometimes go under the radar,” he said. “Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in years, give your friends a big old hug, and tell your parents you love them.”
Lucia Roure ’24 reminisced about playing “family” at Ethical Culture and how this definition has expanded throughout her time at ECFS. “It does not matter whether you started at Fieldston Lower or Ethical Culture or Fieldston Middle or Fieldston Upper,” she said. “In however long you’ve spent here, we’ve become family.”
Board Chair Kimberly Smith Spacek ’91 welcomed the class to the thriving alumni community and Commencement speaker Josh Shapiro ’93 spoke about unconventional paths that may await the students, paralleling the beginning of their high school years during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Chase exciting opportunities even if they’re not in perfect packages,” he encouraged.
Following the senior Jazz Ensemble’s performance of “Oye Como Va” and farewell remarks from Fieldston Upper Principal Stacey Bobo, the graduates walked across the stage to collect their diplomas. The festivities closed with a celebratory cap toss to the sounds of roaring applause and cheers from the audience.
Congratulations, Class of 2024!