On January 23, 2025 Collegiate School students celebrated Winter Convocation in the John D. Solomon Gymnasium. Students in fifth through twelfth grade processed into the gym. The morning began with Head of School Bodie Brizendine’s remarks warmly welcoming students to take time for reflection at the start of a new calendar year. 

Next, senior Asa B. ’25 gave a beautiful performance of Sonata in E Minor (Presto) by Joseph Haydn. Seniors Ben L. ’25 and Salil J. ’25 then gave moving speeches reflecting on their time at Collegiate and who they have become as they approach graduation. Ben L. ’25 reflected on success and failure during his time in the Upper School noting: “But my experiences at Collegiate have shown me that in moments of self-doubt, I can learn more about myself and better define the man I want to become.” Salil J. ’25 talked about his 13 years attending Collegiate, “But when I walk out the red doors for the last time, I know I’ll carry with me the lessons, the friendships, and the countless memories that will always be a part of who I am. Collegiate has given me much more than just an education—it has given me a home.”

The morning ended as assembled students sang the Alma Mater and reflected on the school year and their own Collegiate experiences.

The Winter Program is beloved by the Collegiate community as a way to bring students in grades K–12 together to celebrate the season before the start of Winter break. This year was no exception.

On December 20, 2024, students, faculty and staff, and families gathered for the Winter Program at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. As is tradition, the morning began with the rousing song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Edward Pola and George Wyle sung by the boys and the attendees. The Collegiate Orchestra then played “Colors of Home” by Alan Lee Silva. Ms. Brizendine, Head of School, welcomed everyone and read the humorous poem “The Lanyard” by Billy Collins. Then, Grier D. ’30, Reid D. ’31, and Neil K. ’32 shared readings about the theme “Celebration of Light.” The Middle School chorus then sang “White Winter Hymnal” by Robin Pecknold.

Next, Brady Z. ’25 gave a reading in recognition of Hanukkah followed by the song “Oh Hanukkah” by Mordkhe Rivesman, sung by everyone in attendance. Grades 2 and 3 then sang “Wintertime is Here” by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelsohn and “Let it Snow” with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Sammy Cahn. 

Will Leon ’25 then read “Year’s End” by Richard Wibur. The UnDutchables lended their harmonies to “The Christmas Song” by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé followed by the Upper School’s performance of “Carol of the Bells” with music by Mykola Leontovych and words by Peter J. Wilhousky. 

This was followed by the reading “Ring Out Wild Bells” (from “In Memoriam A. H. H.”) by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Grade 4 then sang the Hebrew folk song “Shalom Chaverim” and crowd favorite “Feliz Navidad” while playing their ukuleles. The Collegiate Orchestra and Chorus then played “Candlelight Carol” by John Rutter. 

The adorable students in grades K and 1 then sang “Simple Gifts” by Joseph Brackett and “This Little Light of Mine” by Harry Dixon Loes. 

The program ended with the singing of the carol “Winter Wonderland” by Richard Smith and Felix Bernard. Ms. Brizendine shared a farewell and the postlude was “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel. As the students and their families left the church, the first snow of the season greeted them–truly the perfect start to Winter break! 

Collegiate School marked the beginning of its 397th year with a heartwarming Convocation ceremony, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in celebration of tradition, community, and the promise of the year ahead.

This year’s Convocation also marked a new chapter for Collegiate, as Bodie Brizendine, the school’s new Head of School, participated in the ceremony for the first time. Her presence added a sense of excitement, as the school community looked forward to the year ahead under her leadership.
The ceremony's highlight was an inspiring address by Sarah Jadin, Assistant Director of the Arts and Drama Department Chair, who was also named the 2024 Wilson Parkhill Teaching Fellow. This prestigious fellowship, awarded annually to a distinguished faculty member, recognizes excellence in teaching and dedication to the Collegiate community.

In her speech, Jadin shared a resonant message about self-belief and personal growth. She urged the students and faculty alike to free themselves from the constraints of worrying about others' opinions. Her words struck a chord with the audience, serving as a powerful reminder to embrace authenticity and take risks in pursuing one's goals.

The 397th year of Collegiate promises to be one filled with new challenges and opportunities, and the School stands ready to embrace them with the strength of its community at its core.
 

On June 6, 2024, Collegiate held its Moving Up day in the John D. Solomon Gymnasium. 

In the morning, we held the Moving Up ceremony for Middle School students. It featured student speakers from grades 5-8 who reflected on the school year. The Middle School chorus sang a moving rendition of “Come Travel with Me” by Scott Farthing. Grade 8 students walked across the stage as their names were called and then each grade moved seats, signifying movement to the next grade. 

In the afternoon, Lower School students took part in Moving Up day. To begin, the Lower School boys processed into the Solly gym and delivered a colorful garland to Lower School Head Melanie Hutchinson and Head of School David Lourie. They also delivered decorated letters that spelled out the word “Appreciation.” Grade 4 students then sang “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles, each boy recited the Moving Up verse and they finished by singing “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. Then, Science teachers read a poem about summer. The fourth graders had their names read and they high fived their fourth grade teachers. Boys in each grade then moved seats to signify that they are moving to the next grade.

To conclude the morning and afternoon ceremonies, the boys sang the “Farewell Song” and “Alma Mater.”

Collegiate’s commencement exercises were held on Friday, March 24, 2024 at Alice Tully hall in Lincoln Center. The day started with a procession of students through the lobby where they greeted faculty and administrators before proceeding into the auditorium during “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar. The ceremony started with the singing of “America the Beautiful.” 

The student body president and senior class president Eli D. ‘24, introduced the Commencement speaker, David Schwimmer ‘87, CEO of the London Stock Exchange Group. He spent the early part of his speech sharing memories of his time at Collegiate. After that, his remarks focused on four ideas: Dream Big. Work Hard, Make Mistakes, Be Kind.

Next, George H. ‘24 gave the senior speech. This speech gives a graduating student, selected by his classmates, an opportunity to share humorous memories of his Collegiate education. Following the speech, Julian M. ‘24 performed 3 Études de Concert S. 144, No. 3 “Un Sospiro” by Franz Liszt.

Isaiah C. ‘24 was the Class of 2024 Valedictorian and addressed his class sharing reflections on 13 years at Collegiate.

The Head Boy medal was then awarded to Cheikh M. ‘24 by Peter Wallach ‘00, President of the Alumni Association, Head of School David Lourie, and Upper School Head, Andrew Prince. The Wilson Parkhill Fellowship award was presented to Sarah Jadin, Assistant Director of the Arts, Drama Department Chair. 

Andrew Prince presented all 52 students in the Class of 2024 and Head of School David Lourie and Jonathan K. Youngwood ‘85, awarded diplomas. 

The morning concluded with the singing of the “Farewell Song” and Alma Mater. 

We are so proud of our graduates. We look forward to welcoming them back as alumni.