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Eighty Six St. Luke’s Graduates Celebrated at the 95th Commencement
On Friday, May 31, 2024, St. Luke’s held its 95th Commencement Ceremony, a momentous occasion that marked the achievements of the 86 members of the Class of 2024. During their time at SLS, these students cultivated a deep love of learning, explored what it means to be ethical and empathetic leaders, uncovered their interests and talents, and forged their own paths to discover who they are and who they want to become.
This fall, they will continue their journeys at prestigious schools worldwide. (See the complete 2024 matriculation list)
During the ceremony, Head of School Mary Halpin Carter told the students, “Class of 2024, I encourage you to take a deep breath, quiet your mind, and absorb all that you can of this day. You will want to remember this moment and the wise advice that people who love you hope to impart. You will want to remember your senior self and your Class of 2024 identity. Whether you realize it or not, you leave a collective mark on the Hilltop.”
St. Luke’s salutatorian Kelly Neuner heads to the University of Virginia. She reflected on her journey figuratively and literally during her address. “To get from the closest parking spot in the senior lots to the front doors of St. Luke’s, it takes 179 steps. With the walk back down, this number turns into 358 steps per school day, 52,626 steps per school year, which means we have walked at least 26.313 miles in our 147 days of being Seniors at St. Luke’s. Congratulations to my fellow 2024 classmates; we have officially completed a marathon. Though this daily trip seems silly to focus on, it symbolizes how we have encountered various “hills” during our time at St. Luke’s... These “hills” presented steep inclines of failure, loss, and uncertainty that felt more like neverending mountains than short walks. But the joy of St. Luke’s is in the power of our community—how we helped each other through each trek.”
Valedictorian Megan Case heads to the University of Pennsylvania this fall. “Have the courage to put yourself out there to find those things that inspire you and your big dreams,” she shared with her classmates. “And as you chase these dreams, remember that achieving our pursuits is just one element of success.“
St. Luke’s Choral performed The Alma Mater, Take Me Home, and 93 Million Miles between speeches. Each graduate was also called up on stage and presented their diploma from Head of Upper School Billy Bludgus, Board Chair Christopher Rosow, Head of School Mary Halpin Carter, and Assistant Head of Upper School Abby Abbott.
Before the pipes played and the tassels turned, Carter concluded the ceremony by sharing, “Let all you’ve learned guide you as you navigate the complexities of the world. Continue to be brave in your pursuits, kind in your actions, and committed to making a difference. Though you are destined for different ports, stay connected to St. Luke’s, your forever community. You and your families always have a home here. Return to us often to share your stories, successes, and challenges. We will be here to support you, celebrate with you, and remind you of the community that believes in you.”
See all of our Commencement speeches and highlights from the Class of 2024 here and browse our Commencement photos.
See all of our Commencement speeches and highlights from the Class of 2024 here and browse our Commencement photos.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
