Meet the Class of 2024
There are a total of 96 seniors graduating at Commencement this Sunday, hailing from 8 states and 21 different countries. Vernette B. is the senior class president and recently reflected on her fellow graduates and their impact on the school:

“The class of 2024 high school journey has been filled with challenges. However, those challenges have shown how strong and resilient our class is. Throughout these four years, we have supported each other, risen to the occasion, and set a high standard for classes to come. My classmates are all wonderful and brilliant in their own ways and I am so proud of each and every one of them. I can’t wait to see what is in store for their futures because they are bright.” 

Krisha J. is the president of the student council and also shared her thoughts about cherished memories she will carry beyond her time at Emma Willard:

“Our class has undergone every possible schedule change, starting off with a pandemic. We’ve seen it all, but what this showed about our class was our resilience. This has taught us about life beyond Emma. We’ll be faced with curve balls, but we will always be adaptable and do so with a smile on our faces. I am so proud of our class! We had the most memorable Revels which will remain in everyone’s hearts. We shared in our happiness, sang, danced, cried, and now as we go off into different parts of the world, we’ll have a string connecting us all: Emma!”

In addition to their symbolic connection, the Class of 2024 upholds the tradition of familial bonds at Emma Willard School, with fourteen legacy students joining their fellow alumnae and EMployee family members.
 

The Path Ahead
Every senior starts the year pondering their next steps and where that path ahead leads. With the guidance, partnership, and support of the Office of College Counseling, the senior class has selected 67 different institutions across the country and around the globe to continue their studies with. In a toast to seniors following “Chalk Day,” director of college counseling Dr. Ashley Bennett extolled the class for embracing Emma Willard’s philosophy of finding the "best fit" college or university for each individual student.

“Wow, just wow — this Class of 2024 had an exceptional college application process from start to finish,” exclaimed Dr. Bennett. “ As juniors, they eagerly began to work with the College Counseling team through the READY program and individual meetings. This class, in particular, embraced our philosophy around finding the right college match regardless of rank and perceived prestige. They openly reevaluated their goals and adjusted to meet their needs. This class withstood a new and imperfect financial aid process and some major changes in the way colleges evaluated candidates for admission. Nevertheless, they persisted!”

The Class of 2024 applied to 278 colleges and will be matriculating to 67 different colleges. The list includes schools that are part of the SUNY and CUNY systems, Ivy League schools, the seven sister colleges, UC system schools, and more. 77% of seniors will be attending college out of state. Five students will attend college abroad in London, Hong Kong, Ontario, and Montreal.

“I’m proud that 7 of our top 20 most popular US institutions are not located in the northeast,” continued Dr. Bennett. “Which means this class is open to spreading their wings!”

Send Off to Seniors
While the seniors could be remembered as the first class to not physically set foot on campus on their first day (they were virtual due to the pandemic), it’s their good humor, resilience, and willingness to make up for lost time that will leave the most indelible mark on the campus community.

“For me, this year's seniors are defined by their curiosity and inability to take anything at face value,” shared senior class dean Abbey Massoud-Tastor, who is also a member of Dr. Bennett's college counseling team. “They are always digging into problems, asking questions, and seeking knowledge. I am in awe of their desire to understand deeply, but at the same time, they are quick to laugh and love a good joke. I don't think any of us will soon forget their senior prank!”

Please join us this weekend—whether in-person, virtually, or just in spirit—in celebrating and sending off our Class of 2024 to their next adventure:

Baccalaureate
Our Baccalaureate Ceremony will occur on Saturday, June 1, at 1:00 p.m. under the celebratory tent on campus. Baccalaureate will be the seniors’ opportunity to celebrate their graduation with faculty, staff, and students as well as their families. 

Brick Dedication and Reception
Following the Baccalaureate, we will host the senior brick dedication ceremony. This is a moment to pay tribute to the class of 2024 and the permanent mark they have made on Mount Ida. The ceremony will be in Kellas Garden followed by light refreshments.

Commencement
Commencement will be held on Sunday, June 2, at 10:00 a.m. and lasts approximately two hours. There is no limit on the number of attendees for Commencement and no RSVP required. The ceremony will be livestreamed and will be followed by a reception.