The Class of 2024 selected Olin Rummler to deliver the student address. He spoke about kindness and how Pomfret faculty and the upperclassmen inspired him and his classmates when they arrived at Pomfret. As the Class became campus leaders, they were responsible for exemplifying Pomfret's kindness taught to them. Olin encouraged them to spread that kindness as they leave the Hilltop. "As the Pomfret Class of 2024, it is our responsibility to carry this spirit forward, to spread the kindness and values we've learned here to the world beyond the Hilltop," he said.

Malik Ducard '91, the commencement speaker, echoed Olin's remarks about the impact the graduates could have on the world. He challenged them to lead the human revolution against a society that is so focused on likes and evolving technology. "Champion feelings like pride, empathy, passion, nostalgia, and love that are swirling here today and values like fairness, opportunity, and community that can never be automated. Be heroes for humanity," he said.

As each member of the Class of 2024 received their diploma, they handed Head of School Tim Richards a dog bone or dog toy — fulfilling a long-running Pomfret tradition that requires each senior to gift the head of school a small (often ridiculous) token of their appreciation.

During the ceremony, Delia Bousquet and Simiao Li were named first in class and second in class, respectively. The Pomfret Bowl — Pomfret's oldest award, which was first awarded more than 120 years ago — was presented to Paige Anderson and Jesse Heinberg recognizing their athletic excellence. The faculty also selected Paige to receive The Wendell D. Mansfield Cup for her desire, drive, and determination. And, for her scholarship, character, leadership, and determination, School President Grace Charles received The Founder's Medal, the School's highest honor.

The evening before Commencement, the graduates and their families gathered for the Senior Awards Dinner to celebrate their hard work in the classroom. More than twenty were honored for their academic achievements with subject-specific awards. Thirteen students were inducted into the Cum Laude Society for their superior scholastic achievement; consistent pattern of academic excellence; and demonstration of good character, honor, and integrity. They joined the six seniors who were inducted in the fall.

Faculty Award of Distinction recipients Delia Bousquet, Lena Gordon, Quynh Anh Lê, Clayton Lehmann, Daniel Lutts, and Henry Spence received special recognition for their lasting contributions to the Pomfret Community. Their leadership, drive, scholarship, integrity, creativity, and courage have made Pomfret a better place and strengthened our community in noteworthy ways.

Before the ceremony's conclusion, School President Grace Charles and School Vice President Daniel Lutts passed the ceremonial gavel to the School President-elect Sebastian Arreola '25 and School Vice President-elect Charmaine Chinodakufa '25. Sebastian and Charmaine will soon lead their class in exemplifying kindness and the Spirit of Pomfret. 

See more photos from Commencement.

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