Bagpiper Ben Partridge ’06 emerged from Fuller Hall followed by Head of School Dr. Jennifer Zaccara, Trustee Chair Chris Cota ’66, Academic Dean Lorna Schilling, and Assistant Head School for Student Life Brian Gilloran. The rest of the VA faculty processed behind them. Class Marshals Natalie Kucerova ’24 and Sydney Palmiotto ’24 held the key, a Vermont Academy tradition in which a senior artist is selected to paint their class year on the key (this year's artist was Philippe Longchamps '23) and led the Class of 2023 to their seats on either side of the podium. 

Humanities Faculty Member Charles Butler approached the podium to give the invocation where he called for everyone to unite in their gratitude for all that we have. He welcomed Vermont Academy Student Association representatives Abigail Hawkins, Alden Ormont, and Philippe Longchamps to the stage where each gave inspiring words to their fellow classmates. Alden noted how, “We are a generation of informed, engaged, proactive people and we have a great capacity to shape the future of the world in whatever way we choose.” Abby felt that her class was special in its own way and urged her peers to, “keep shining.” While Philippe also spoke about the special community of peers he had at Vermont Academy, he emphasized just how much Art Department Chair Lisa Eckhardt McNealus ’79 made a difference in his time at VA. 

In his moving speech, salutatorian Alden Ormont honored the entire faculty at VA by saying how he is, “inspired daily by their commitment to the students and the school.”

In an emotional and heart-felt address, valedictorian Sam Boxer reflected on the numerous definitions of teaching he experienced at VA from different faculty members who helped shape his time here. “Parents, when you put us here, we can turn into anything we want, with the guidance of these faculty.”

Head of the Board of Trustees Chris Cota gave an amusing address first to the families and friends in the audience about their young adult being ready to enter the world. He went on to congratulate the Class of 2023 and urged them to make the people around them proud as they go forth in life.

Lorna Schilling stood to present the AnnaMae D. Fenney Medals which are awarded to those students who have a grade point average of at least 3.67 and who have achieved high honors for each of the 2022-2023 academic trimesters. This year’s recipients were:

Sam Boxer 

Billy Durand

Eva Hofmeister

Yuki Ishibashi

Jenna Johnson

Emma Laroche

Euijin “Brian” Lee

Markéta Mazancová

Dylan McCarthy

Alden Ormont

Asier Otaegui Camaño

Susannah Pennell

Kim Osmec Perusa

Marcus Padula

Tian Ragle

Lola Russell

Noah St. Germaine

Jack Starkey

Kieran Stokes

Jordyn Trout

Wyatt Turner

Before diplomas were awarded, the ceremony included a few awards that have traditionally been part of commencement at Vermont Academy. They are as follows.

Ms. Lisa Eckhardt McNealus ’79 presented the Grant V. Frazer Award. The Academy endowed an annual award in Mr. Frazer’s honor, an award to be given to that student who best exemplifies this teacher’s own dignified humility, quiet strength and constant drive toward excellence. This year’s recipient was Susannah Pennell.

Mr. Adrian Diaz ’14 presented the Robinson Prize. The Robinson Prize is awarded for conduct of a life which reflects the values, sensitivities and actions of an individual of faith, as these qualities permeate all his/her activities. This year's recipient was Dylan McCarthy.

Ms. Whitney Barrett presented the Charles Jackson Award, which is given to a senior who has contributed substantially to the life of the Academy in areas such as performing arts and/or journalism, and who has been a loyal and concerned member of the Academy. This year’s recipient was Jess Shapiro.

Mr. Jonathan Gottsegen ’86 presented the Bernice B. and Olin D. Gay Award, which recognizes a student who personifies the qualities of friendliness, cooperation, kindness, and concern for his/her fellow individual that should not be allowed to pass unnoticed. This year’s recipient was Jenna Johnson.

Mr. Russell Mayhew presented the Ford Improvement Prize, which was created by Daniel Ford to recognize that student in the senior class who has not only contributed to the success of school activities but has also won the respect of his/her teachers and peers through notable progress and improvement in scholastic activity. This year’s recipient was Josh Paprin.

Dr. Greg Martin presented the Larry Smith Award, which is given to a student who has excelled and shown leadership in all areas of our community and beyond, including academics, athletics, and the arts, as well as community service, while also supporting her peers and the greater community. This year’s recipient was Wyatt Turner.

Ms. Lisa Eckhardt McNealus ’79 presented the Robert L. Long Leadership & Service Award, which was endowed in honor of Robert L. Long, former Academy Headmaster. This award is given to a senior whose leadership and service to Vermont Academy has earned our respect and gratitude. This year’s recipient was Abby Hawkins.

Mr. Russell Mayhew presented The Shanaman Cup, which is presented to a member of the senior class who by his/her loyalty, diligence, and devotion to the best interests of the school, has exemplified and upheld the ideals and traditions of Vermont Academy. This year’s recipient was Liv Brooks.

Dr. Jennifer Zaccara presented a Head of School Award, given to someone who has upheld the school’s motto, “Be True to Your Best Self.” This individual already understands what it means to be courageous, to take a teaching moment, and to hope for change and progress in our world. This year’s recipient was Thor Martin.

Mr. Steve Cady presented the Barrett Medal, which is awarded annually to a member of the graduating class for all-around achievement in citizenship, scholarship and athletics. It is the Academy’s highest award. This year’s recipient was Alden Ormont. 

Ms. Ashley Storrow and members of the Vermont Academy Vocal Ensemble, Abby Hawkins ’23, Sofia Bianconi ’24, Raymond Feng ’25, and Suki Lambert ’25, led everyone in the singing of the Vermont Academy Evening Song. 

Once everyone was seated, Dr. Zaccara gave her official commencement address titled, "The Hero’s Journey and Your Life’s Path: The Call to Adventure”, where she spoke about the reflections a young adult has between high school and their next adventure. Upon reflection, one starts to put together the story of who they were during that time and more specifically, what type of person VA helped them to become. She urged the graduating class to take time and soak in all of the details of their VA experience and to know that they will always have a home here to come back to. “Thank you, seniors and post-graduates, for all of the great gifts of spirit and love that you have given us,” she said. “They will endure here like the ghosts of memories in the wind, and they and we will be waiting to embrace you when you come home again.”

Mr. Gilloran came to the podium to read off the students' names where each received their diploma from Dr. Zaccara. 

Once the student diplomas were awarded, Dr. Zaccara had one more honor to bestow. Retiring faculty member, Maryann McArdle, was surprised with an honorary diploma in recognition of her thirty two years of service to Vermont Academy. In her speech, Dr. Zaccara said, “Maryann represents the heart and soul of our school, and she is the first person everyone outside of Vermont Academy asks about when I see them -- alumni, neighbors, fellow musicians, former faculty, past parents.” Maryann was also surprised by her family, who snuck into reserved chairs many rows behind her after she took her seat at the start of commencement. It was a meaningful moment for all including the many students, parents, faculty and staff and alumni she has worked with over the years.

Mr. Butler returned to the podium to present the benediction in which he told the graduating class, “Go out with freedom, there’s so much more to see, enjoy and learn.” The Class Marshals came back to their place in front of the podium and motioned for the students to rise. Dr. Zaccara presented the audience with the Class of 2023 as she instructed them to move their tassels from right to left, and ceremoniously toss their caps in the air! They officially became graduates of Vermont Academy. 

The Class Marshals led the recessional to South Walk. Students approached the walkway in front of Fuller Hall where faculty were lined on both sides to congratulate them and give a big embrace for all that they accomplished. Many emotions came at the conclusion of a special day. There were fond farewells, excited cheers, and sentimental reflections between all who attended. Everyone at Vermont Academy wishes the Class of 2023 the best as they venture forth into their adventure. 

Watch the full 2023 commencement ceremony. 

Photos from the event can be found here.