On Saturday, May 24, 2025, The Hill School celebrated its 174th Baccalaureate and Commencement exercises. During the ceremony, 159 students received their Hill School diplomas.

Prior to the Commencement ceremony, the Baccalaureate service was held in the Alumni Chapel where Ellen O. Nelson P'10 '13, Retiring Senior Master Teacher of the Arts, addressed the sixth form class. The Class of 2025 then processed through a faculty gauntlet outside the Ryan Library, led by Senior Master Teacher of the Arts Margie Neiswender P’22'23, Commencement Marshall, with the ceremonious sounds of bagpipes filling the air.

During the Commencement ceremony, the graduates were addressed by Caylie Zigner '25, Sixth Form Commencement Speaker, and Retiring Senior Master Teacher Kathryn R. Malone, Ph.D., who delivered this year's commencement address to the class. 

After the students were presented with their diplomas, Head of School Kathleen Devaney called Ellen Nelson, to the stage. Her mother, Winnie O'Shaughnessy, faculty member from 1970 to 1996 and the first female faculty member to earn a place on our prized 25-year wall, presented Ellen with a Hill School diploma. The historic moment was touching and the perfect way to honor a lifetime of dedication and service to The Hill.

Read More About the Commencement Ceremony and View Additional Photos

View a Recording of the Baccalaureate & Commencement Ceremony