St. Johns Country Day School Presents the Class of 2025

In a ceremony that’s nearly as old as the School itself, St. Johns Country Day School was proud to present the Class of 2025 to the School community on Friday. Gathered with friends and family in the Performing Arts Center, the Class of 2025 celebrated a significant milestone on the road to graduation. 

Brought to St. Johns by Founding headmaster, Dr. Edwin P. Heinrich, in 1962, the ceremony acknowledges the seniors’ coming of age and presents them to the community as adults in their own right, ready to face the world. 

Today, the Class of 2025 enjoyed their own Senior Presentation starting with a beautiful brunch at Azaleana Manor. It was an opportunity for them to spend time together as a class, with just a few faculty sponsors and administrators joining them. After photos, food, and time with friends, the ceremony began at 1:00 p.m. in St. Johns’ Performing Arts Center. 

The ceremony began with an invocation by Upper School Student Council President Geli Yepez, followed by a beautiful rendition of “For Good” by Jane Garrison and Autumn Henry. Next, Senior Class President Grayson Moody delivered a reading of Lincoln’s Proclamation of Thanksgiving, which effectively created the Thanksgiving holiday. 

In one of St. Johns’ newer traditions, the Senior Class elects their own speaker for Senior Presentation and the Class of 2025 selected Mrs Gayle Fiser, who ushered them into Upper School as a Freshman Advisor and has seen most of them through various courses throughout the years. 

There was hardly a dry eye in the house as Fiser talked about her experiences with the Class of 2025, starting when they were her first freshman homeroom, and they went together to Senior Presentation for the Class of 2022. “This is the wonderful thing about teaching freshmen,” she said, “the days are exhausting and sometimes crazy--most of the time they’re crazy-- and it’s beautiful because I’ve accepted who you are at that moment as a freshman, and then I see you through a lens of the person you turn into as a senior.” 

“One way I know I am making a difference is through the journey in which your children have allowed me to tag along,” she told the gathered families. “Making a difference, being a light in peoples’ lives is about recognizing the power of small, meaningful actions, every kind word, every moment of genuine listening, and every effort to lift up and support other people adds to their lives and to yours. Making a difference means creating spaces where people feel valued, heard, and inspired to make a difference in turn. It’s about leaving a lasting mark, one person at a time, by sharing a bit of kindness and caring in a world that so needs it.” She turned to tell the seniors, “and you, my friends, have made a lasting mark on me.”

She recalled memories from through the years-- Homecoming costumes, lip sync competitions, and prom dresses; classes they’ve taken, 3-pointers they’ve made, and aid they’ve offered her. “”Your willingness to embark on these learning journeys alongside me no matter the challenge--no matter how much work--has spoken volumes about the trust you place in me to guide you, but also your own personal grit. I am constantly impressed by the amazing work ethic you bring every day whether you’re my lab assistant, lab group leaders, or just quiet leaders who set the bar by example. 

“Your dedication shines through, you’re not afraid to speak up with truth, honesty, and empathy. Your intelligence is astounding, your voices are powerful. Some of you may not even see what I see in you, but believe me, you’re intelligent, graceful, and capable of so much. You're leaders in every sense, always one step ahead of the plan. You’re dedicated and you never back down. I’ve seen the way you care deeply about each other, your friendships, your teammates, your families, and this school. You are open-hearted and compassionate and so respectful. You are truly something special, your kindness, silliness, and humor, and open-hearted trust remind me why I love you and why I love what I do.”

“You are more than just students,” she concluded, “You are friends, teammates, and in many ways you are the best parts of who we all try to be. You are good humans. Keep making that difference, bringing that light, that energy, and that joy into the world because the world truly needs more people just like you.”

The seniors stood as Head of Upper School Krista Parker read each of their names:

And then, finally, Mrs. Baker read the words of founding headmaster Dr. Edwin P. Heinrich, presenting the Class of 2025 to assembled family, friends, and classmates:

As a teacher I present you to the academic world that you may enter it and meet its demands honorably and successfully.

As your Headmaster I present you to your schoolmates so that they may accept you and look up to you as their leaders and their shining example.

As your friend I present you to your parents so that they may accept you as adults who have come into their own and who are to be dealt with from henceforth on an equal basis.

As your fellow human being I present to you your calling in life that you may always have the wisdom to recognize it and the strength to live up to the divine calling in your life. 

Congratulations, Class of 2025!