On June 15th, 18 graduates of Ridgefield Academy were presented with their diplomas during a beautiful ceremony in Graduation Garden. The graduates’ families and the entire school community were present to witness each graduate process with their kindergarten buddy, deliver a speech, and ring the Patriot Bell to mark the end of their academic journeys at Ridgefield Academy.
Eight members of the Class of 2022 were “lifers”, having attended Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool since preschool or kindergarten.
In describing the class, Head of School Tom Main said, “It is an eclectic, small, talented, able, accomplished, and clever class. More than anything, it is a true class. Drop all those adjectives, and you have their DNA—they are one—they are unified.”
Each student shared a commencement speech about their personal journey during these formative years—discovering new passions, growing in confidence, becoming thoughtful community citizens, and developing a deep appreciation for family, friends, and teachers who have contributed positively to their lives. While listening to student experiences, the audience had the chance to understand and appreciate all that shaped the Class of 2022 into confident, self-assured graduates prepared for high school and beyond.
Ridgefield Academy’s comprehensive high school selection process commits to finding a school that is the right fit for every individual. Graduates in Ridgefield Academy’s Class of 2022 will matriculate to the following high schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York:
Hopkins School
King School
Ridgefield High School
Loomis Chaffee School
Canterbury School
Regis High School
St. Luke’s School
Rye Country Day School
Westminster School
Fairchild Wheeler School
Wooster School
Greenwich Country Day School
Phillips Academy Andover
The Lawrenceville School
Students were also accepted at Fairfield Preparatory School, Fordham Preparatory School, Greens Farms Academy, Hackley School, Kent School, Masters School, Milton Academy, Miss Porter’s School, St. Joseph’s School, and the Harvey School.
At the close of the ceremony, Head of School Tom Main offered the graduates advice to take them with them as they begin their journeys in high school.
“A great education is not something that happens to you,” he said. “Be in charge of your own life; be self-reliant, be a self-advocate, and speak up for yourself. Take risks, and do not shy away from discomfort. Finally—the most important bit of advice I can give—focus on developing and maturing as a person of character, integrity, and generosity.”