GREENFIELD — Wearing white and carrying an extra rose for a fallen classmate, 23 Stoneleigh-Burnham School seniors marched into their future Saturday, as the school’s newest graduates.

Guests were welcomed to the ceremony in several languages, acknowledging friends and family of boarding-school students from Brazil, Honduras, Germany and China as well as the U.S.

“This class is excited for our next adventure,” said Class President Meredith Hunter Lund, a Greenfield resident. “You have all left your mark on this school in ways that will be felt in the years to come.”

Head of School Stephanie Luebbers urged the members of the Class of 2023 to take their time after graduating to consider what comes next.

“I’m going to suggest you slow down — put the speed bumps back and internalize that which works for you,” Luebbers said. “Identify what works for you and use that for this transition.

“This class is a tapestry of individuals,” she added. “No single piece of advice will do in the next chapter of your own complicated and beautiful journey.”

Each year, Stoneleigh-Burnham’s graduating seniors carry a long-stem rose during their procession; but this year, each carried an extra rose for classmate Veda Raskin, who died in April 2022.

“Our class can never be entirely whole without our friend Veda Raskin,” remarked Class Speaker Astrid Newton.

Newton characterized the Class of 2023 as relentless learners, formidable athletes, passionate artists and above all, consistent loyal friends who “step up for one another at a time when we need it most,” regardless of their differences.

“If we feel strongly about something, we can band together and get it done,” she added. “I hope we can all find that in the future communities we become part of.”

Humanities teacher Alex Loud shared a haiku that he wrote for the class, which he titled “In Conclusion.”

“Hopeful and a little sad

But we’re here together.

That’s a beginning.”

“This ceremony marks the culmination of the incredible work you have done,” Mary Mahoney, chair of the school’s board of trustees, told the graduates. “This also marks a new beginning. I look forward to seeing you as alumni — sharing your incredible adventures and helping those who come along behind you.”

In closing remarks, science teacher Ashley Bulseco quoted poet Amanda Gorman: “Since the world is round, there is no way to walk away from each other, for even then we are coming back together.”

Bulseco added: “We hope you all will keep the fire lit within you. We hope you will choose kindness.”

Graduates from Franklin and Hampshire counties

Nicholas Amlee, Northfield; Ainsley Bogel, Shelburne; Eliza Bogel, Shelburne; Rose Coller, Shelburne Falls; Sadie Curtin-Adelman, Florence; Gabrielle Frangie, Northfield; Julia Kovalsick, Northfield; Meredith Hunter Lund, Greenfield; and Aliyah Santana, New Salem.

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