The Rumsey Bell

This year’s Class Speaker, Mason Moritz ’25 of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, delivered a thoughtful address centered on the value of time and the lessons learned through life at Rumsey. Drawing on a piece of advice from his grandmother, “lost time is never found”, Mason urged his classmates to move forward with intention, gratitude, and Blue Dog spirit. “As we leave Rumsey, many of us [are] heading to prep schools…with new opportunities. Remember what makes Rumsey, Rumsey…Make the most of every day, every chance to try something new, every time you can help someone or make someone smile. Because lost time is never found.”

In keeping with tradition, two graduates presented their Declamations (Ronan Borus ’25 and Abigail Dell’Aera ’25), which are memorized selections of literature or speeches delivered before the audience, demonstrating their confidence and growth as emerging leaders.

The ceremony also presented several musical performances, including a beautiful rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, featuring a solo by graduating senior Nicolas Morales ’25.

Hometown: New York City, New York

When Aaron arrived as an eighth-grade boarder, he was quiet and unsure. Two years later, he walks Rumsey’s campus with a calm confidence and generosity that leaves a mark on everyone he meets. “I was nowhere near who I am today,” he reflects. “The biggest part of that growth was this community.” Moments of transformation didn’t necessarily come from big events. For Aaron, one moment he’ll never forget was the night a teacher stayed after hours just for him. “I had to miss Extra Help because I was helping Mr. Ketchum after dinner. Mr. Dyball waited for me. That really impacted me.” Aaron says he’s graduating from Rumsey with a deeper sense of responsibility and self. “I’ve matured a lot. I used to need reminders to do homework. Now it’s just second nature.”

Hometown: Shenzhen, China

Daisy started at Rumsey in seventh grade, unsure of who she was as a student or a person. Two years later she is a strong voice in her community and an influential leader. Some might recognize Daisy’s voice from the news given at the Morning Meetings. “Last year, I was the only one doing the news.” she explains. Mr. Ketchum appreciated her commitment to this ritual and asked her to be in charge of recruiting more students to join her. This platform helped her build confidence and learn to be organized. Alongside keeping her classmates in the know, Daisy values the relationships she has made with students and faculty during this time. “I make more friends every single day,” she said. “Everyone is just a huge family.” Daisy says when reflecting back on her time at Rumsey, it changed her in every way possible. “I am so much more confident now and I know what I want in life.”

Hometown: Salisbury, Connecticut

Cooper’s journey is one of quiet determination turned leadership. Starting as a shy seventh-grade day student, he stepped into boarding life in eighth grade and quickly became a leader in the classroom and on the field and ice. He’s proud of the awards he’s earned for leadership and sportsmanship, but even prouder of how he’s handled the challenges along the way. “There were definitely tough times during football season. The coaches helped me stay positive and keep pushing. I’ve grown a lot.”  A multi-sport athlete, Cooper found meaning not just in wins, but in resilience, like when the hockey team won the Pavek Cup after a rocky season. “We all came together when it really mattered.” And his favorite Rumsey memory? Senior trip, two days spent with classmates, away from the routine of school, simply being together. “It showed me how close we really are and what everyone means to each other. The bond between everyone is so strong.”

Hometown: New York City, New York

Arielle’s Rumsey experience is a story of transformation. She described the person she was when she arrived as a people pleaser who never really put herself out there. During her 8th grade year, she took a step outside of her comfort zone by getting involved with the Challenged Athlete’s Foundation. “I always knew I wanted to do something with it,” she says. “I got the idea to bring it to Rumsey as a club.” This gave her an opportunity to collaborate with faculty members and connect with her classmates. She was amazed by the turnout and excitement from her peers. The club became a chance for students to hear from guest speakers and raise awareness for the cause. Following this moment of confidence, Arielle was selected to be a member of the Senior Committee. “I didn’t think my classmates had seen me in that way,” she explained. “I really felt like I had accomplished something, it’s a huge honor.” This accomplishment led her to take on her Senior year with a different approach, she wanted to make it count. In just three years, Arielle was able to grow in self-worth, maturity, and make a name for herself at Rumsey.

Hometown: Shanghai, China

Eugene came to the United States experiencing culture shock and curiosity about the new environment he was in. Little did he know in just three years he would thrive in his passions of music and baseball. Being part of the School’s orchestra, he was led by Juilliard alums James and Krystyana Czeiner. “They believed in me and told me I had the talent,” he says. “That helped me a lot.” His most memorable moment was during the Talent Show when he and a friend performed a duet of The Swan. He described the audience’s reaction as “a small earthquake”. Moments like this helped him become more sure of himself while playing the cello and leading younger students in the Chief of Cellos role. Eugene also played on the Varsity Baseball team here. After taking time away from the sport in China, he was eager to get back on the field when he arrived. Being a part of this team made him appreciate everyone’s shared determination and support if things didn’t go their way. He explains how at Rumsey, the culture is to rise above loss or failure. “We don’t blame each other, we encourage everyone,” he says. Eugene is a prime example of how you can pursue multiple passions at Rumsey. Without surprise, he will miss this community that lifted him up and encouraged him to become the bold talent he is today.

Hometown: New York City, New York

When Romy joined Rumsey as a seventh grader, she was searching for a sense of identity. “My sister had ballet. My mom had work. I didn’t really have something that felt like mine.” Over her three years at Rumsey, that changed. “Rumsey didn’t have to push me into things. They just showed me, and I started gravitating toward different opportunities.” One of those was crew. Despite fearing she wouldn’t make the cut, something about the environment at Rumsey made her give it a shot. Not only did she make the team, she became one of the lead rowers on the A Boat, and Captain of the team her senior year. And she found her voice in writing, too, evolving from someone scared to write a sentence to someone proud of her ability to write speeches. “My teachers helped me see writing as a process, not something that had to be perfect the first time. That changed everything.” Academically and personally, Romy says Rumsey helped her mature and discover who she wanted to be. “I found real friendships that pushed me to work harder and grow.” One turning point came when she earned Magna Cum Laude honors. “That moment made me so proud. It showed me how far I’d come.”

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan

When Mano arrived at Rumsey in sixth grade, she said she was nervous. “I didn’t know anyone. But the people here quickly turn from strangers into your family.” Mano soon discovered passions and talents she never knew she had. Raised in Japan, she hadn’t had the opportunity to play field sports, but at Rumsey, she became captain of four different sports and found a love for field hockey and lacrosse. “I didn’t know I was athletic until I came here,” she says. “That one game where everything just clicked. My decisions were fast, my passes strong. I said to myself, ‘Wow, look how far I’ve come.’” She’s also left her mark as a speaker, mentor, and role model. And she’s not the only one who notices. You’ll often find Lower School students greeting her with hugs every day. “They recognize me. It makes me feel seen. That’s what Rumsey does well.” Academically, she grew from a hesitant sixth grader into a determined and focused ninth grader who now loves science. She joined the Varsity Club, the Senior Committee, and spoke often in front of the school with poise and pride. “In sixth grade, I would never have done that. But Rumsey helped me find my confidence and discover who I am.”

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

Khalaf came to Rumsey for one year, but what a year it was. New country. New language. New school. And yet, from the beginning, he found belonging through sports, friendships, and a community that saw his potential. “I will never forget futsal,” he says, grinning. A passionate soccer player since the age of three, he was thrilled to find that futsal (an indoor version of the sport) offered him a chance to keep playing his favorite game throughout the winter. Khalaf also discovered new talents in sports he’d never tried, earning “Most Improved” in both basketball and tennis. Academically, his progress was just as striking. “At first, my English wasn’t great. I didn’t understand anything in biology. But by winter term, I had a 94.” Before starting his next chapter, he’ll return home to Egypt for the summer, something he’s both excited and emotional about. “I’ll be sad to leave, but happy to go home. I learned so much about myself. I feel proud. And I’m ready for what’s next.”

Hometown: Washington, Connecticut

Being at Rumsey for 10 years, Victoria has had a remarkable journey of growth. From Kindergarten to her Senior year, she appreciated the support and friendships from this tight-knit environment. Her proudest moments happened in the classroom. “Writing an essay and getting a good grade, it really makes me feel good.” she says “It shows my improvement, how much I work, and how much time I put in.” Victoria challenges herself in honors classes and gives credit to all of her teachers helping her reach accomplishments. She recognizes their desire to see students succeed. “They’re not just your teachers, they’re your friends and your mentors,” she explains. “They guide you through everything, it’s so unique from any other school.” On top of her wins in the classroom, she is involved in her community through service and being a member of the Senior Committee. What she will miss most is the family she found here, but she is positive she will build those relationships at her next school because of the people skills she learned at Rumsey.

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

During Mason’s time at Rumsey, he found joy in athletics, particularly on the ice. Being on the Varsity Hockey team for two years, he was able to grow in skill as well as finding his role as a leader. Mason became a steady presence and a player his teammates looked up to. “Winning the Pavek cup was a lot of fun.” After the team dropped the first game in the tournament, Mason encouraged his team to keep their head in the game. “We came back to win the tournament because we learned how to stay mentally in it,” he said. Reflecting on the time he was injured, he explained that watching a few games from the bench gave him a new perspective on the game. Outside of sports, Mason valued the community he built in just two years. “It is so close, everyone knows everyone.” He made connections with his classmates in the upper school, faculty members who saw him as a leader, and lower school students who were attracted to his bright energy.

Hometown: Seoul, Korea

Alex’s time at Rumsey is a story of self-discovery. “Here, you don’t need to be loud to be seen. You get recognized in meaningful ways.” Over three years, Alex was recognized as a basketball captain, awarded Student of the Month for both art and character, and earned membership in the Varsity Club. But what she’s most proud of isn’t the accolades, it’s the willingness to try new things. “I tried sports I’d never played before, like softball, soccer, basketball. I joined chorus and explored art. Rumsey gave me room to try everything, without pressure. I didn’t feel judged.” That freedom to explore helped Alex find her voice. “I think I’ve changed a lot since seventh grade. I was a very different person, quieter, more unsure. But Rumsey’s values of honesty, kindness, and respect really shaped me. They shape all of us and become part of us.” As Alex heads to California for her next educational chapter, she reflects, “Rumsey showed me how to build relationships. I know I’ve made friends and connections here that will last a lifetime.”