Rumsey Hall School proudly marked a historic milestone on Saturday, June 7, 2025 as it celebrated its 125th Commencement Ceremony. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Litchfield Hills on the school’s Washington Depot, Connecticut campus, the event honored the achievements of the graduating Class of 2025 and reflected on more than a century of excellence in junior boarding and day education.
Family members, faculty, staff, fellow students, and guests gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the VIIth Form (Grade 9) graduates in a ceremony steeped in tradition and pride. This year’s Class Speaker, Mason Moritz 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, which are memorized selections of literature or speeches delivered before the audience, demonstrating their confidence and growth as emerging leaders. The ceremony also featured musical performances; the awarding of academic, athletic, and character prizes; and the presentation of diplomas.
This Commencement held particular significance as it coincided with Rumsey Hall’s 125th anniversary. Founded in 1900 during the presidency of William McKinley, Rumsey’s earliest graduates stepped into a world just beginning to harness electricity and industrial innovation. Today, the Class of 2025 prepares to enter a vastly different future shaped by AI, global interconnectivity, and constant change. Yet across the century, Rumsey’s mission has remained constant: to educate the whole child intellectually, emotionally, and ethically, while emphasizing effort as the foundation for success and personal growth.
The 59 graduates will go on to attend 35 remarkable secondary schools across the globe, continuing their journeys as thoughtful scholars, engaged community members, and leaders prepared to make a meaningful impact.
The event concluded with the beloved school song, “Dear Old Rumsey,” and the traditional ringing of the Rumsey bell, sending the Class of 2025 forth with pride, purpose, and the promise of all that comes next.
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