On Saturday, June 7, 2025, The Storm King School celebrated its 157th Commencement, honoring 39 graduates representing 11 countries and four continents. Families and friends from around the globe filled the gymnasium to witness this diverse and accomplished group take their final steps as students and officially become alumni of the School.

The ceremony began with the sound of bagpipes heading the processional of faculty led by Head of School Lisa Shambaugh, Assistant Head for Academics Dr. Timothy Lance, Board of Trustees First Vice Chair Robert Docherty ’72, and this year’s Commencement Speaker, alumnus John Garrett ’63. They were followed by the smiling members of the Class of 2025, who greeted the audience in their native languages. The Storm King Chorus then delivered a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful,” setting a heartfelt tone for the event.

In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Shambaugh praised the graduates for their wide-ranging contributions to the school community. She highlighted their achievements in the visual and performing arts, noting their participation in art exhibitions, theater productions, dance and music recitals, visits to numerous cultural institutions, and a strong interest in pursuing fine arts at the collegiate level.

Academically, the Class of 2025 distinguished themselves as writers and scholars with two seniors earning recognition at this spring’s Poetry Festival, Others pursued unique personal goals, such as working toward their pilot’s licenses. On the athletic front, the class secured seven HVAL championships and includes three graduates recruited to compete at the collegiate level.

Ms. Shambaugh also emphasized the Class of 2025’s dedication to service. As a group, they completed over 1,300 hours of community work. From launching Storm King’s first composting initiative and collecting recyclables for the Hudson Valley SPCA, to fundraising for Doctors Without Borders and tutoring local children, the class left a lasting mark. Their impact extended well beyond campus, through service projects in communities as near as Newburgh and as far as Colombia, the Philippines, Iceland, and Costa Rica.

Commencement Speaker, alumnus John Garrett ’63 and Head of School Lisa Shambaugh

In introducing the commencement speaker, Ms. Shambaugh described a conversation with Mr. Garrett that left a lasting impression. His life’s work in military service, corporate leadership, and environmental entrepreneurship mirrored the values of this graduating class: truth, respect, responsibility, and a commitment to serving the community and environmental causes.

Mr. Garrett’s address offered reflective and inspiring messages outlining the three phases of his professional journey: service in the U.S. Navy, three decades rising through the ranks at Ferguson Enterprises, and nearly two decades of entrepreneurial and private equity involvement.

His current endeavor, Everyone’s Earth, seeks to reduce the environmental impact of plastic by creating biodegradable alternatives. Mr. Garrett shared the story of developing the first patented 100% cotton biodegradable diaper and launching plastic-free dryer sheets called Cobi.

In his address, Mr. Garrett shared five key lessons from his career. He urged graduates to surround themselves with hardworking, positive people, noting that excellence thrives among the committed. He described success as a long-term journey that often involves change and reinvention. He stressed that lasting achievements are rarely solo efforts, highlighting the importance of teamwork. He encouraged decisiveness and learning from mistakes, warning against the paralysis of indecision. Finally, he emphasized the value of candor, where honest feedback and clear communication drive growth.

In closing, Mr. Garrett left each graduate with a small token—a box of Cobi dryer sheets, representing both his latest venture and a hopeful message for change: “Change me, Change the world.”

Christine Sung receiving the Spy Rock Cup

Commencement Awards

This year’s commencement awards included the Storm King Scholar, presented to Sagan Novesky, Emma Lewis, and Rosario Scott-Jefferson for their outstanding academic achievement and contributions to campus life. The Riley Cup, honoring both student and staff contributions to the community ethos of the School, was awarded to students Nyla Anderson and Chi-Hsuan (Jimmy) Lee, along with faculty members Mr. Tim Gillett and Mrs. Lisa Shrem. The Spy Rock Cup, given to the senior who best embodies the School’s traditions and spirit, was presented to Christine Sung.

The Head’s Cup, a gift of Mrs. Anson Barker in memory of her husband, a former headmaster, has been awarded annually since 1938 to the senior who exemplifies “cheerfulness of spirit and enthusiasm” and a deep love for the School; this year’s recipient was Daniel Zhang. The Storm King Cup—our highest commencement honor—is chosen by faculty, staff, and students and has been awarded since 1915 to a senior who demonstrates personal excellence, idealism, quiet courage, and a visionary spirit. The 2025 Storm King Cup was awarded to Andrea Lopez-Moctezuma.

Emily Cole-Chu MacSwain, Assistant Head for Student Life, flipping Mohanad Almashal’s tassel

Finally, each graduate was called to the stage to receive their diploma from Mr. Docherty, Ms. Shambaugh, Dr. Lance, and Mr. Garrett. With their tassels flipped and applause filling the gymnasium, the Class of 2025 marked the end of their journey at The Storm King School.

The ceremony concluded with the graduates rising together to sing the Alma Mater before exiting the gymnasium to cheers. On the athletic field, they tossed their caps and joined faculty, friends, and family in celebration and farewell—an emotional close to their final chapter on the Mountain.