At the end of May, the SJS community gathered to celebrate the graduating class of 2025 with a heartfelt ceremony that highlighted the values, accomplishments and spirit that define both the school and our graduates. The event featured several inspiring speakers, including alum Alex Smith ’21. Read on to hear what each speaker shared.
“You’ve represented SJS with heart”
After the graduates entered the Gunn Gym to a round of applause, Senior School Principal, Ms. Brandy Stern, opened the ceremony.
Addressing the graduates and assembled guests, Head of School, Mr. Blayne Addley, reflected on the power of trust and community, recognizing the critical roles played by faculty and families. He spoke with pride about the character and accomplishments of the Class of 2025, highlighting their engagement across academics, the arts, athletics and service. “You’ve represented SJS with heart,” he told the graduates, “and you leave us well prepared to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Governor Bryan Yu offered encouragement from the Board of Governors, challenging students to be bold, to embrace change and to lead with integrity. “The path forward is yours to shape,” he said, reinforcing a theme of agency and adaptability.
Growth and Legacy
To welcome the grads to the Alumni Association, Alex Smith, Class of 2021, shared an affectionate and humorous look back at his time at SJS—from early classroom memories to school concerts, international trips and athletic triumphs. Now studying geological engineering at UBC, Alex reflected on the power of community and how it pushes you to grow, “Wherever you think you’re going,” he said, “you’re probably not going there. But that’s the beauty of it—you’ll grow along the way.”
In a fitting echo, Kiana Afshar, Viv Anderson-Francois, Coco Ji, Jonathan Wang and Talisa Wong from the class of 2025, performed the ABBA song “Slipping Through my Fingers,” the lyrics of which poignantly reflect on the passage of time as a child grows up.
This year’s graduates also left a service legacy. Coco Ji presented the Class of 2025’s Grad Gift: a donation to Backpack Buddies, a local organization that addresses food insecurity among children. “This gift represents care, compassion and a commitment to making a difference,” she said.
A Valedictory Tribute
Valedictorian Louisa Cassidy offered an eloquent reflection on the journey of the graduating class. Her anecdotes—ranging from a never-finished Cold War board game in history class to spirited French lessons filled with song and laughter—captured the camaraderie that defined student life.
She spoke candidly about challenges too and learning to stay positive and be resilient. “In my experience,” she said, “challenges are what define us as individuals.” Louisa called on her peers to be kind to themselves and each other, to embrace the uncertainty of the future and to hold onto the joyful, foundational moments that shaped them at SJS.
“You are Ready”
As each graduate individually received their graduation certificate from Mr. Addley, the Class of 2025 stepped confidently into the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony closed with remarks from Ms. Stern, who reminded the graduates that moments of uncertainty are also moments of transformation. “You don’t need to have it all figured out,” she said. “But you are ready.”
Following the ceremony, families, students and faculty gathered in the Atrium for the traditional Graduation Reception. It was a joyful, photo-filled afternoon of hugs and reminiscence, as families who had watched their children grow up together at SJS connected and celebrated this shared milestone.
To the Class of 2025—Congratulations! You have made your mark, and the SJS community will always be cheering you on. Please let us know where your journey takes you. You are welcome back any time!
To revisit the ceremony, the livestream and the graduation program are available at sjs.ca/grad-2025.
