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Class of 2022 Celebrates Commencement

The weather could not have been more perfect for the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 10. The morning began with a Baccalaureate Service in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre, during which faculty speaker Bob Mahon— who is retiring after teaching Upper School science for 46 years—told the 162 graduating seniors, “You are some of the brightest and most creative people I have known in my time here at McDonogh. You have unlimited potential in a world starving for your talents,” he said. 

Boosted by his words, the Class of 2022 moved to Tagart Chapel where they received boutonnieres and bouquets of orange roses. Then, one at a time, they stepped through the chapel doors to the applause of faculty members and proceeded down the hill to Childs Memorial Terrace for the Commencement Exercises. Following the presentation of awards, Senior Class President Sydney Smith introduced Senior Speaker Josh Gonzalez ’22. Josh reminded his classmates that they should leave campus with no regrets but instead focus on all that they experienced and accomplished during their time at McDonogh. Josh's speech can be viewed here.

In his parting words to the Class of 2022, Head of School Dave Farace ‘87 acknowledged the difficulties endured during their high school career and spoke about some of the tools they acquired over the past four years: integrity, respect, resilience, curiosity, and gratitude. He eloquently moved from heavy to hopeful to silly, dispensing sage advice and ending in a sing-a-long for the ages. Farace's speech can be viewed here.

After the Class of 2022 received their diplomas and Alumni Association membership cards, the celebration closed with the McDonogh Dedication Hymn performed by the Senior Singers under the direction of retiring faculty member, Philip Olsen.

The full recording of the Commencement Ceremony can be viewed here.