EAST PROVIDENCE  — The Providence Country Day School celebrated the Class of 2021 at the 94th commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 9, in the campus Field House.

Head of School Kevin Folan welcomed graduates and their guests and commended the seniors on their perseverance in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"When I think of overcoming adversity, developing grit, and embracing looking on the bright side, I think of you, the Class of 2021. You had just over half of your high school experience under your belt before the world as we knew it turned upside down," said Mr. Folan.

He continued, “And here we are, in person at your graduation. We have hope. We have light. It is with this that I urge you to appreciate the unplanned and unexpected senior year you faced and realize that this is your classic hero's journey, a setback placed in your pathway that could either stop you in your tracks, or highlight your resilience, your teamwork, and your determination to earn this amazingly not cliche and terrific ending. You are an inspired and inspiring class of students who I am so proud to know."

Klaus Amburn, Upper School Science Teacher, was the invited guest speaker. Mr. Amburn, who is retiring after 25 years at PCD, gave the commencement address as a shared farewell with the senior class.

"We have come to love and care for those who are here today, and with a measure of seriousness and formality, hope to express our gratitude for all they have done for us," Mr. Amburn said.

Following the awarding of the diplomas and the Country Day Song, Associate Head of School Mark McLaughlin closed the ceremony with the Charge to the Class of 2021. The Charge included statements from advisors Jason Roderick, Sharon Hanover, Jennifer Karl, Javier Gallego and Mr. Amburn. Together, they advised graduates to proceed into their future with enthusiasm, determination, and resiliency.

"Take care, be well, stay connected to each other and to your school," Mr. McLaughlin said. "And always remember the words of David to Solomon: to be strong and of good courage. Congratulations Class of 2021.”

Seniors in PCD's Class of 2021 (listed alphabetically, with college and hometown) were:

Jillian Archer, Nichols College, Taunton

Matthew Borden, Curry College, Rumford

Tyler Botelho, Bristol Community College, Somerset

Francisco Carvalho, Providence College, Seekonk

Aaron Colberg, Kent State University, Tiverton

Rose DiSandro, Springfield College, Mansfield

Macenna Furtado, Keiser University, Rehoboth

Kevin Godinez, Boston University, Pawtucket

Abygail Goodwin, Maine College of Art, Pawtucket

Brian Greenlees, Wesleyan University, Swansea

Quincy Griffin, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Providence

Christopher Habr, University of Rhode Island, Smithfield

Javi Hamel, Johnson & Wales University, Lincoln

Matthew Howe, Boston College, Mansfield

Wangming Jiang, University of Miami

Ava Kooloian, Tulane University of Louisiana, Providence

Kinley Lavenstein, Ohio State University, Cranston

Olivia LeBeau, Mount Holyoke College, Pawtucket

Emmett MacGregor, University of Vermont, Dartmouth

Colin Madden, Temple University, Mansfield

Luke Mello, Quinnipiac University, Fall River

Reginald Ouellette, Quinnipiac University, Rumford

Rachele Papineau, Boston College, Barrington

Levi Parker, Endicott College, Providence

Oliver Pope, Endicott College, Dartmouth

Allison Rivard, Roger Williams University, Warwick

Morgan Rivard, Bentley University, Warwick

Jacob Rivet, Williams College, New Bedford

Haley Salgueiro, The University of Findlay, Riverside

Claire Shamgochian, Interim Year, Providence

Jiangyue Shi, University of California-Davis

Evan Sucov, Clark University, Cranston

Jianfeng Sun, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Zachary Sutton, American University, Pawtucket

Guangkai Tang, Brandeis University, Pawtucket

Aidan Trendell, Wesleyan University, Seekonk

Emily Waite, The University of Tampa, Bristol

Maia Waldron, Trinity College-Dublin, Berkley, Mass.

Graduating seniors received the following awards:

The Award For Excellence In Vocal Music: Zachary Sutton, Jillian Archer

The Award For Excellence In Instrumental Music: Allison Rivard

The Award For Excellence In Technical Theater: Luke Mello

The Charlotte T. Stratton Theater Award (Presented to a student who has demonstrated unusual excellence in theater): Haley Salgueiro, Maia Waldron

The Judith A. Speyer Art Award (For excellence in art in honor of Ms. Speyer whose teaching and passion for the arts inspired students for 31 years): Abygail Goodwin

The Award For Excellence In Photography: Claire Shamgochian

Yearbook Award (In recognition of outstanding effort, achievement and leadership): Emmett MacGregor

The Award For Excellence In Spanish: Kevin Godinez, Javi Hamel

The Award For Excellence In Latin: Emmett Macgregor

The Award For Excellence In Biology: Matthew Howe

The Award For Excellence In Physics: Brian Greenlees

The Award For Excellence In Mathematics: Aidan Trendell

The Award For Excellence In Art History: Jacob Rivet

The Award For Excellence In History: Kevin Godinez

The Sandstroem Book Award (For excellence in English, to the outstanding senior English student): Claire Shamgochian

The Richard S. Stanzler Memorial Prize (Given in memory of Richard S. Stanzler, of the Class of 1954, by his family and friends to that student in the Upper School who has excelled in the humanities in the current academic year): Claire Shamgochian

Faculty Citation (For his ever present positive attitude, enthusiastic presence in the classroom, and his dedication to his sport): Oliver Pope

Faculty Citation (For his intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and kind hearted nature in and out of the classroom): Aidan Trendell

Faculty Citation (For his uncommon loyalty and commitment to excellence in all areas of school life): Matthew Howe

The Academic Excellence Award (Given to a member of the graduating class who has been a student at Providence Country Day for two years or more and maintained the highest academic average): Claire Shamgochian

The Gerald B. Woodruff Progress Award (Given to that student in the graduating class who in his or her years at PCD has displayed the greatest personal growth as an individual and a member of our community): Morgan Rivard

The William R. Giunta Memorial Book Award (Given to a member of the graduating class who best exemplifies a spirit of concern and interest in people and the value of community): Olivia LeBeau

The Percival C. Norris Memorial Award (Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has, over the years, shown outstanding loyalty and constructive leadership in the tradition of Mr. Norris): Jacob Rivet

The Class Of 1929 Gold Medal For Excellence (For excellence in scholarship, participation in athletics, participation in other extracurricular activities, leadership in and influence upon the school, and faithfulness of effort): Quincy Griffin

The Robert Arthur Lavan Memorial Men's Athletic Award: Brian Greenlees

Suzanne Bailey Women's Athletic Award: Emily Waite

J. Roderick Eaton Sportsmanship Award: Rose Disandro, Quincy Griffin Iii

The Charles S. Gwynne Award: Jillian Archer, Jacob Rivet

Coaches Citation: Evan Sucov, Morgan Rivard, Allison Rivard, Levi Parker, Reginald Ouellette

Athletic Director's Citation (Sequoia Award): Zachary Sutton, Matthew Borden, Oliver Pope, Rose DiSandro, Javi Hamel, Kinley Lavenstein, Aidan Trendell