EAST PROVIDENCE — The weather was perfect Wednesday, June 12, during commencement for the graduates in the Senior Class of 2024 at Providence Country Day, who were recognized for their academic, artistic and athletic achievements, their leadership skills, their service to the community, their enduring spirit in the face of adversity and their personal growth over their time at the school.

In his Invocation address, longtime Spanish teacher Javier Gallego encouraged the graduates to take advantage of all the opportunities the future will bring.

“As you stand at the threshold of a new journey, contemplate the myriad possibilities it holds. This commencement marks a transition to maturity, independence, and societal contribution,” he said. “Consider the guiding principles that will shape your path forward. Unity, kindness, and compassion enrich both individual lives and communities.”

“You are an inspired and inspiring class of students, who I am so proud to know,” said Head of School Kevin Folan. “In a short little while, you will no longer be PCD students; but rather PCD alumni who are curious, global citizens, and fully embrace their humanity.”

Art teacher Michele Mennucci, this year’s Commencement speaker, urged the graduates to live in the real world as much as possible, instead of living in the reality found on social media.

“The more people you meet, the more experiences you embrace, the more opportunities you will have to learn about yourself and others,” she encouraged. “When you open your mind and heart to others, and get involved in your community, you will be the one who benefits the most.”

Offering a challenge to the graduates, Mennucci concluded, “I urge you to actively try to do everything you can, in both big ways and small ways, to make the world a kinder, safer place both for yourself and for future generations.”

At the end of the ceremony, Associate Head of School Mark McLaughlin gave the graduates their charge, with advice from the senior class advisors. They were encouraged to “get a new journal and record things you do and place you go.” They were reminded that “history is the best map for the future you will now make” and urged to “focus on what matters most - seeking truth, finding meaningful work and most importantly, practicing compassion.”

Other advice included “embrace new ideas, engage with different perspectives and welcome change with curiosity,” “embrace courage and self-discovery,” and “the difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”

The graduates will attend more than two dozen colleges and universities across the country.

Seniors in the PCD Class of 2024 included:

Eli Adams, DePaul University
Ethan Hadley Baker, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Griffin Bordac, Clark University
Ruby Estelle Boyaval, Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Jessica Jiawen Cheng, Southern California Inst. of Architecture
Elena Nicole Cordischi, University of Rhode Island
Marguerite Day Cuzzone, Lafayette College
Taylor Beth Delbou, Simmons University
Alessandro Mikkel Della Corte, Wheaton College
Emma Grace DiPardo*, College of the Holy Cross
Kate Meghan DiPardo*, College of the Holy Cross
Pierce Barrett Donnelly, Curry College
Lexie Anne Eno, Gap Year
Mya Lanay Gadson, University of Rhode Island
Brady Nicole Harrington, University of Pittsburgh
Sarah Elizabeth Howe, Simmons University
Angela Zixuan Huang
Samuel William Kudarauskas*, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Benjamin William Logel, Merrimack College
Addison Lourenco*, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Tyler Kuan McKenzie, Tufts University
Maisie Lawton McLaughlin*, Columbia University
Abigail Elizabeth McRoy, Salve Regina University
Ian Matthew Motes*, Texas Christian University
Mahammad Nadirli, University of Rhode Island
Iris Delphine Petrillo*, Chapman University
Archie Ray-Edwin Peacock Rebeiro, Gap Year
Sia'Wanda Zahina Rezendes, Temple University
Chloe M. Ripa, Drake University
Spencer Sarmento-Jarabek, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Anna Ruth Shamgochian, Yale University
Brianna Elizabeth Silva*, Fairfield University
Ava Rose Kaliyan Soch, Clark University
Samuel Szeliga*, Northeastern University
Raymond Hyeonsu Tellier, University of Rhode Island
Aviv Jacob Tesar, Rochester Institute of Technology
Ian Dashiell Thompson, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Randy Vang, Rhode Island College
Vincenzo T. Villella, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Ada Moreen Wetherby, The College of New Jersey
Tara Kexin Yi, University of Rochester
* Denotes Graduated Cum Laude

In addition to commencement, the end of the school year also marks a time to recognize PCD students of all grades for their accomplishments in the areas of academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership.

The following awards were bestowed for the 2023-2024 academic year:

Upper School
Scholastic Awards
Excellence in Spanish: Maisie McLaughlin
Excellence in Latin: Addison Lourenco
Excellence in Latin: Ian Motes
Excellence in History: Eli Adams
Excellence in Chemistry: Ocean Williams
Excellence in Biology: Sarah Howe
Excellence in Physics: Addison Lourenco
Excellence in Mathematics: Nerissa Theisen
American Mathematical Society Award For Outstanding Achievement In Mathematics: Samuel Kudarauskas
Excellence in Technical Theater: Ian Motes
Excellence in Vocal Music: Brady Harrington
Excellence in Instrumental Music: Archie Rebeiro
Excellence in Art History: Addison Lourenco
The Sandstroem Book Award - To the outstanding Senior for excellence in English: Sam Szeliga
The Pell Medal Award - Excellence in United States History: Lana Kooloian
The Brown University Book Award - Awarded to the top junior who combines a high degree of ability in the field of English, both written and spoken: Nerissa Theisen
The Rensselaer Award - Given by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to a member of the Junior Class for achievement in mathematics and science: Brady Jones
The Richard S. Stanzler Memorial Prize - Given in memory of Richard S. Stanzler, of the Class of 1954, by his family and friends to the student in the Upper School who has excelled in the humanities in the current academic year: Iris Petrillo
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: Ruby Boyaval and Ava Soch
Charlotte T. Stratton Theater Award: Brady Harrington and Iris Petrillo
Nancy M. Hanley Award - Given by friends and family in honor of Nancy Hanley, school Librarian. This award is given to that ninth grade student whose spirit, citizenship and academic commitment lift those around them in the way that Mrs. Hanley did for those around her: Ava Ackerman and Lydia Mueller
University of Rhode Island Alumni Association Book Award - Awarded to the Junior in our school whose outstanding personal attributes and service to school and community make this person worthy of honorable recognition: Jack Caletri and Nelson Wilson
Dartmouth Alumni Association of RI Book Award - Awarded to that Junior who ranks in the top ten percent of his/her class and who best combines and qualities of scholarship, leadership and achievement: Brady Jones
Harvard Club of RI Book Award - Awarded to the outstanding student in the Junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields: Cesar Godinez
Yale Alumni Club Book Award - Awarded to that Junior in a rigorous college preparatory program whose academic achievement and contribution to the life of the school is testimony to his or her outstanding personal character and intellectual promise: Glory Yatong Wang
PCD Community Service Award - Awarded in honor of Ken Graboys, Class of 1981, to the graduating senior who has demonstrated extraordinary giving of self in service to others in the greater community: Eli Adams
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: Maisie McLaughlin
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: Alessandro Della Corte
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: Sarah Howe
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: Ben Logel
Class of 1929 Gold Medal for Excellence (Medal) - Awarded to the student for excellence in scholarship, participation in athletics, participation in other extracurricular activities, leadership in and influence upon the school, and faithfulness of effort: Iris Petrillo
Murray Scholar Award - Awarded to an outstanding junior at Providence Country Day School who has demonstrated citizenship and service within the PCD community, excelled in the classroom, and actively contributed to the athletic program and the extracurricular life of the school: Lana Kooloian
Faculty Citations: Marguerite Cuzzone, Ada Wetherby and Maisie McLaughlin
PCD Alumni Award - Given to a member of the tenth-grade for high scholarship combined with consistent and constructive leadership: Cedric Ye
Athletic Awards
Mary Suttell Underclass Athletic Award: Maggie Holland
Suzanne Bailey Athletic Award: Ava Soch
Alex Poulos Memorial Athletic Award: Brady Jones
Alex Poulos Memorial Athletic Award: Nelson Wilson
Robert Arthur Lavan Memorial Athletic Award: Pierce Donnelly
Charles S. Gwynne Award: Anna Shamgochian
Charles S. Gwynne Award: Spencer Sarmento-Jarabek
J. Roberick Eaton Sportsmanship Award: Ada Wetherby
J. Roberick Eaton Sportsmanship Award: Sam Kudarauskas
Coach's Citation Award: Ethan Baker, Marguerite Cuzzone (lacrosse and tennis), Brady Harrington, Sarah Howe, Tyler McKenzie (cross country and track & field)
Athletic Director's Sequoia Award: Emma DiPardo, Benjamin Logel, Abigail McRoy, Brianna Silva, Vincenzo Villella

Middle School Awards:
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Instrumental Music: Charlie Boline
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Instrumental Music: Charlie Wetherby
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Vocal Music: Sofia Da Ponte
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Visual Art: Quinn Grubman
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Visual Art: Evelyn Cooper
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Theatre Art: Charlie Wetherby
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Spanish: Sofia Da Ponte
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Latin: John Fawzi
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in History: Chace Bradley
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in History: Evan Maynard
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in History: Molly Perrotta
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in English: John Fawzi
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Mathematics: Matthew Palmer
Outstanding Effort and Achievement in Science: John Fawzi

Progress Award - Awarded to a student who has demonstrated significant academic or social growth in their Middle School Careers: Eliza Schneider

Academic Award - Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest academic average in the class over the past two years: John Fawzi

Mary Elizabeth Hunt Award - Awarded to our most outstanding Middle School citizen, in honor of Betty Hunt, our school receptionist for many years, who radiated warmth and sunshine: Troy Enos

Middle School Excellence Award - Awarded to the most outstanding Middle School student for combined scholastic achievement and extracurricular participation and leadership potential: Sofia Da Ponte

The Richard S. Tierney Middle School Effort and Dedication Award - Awarded to the student who has demonstrated consistent effort and dedication to academics in the Middle School program: Molly Perrotta