St. Andrew’s School in Barrington celebrated its Class of 2024 with pomp and circumstance at commencement on June 1. The ceremony was hosted on campus on the Buckley-Henius Quad with sunshine washing over the graduates and guests.

St. Andrew’s Class of 2024 has 50 graduates hailing from six states and eight countries. They will be continuing their education in at least 42 different institutions, spread across 13 states and six countries. 

This year St. Andrew’s is seeing record acceptances at highly competitive colleges including Northeastern University, Emory University, Boston College, Boston University, New York University, and McGill University. Fifteen of the graduates will be playing college soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and tennis, and some will be continuing their arts studies at institutions such as the University of the Arts London, Belmont University, Kenyon College, and the Berklee School of Music.

St. Andrew’s Commencement Speaker Barbara Papitto shared words of wisdom to the graduates, encouraging them to find their passion, stay close to family and friends, find love, practice kindness, give back, and keep their faith.

Senior Sydney Green was the student speaker and told her classmates to embrace the unknown with courage and kindness.

“As we stand together on the threshold, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories cherished. This occasion marks not just an ending, but a commencement of endless possibilities waiting to unfold,” Green said.

At Commencement, Sydney was awarded the King Medal, the school’s highest honor as selected by vote by the entire St. Andrew’s faculty, staff, and administration.

Before the graduates walked the stage, trustee Ben White ‘08 conferred the diplomas. 

“Graduates, you hold the power to shape a brighter future, overcome obstacles, and make a lasting impact. Believe in yourselves and embrace the journey ahead. Congratulations on your remarkable achievements, and may your path be filled with endless possibilities,” White said.

St. Andrew’s Head of School David Tinagero also shared some advice with the graduates.

“I want you to remember that the most profound journeys are not those that take us to the farthest reaches of space, but those that take us deep within ourselves,” Tinagero said. “I believe that the lessons you learned here about kindness, community, and care will be most welcomed by those you meet on your journey. Class of 2024, the stars await. I wish you a long and beautiful journey.”