Sussex Academy Class of 2025 celebrates commencement

In a June 6 commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025, 112 students received their high school diplomas as the ninth graduating class of Sussex Academy.

Class-elected speaker Keenan Williams told classmates that the diploma they would receive that evening does not sum up their previous four years of schooling, nor does it define their next four years of life. However, he said, now is not the time to worry about the future.

“Let’s allow ourselves to live in the moment, because that is all we can do,” Williams said. “Enjoy the last time you might sit next to the person to your left and right, the last time you will be on this turf field as a Sussex Academy student.”

Williams dismissed the naysayers of his generation, stating he sees a diverse body of motivated, determined and talented young adults.

“People who genuinely want to impact the world, whether they become future business owners or entrepreneurs, future doctors, lawyers, policymakers, educators or engineers,” he said.

It’s OK not to know yet what you want to do for the next four years or the rest of your life, he said, encouraging his classmates to stay open-minded to whatever comes their way.

“We are now tackling the world’s most important issues, so it is our job to make this planet a better place,” Williams said. “Be selfless. Work for the betterment of the people around you, the community around you, the world around you.”

In closing, Williams asked classmates to treat others and themselves with kindness and do what gives them and others joy.

“Most importantly, be your true, authentic self, whether everyone is looking or no one is,” he said.

Following a tradition set last year, Head of School Kyle Bentley invited each graduate to open and read a note handwritten specifically to them by a staff member.

“We hope that this note will serve as a reminder that no matter where life takes you, we will always be in your corner,” he said.

Bentley noted their accomplishments while outlining three simple lessons he called the ABCs of life and leadership.

Starting with, “A is for authenticity,” Bentley told students to be themselves, and to be true to themselves, even when it feels easier to follow the crowd.

“All of our seniors have demonstrated exceptional authenticity in their commitment to leadership,” he said. “So, continue to lead by pursuing your dreams. Lead with purpose. And stand firm in your values.”

“The B is for building relationships,” Bentley said, noting relationships are the heart of everything, as they make life richer, communities stronger and moments more meaningful.

“Don’t take your relationships for granted,” he said. “Nurture them. Cherish them. They’ll carry you further than any single achievement ever could. Relationships are the key to your future.”

“The C is for curiosity,” Bentley concluded, urging graduates to ask questions, push boundaries and explore the unfamiliar.

“Learn by being curious,” he said. “Let curiosity be the spark that leads to discovery and innovation as it guides your path forward. Go forward with confidence, go forward with kindness. Go forward knowing that this school – Sussex Academy – will always be cheering you on.”