On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Friends’ Central honored the Class of 2023 at the School’s 178th Commencement which was attended by large numbers of family, friends, and FCS faculty members

Addressing the Class of 2023 directly, Head of School Beth D. Johnson ’77 said, “Everyone here today is filled with pride about you, your accomplishments, and the many beautiful ways you have let your lives speak. … Despite the trials associated with your ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade years, you made the journey your own. You went from performing plays in masks outside to performing plays inside; athletic competitions with few fans and then with the stands filled; making friends and getting together online to gatherings on the fields, in Shallcross, and on Felsen Common. You became mentors to younger students, leaders on campus and beyond. We know you as exceptional young people who are strong, flexible, resilient, and creative. We know you can handle adversity, but you are also ready to thrive, excel, and make a difference, using these traits for the good, not just survival!”

The two student speakers were Dev Gupta and Gabe Riccardi. Dev, who came to FCS in the fourth grade, shared several stories about his class that were, he said, linked by the common thread of community. “Throughout these nine years, the understanding and kindness that I have felt in this cohort has been truly unique to our grade,” he shared, describing the compassion his classmates have demonstrated over the years and wishing them all the very best in the future. In the fall, Dev heads to Case Western Reserve University as a member of the Pre-Professional Scholars Program for Medicine, which grants him conditional admission to Case Western Reserve's School of Medicine.

Gabriel Riccardi, who joined the Class of 2023 in the middle of ninth grade, spoke next, sharing how welcome his classmates made him feel as he transitioned to FCS. “This welcoming atmosphere extended into the classroom,” Gabe said. “Every teacher, without fail, approached me after my first class, offering their availability to meet, should I need any help catching up or understanding the material.” The Class of 2023, he said, “discovered ways to thrive and support one another” throughout the challenges of the pandemic. In the fall, Gabe will be attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he will major in Musical Theater.

In her address, Michelle Crowley, FCS Director of Athletics & Wellness and parent of a Class of 2023 graduate, spoke about the importance of perseverance and shared the advice she gives to FCS student-athletes at the beginning of each season, the “ten things that require zero talent but do require perseverance.” Her list included being on time, having a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and passion, being prepared, and “doing a little extra.” She concluded by exhorting the graduates to, “let go of who you think you are supposed to be, and embrace who you are. Use the ‘ten things that require zero talent but do require perseverance’ to dare greatly, live wholeheartedly with authenticity, and own your story.”

Following the ceremony, the graduates – joined by their families and friends – enjoyed a reception, with opportunities for family photos, before heading out into the summer of 2023 as newly minted members of Friends’ Central’s alumni/ae community.

Read more about the members of the Class of 2023 and their college choices.