Commencement exercises for the Class of 2025 took place on Friday, May 23, at Christ Baptist Church in Raleigh. The event included the much-anticipated conferring of diplomas as well as speeches by class valedictorian Henry Zhang ’25, class speaker Benya Wilfret ’25 and guest speaker Logan Aldridge ’09.

Senior Class Dean Ali Olney provided the invocation, sharing a short poem by Wendell Berry, from This Day: New and Collected Sabbath Poems 1979-1997 and called upon everyone to take a moment to enjoy and be fully present in this special moment.

Head of School Derrick Willard then welcomed the community, extending gratitude to the speakers and the many people who make the event special. He then acknowledged the most recent member to join the honorary alumni Class of 1862, Coach Jimmy Cox and read the Alumni Association proclamation bestowing the honor.

Willard turned to the Class of 2025, acknowledging “this might be the last time the class is together in one place” and reminded them they will always have a place at Ravenscroft. He read lyrics from Crowded Table, by the Highwomen, as an example of what Ravenscroft aspires to be for our community. And in particular, extended the invitation to each member of the class to return to “this house.” 

Yeah, I want a house with a crowded table

And a place by the fire for everyone

Let us take on the world while we're young and able

And bring us back together when the day is done

The door is always open

Your picture's on my wall

Everyone's a little broken

And everyone belongs

Yeah, everyone belongs.

“Please remember, you belong here,” Willard said.

A very special part of the program is the presentation of the roses. Each graduating senior presents a long-stemmed yellow rose to a loved one. Many tears were shed and smiles were shared during this time-honored, deeply touching moment, and special music, Thankful, was performed by the  Faculty Choral Ensemble.

Guest Speaker Logan Aldridge ’09

Head of Upper School Aaron Sundstrom then introduced the guest speaker, Logan Aldridge ’09 — world-renowned athlete, CrossFit standout and Peloton’s first adaptive instructor. 

Aldridge, having lost his left arm at age 13 in a wakeboarding accident, recounted the accident that led to the loss of his arm and the path that turned the experience into a lifelong pursuit of resilience and helping others. “Ravenscroft taught me that compassion and love aren’t just nice words—they’re the foundation of a meaningful life,” he said. 

Aldridge went on to share key lessons that boiled down to three ideas: “the power of selfless compassion (unconditional love), the importance of embracing the unknown and unexpected, and the path to finding purpose, success and fulfillment by giving more than you expect to receive.”

He encouraged the Class of 2025 to carry with them: “Every person you meet is fighting a battle you might not see. Be the one who listens, who lifts them up, who treats them with the love and respect you’d want for yourself. That’s how you build a life that matters.

He concluded, “Go out there and treat others with the compassion you’d want for yourself. Embrace the unknown with open hearts. And strive for a life where you give more than you expect to receive. You’re ready, and the world is waiting for you.”

Valedictorian Henry Zhang ’25

Next, Henry Zhang ’25 shared his valedictory address, which included a reflection on his path to the United States and ultimately to Ravenscroft. Born in China, his family moved to Texas in 2016, and Henry joined them a year later. Knowing very little English, he worked hard to become proficient and kept a tutor once admitted to Ravenscroft for Lower School.

Conveying his experiences at Ravenscroft turned out to be everything he could ever wish for,  “through interactions in and out of the classroom, I learned so much more than course materials from my teachers: you showed me how to love what I study, how to have more faith in myself, and most importantly, how to be a kind, caring person. And you, my peers, every single one of you, helped make my Ravenscroft experience as memorable as it could be.”

“The positive influences we bestow on others are one of the most invisible yet enduring legacies we can leave behind. I am incredibly grateful to carry on all the positive marks you have left on me, and it would be the greatest honor for me if I also managed to leave something uplifting with you.”  

In concluding, Henry shared a parting wish for his fellow graduates “Wherever you decide to journey, whoever you get to meet, and whichever future you decide to pursue, I sincerely wish that you will be able to complete all of them with courage, a good heart, and plenty of success—may there always be light on your path.”

Class Speaker Benya Wilfret ’25

In the role of class speaker, Benya Wilfret ’25 offered his fellow graduates thoughts about “advice.” He cautioned the class to be curious about advice because it can be “context blind” and don’t assume that advice that works for one person will seamlessly work for you.

“The philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once wrote that his propositions were like ladders. You climb them to see more clearly—and then, once they’ve served their purpose, you throw them away,” Benya said. “I’ve always loved that image. Not because it’s rebellious, though it is—but because it’s honest. The things that help you—rules, beliefs, identities—are scaffolding. Useful for a time, but dangerous if mistaken for permanent structures.”

“Advice is no different. It’s a borrowed lens. It might sharpen your vision—or distort it. The wisdom lies in knowing when to take it off.” He challenged the class to treat advice not as prescriptive but rather as a hypothesis. 

“Test it. Poke holes in it.” In conclusion, he added, “When someone offers you advice—including this speech—tilt your head, pause, and say: 'Interesting hypothesis.’”

Cheers were shared as each graduating senior walked across the stage and received their diplomas—names called by Head of Upper School Aarron Sundstrom, diplomas conferred by Head of School Derrick Willard with Ravenscroft Board Chair Laura Helton Kalorin ’92.

The program concluded with a benediction from Upper School Instructor Jordy Baende ’14, who encouraged the class to go forward with courage, curiosity, and compassion. “And as you step into new places, may you be the person you once needed — the encourager, the listener, the light. Every interaction matters, no matter how big or small. You have the power to shape someone’s world with a word, a gesture, a presence or even a smile.”

“Go with pride in your roots, hope in your heart and purpose in your steps. Be bold. Be kind. Be real. And most importantly, be yourself. Never forget where you came from, or how deeply you are loved.”

Throughout the event, beautiful music and organ performances were performed by Ravenscroft’s very talented accompanist, S.K. Chipley, including Festival Toccata by Percy Fletcher for the recessional.

View and download photos from the evening from our Flickr album. Read more about the Class of 2025 on our webpage Celebrating Senior Success.