The Class of 2025
Celebrating the Class of 2025: A Day of Growth, Gratitude, and New Beginnings
The NEIA community gathered on Friday, May 23, for the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony. The day was a reminder of the growth and gratitude that our graduates have cultivated and exhibited throughout their time here at NEIA.
The ceremony began with a processional, as the graduates walked proudly to their seats, surrounded by applause.
Langston Reid, Class of 2025, opened the program with a powerful Land Acknowledgement, reminding everyone of the importance of honoring the history and people of the land NEIA occupies.
Owen O’Brien, also of the Class of 2025, followed with a Moment of Gratitude—a heartfelt reflection on the journey that brought the class to this day and the people who supported them along the way.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Interim Head of School Rick Hardy welcomed the audience and set the tone for a celebration that highlighted not only formality, but also belonging and togetherness—two of NEIA’s core values. He shared an inspiring message from Jane Du, NEIA Co-Founder and Trustee:
“I firmly believe that if each of us begins with ourselves, we can work together to create a world of true harmony. A harmonious world isn’t a distant dream—it lives in the choices we make every day. I look forward to seeing how the young people of NEIA will help bring this vision to life.”
Jean Jones, NEIA’s Co-Founder, Chair, and Trustee, offered a welcome on behalf of the Board of Trustees, celebrating the graduates and their families while reaffirming the school’s mission and vision. Jean told the class, “Every graduating class has its own unique character, but if I had to choose one word to describe yours, it would be exceptional. This campus won’t be the same without you.”
Representing her peers with elegance and humor, Ileana Fournier, Class of 2025, delivered the Student Address. Her speech captured the essence of the Class of 2025—resilient, curious, and ready to shape the world around them. She left the audience with two requests: “Lead with gratitude and always remember.”
Lila Lewandowski, Class of 2025, introduced the Commencement Speaker, Founding Math Teacher Jennifer Dalton, with admiration and appreciation. Dalton, a beloved member of the staff since NEIA’s earliest days, delivered a Commencement Address filled with wisdom, humor, and advice to our graduating class. She told the Class of 2025, “Don’t just follow the steps—remember to understand why the steps matter.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferring of diplomas, a moment that marked both an ending and a beginning. As each graduate crossed the stage, cheers filled the audience—echoes of the countless hours of learning, growth, and community-building that led to this day.
The ceremony concluded with a recessional, followed by a reception in the North Dining area of The Hub, where families and staff mingled, took photos, and shared memories.
Congratulations to each graduate of the Class of 2025. Your NEIA story will always be a part of who you are—and you will always be a part of NEIA.
