Millbrook Graduates Class of 2016 in 85th Commencement
In a celebration of growth, success, community, and tradition, hundreds of friends and family joined us on the Flagler Quad for Commencement this past Sunday. The weekend was both emotional and celebratory as the Class of 2016 bid farewell to Millbrook.
Commencement festivities began on Saturday evening, as VI formers were joined by their parents and advisors for the traditional Senior Dinner. The dinner was the first formal event to be hosted in our new 12,000 square foot dining hall. The grand 23-foot ceilings, traditional aesthetic, and floor-to-ceiling windows, welcomed our guests and made for a spectacular backdrop for celebrating our VI formers.
After Senior Dinner, everyone gathered under the main tent on the Flagler Quad for Prize Night, during which VI formers were recognized for outstanding achievement in all areas of school life.
The Millbrook community gathered the following Sunday morning to celebrate the Class of 2016. Francisco Borges '70, Millbrook board member, alumni, and relative to many Millbrook alumni, including uncle to VI former Dan Correia, welcomed the graduates, underform students, faculty, and families.
“Today, a fourth member of my family, my nephew Daniel, joins his cousin Caleb (Class of 2013), and his uncle Peter (Class of 1976), as a Millbrook alumi. They too, along with me, benefitted immensely from the impressive abilities and extraordinary dedication exhibited every day by the men and women of the Millbrook faculty and administration,” said Mr. Borges.
Robert Koenigsberger, Millbrook board member and father of Amber Koenigsberger ’10 and Ilayda Koenigsberger ’16, gave the Commencement Address, which was rich in advice for our new graduates. Students and faculty very much appreciated Mr. Koenigsberger’s thoughtfulness and wise words.
“Remember what makes Millbrook, Millbrook,” said Mr. Koenigsberger, who encouraged students to continue living Non Sibi Sed Cunctis as they embark on their post-Millbrook adventures.
The VIth formers elected classmate Olly Cohen to deliver this year's VIth Form Commencement Address. He reflected on his time at Millbrook and his lessons learned. He urged his classmates to be passionate, take time to stop and reflect, maintain a positive attitude, and take risks. “The lessons I’ve shared today are what high school has meant to me, and I’ll keep my memories of these days forever,” said Olly.
Following Olly's address, Headmaster Drew Casertano presented three special awards to VI formers: the Sportsmanship Cup was awarded to Liesje Bluestone, the Community Service Cup was presented to Heidi Reiss, and Maggie Guo earned Summa Cum Laude for Millbrook's Class of 2016.
Rick McWilliams was also honored with a Sportsmanship Cup for his 40 years of service to Millbrook, and for his leadership in his many roles during his tenure, including coach and athletic director.
“In the history of Millbrook School, no one has done more to advance the culture of sportsmanship,” Headmaster Drew Casertano said about Mr. McWilliams when presenting him with the award.
After honoring Mr. McWilliams, Headmaster Casertano presented the Class of 2016 with their diplomas.
Immediately following the conclusion of the commencement ceremony, students and faculty exchanged words, hugs, handshakes, and emotion, as graduates officially concluded their Millbrook careers to begin the next chapter of their lives.
Congratulations to the Class of 2016!
View photos from Prize Night and Commencement on our online photo gallery.
