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On June 12th, Ridgefield Academy proudly celebrated the graduation of 31 eighth-grade students. The Class of 2024 has made a lasting impact on the RA community. Through their dedication to academics, active engagement in learning, and the joy and laughter they brought to campus every day, the class has “woven themselves into the fabric of the school," according to Head of School Tom Main.

 

The graduates have collectively spent 259 years at Ridgefield Academy, averaging 8.35 years per student. Nearly half of them are "lifers," having been part of the RA community since preschool or kindergarten, symbolizing over a decade of commitment and personal growth. Beyond excelling academically, this class demonstrates a rich diversity of talents in athletics, equestrianism, dance, art, acting, and music.

 

The memorable graduation ceremony, held on RA’s picturesque 42-acre campus, celebrated the unique achievements and journeys of every student. This tradition-rich day began at Main’s on-campus residence, where students gathered one final time as a class to prepare for the ceremony. Administrators assisted the graduates with their last moments as RA students—taking photos, tying ties, and affixing boutonnieres and corsages.

 

A highlight of the ceremony was when the graduates' kindergarten buddies escorted them to the stage, symbolizing the special bonds these older and younger students have formed. In a culminating moment of RA’s public speaking program, each graduate then took to the stage to deliver a speech – reflecting on the distinctive influences and experiences that have brought them to this moment. Family and friends, alongside current RA students and teachers, watched with pride.

 

“This class is full of great students and real thinkers,” Main remarked. “As individuals who love to learn, they will take advantage of the opportunities in front of them next year.”

 

RA parent and Board Treasurer, Stephanie Luedke, was honored with the prestigious service award. As a longtime Board of Trustee member and Head of the Finance Committee, her efforts behind-the-scenes have positively impacted the school for many years.

 

Cheered on by their classmates and families, each grade also participated in an official moving-up ceremony before commencement concluded, marking their advancement to the next grade level at the school.

 

Following the presentation of diplomas, the Class of 2024 processed out of the ceremony to ring the Patriot Bell—a tradition echoing their first day joining the RA community.

 

“There will be a real void next year—we’ll miss them as much, if not more, than any other class I have known,” Main reflected.

 

While the presence of the Class of 2024 will be deeply missed on campus, these new alumni will embrace their next chapters with the same confidence and enthusiasm they have demonstrated at RA.