Honoring the Class of 2025

On Saturday, May 24, the Chatham Hall community gathered in the peaceful stillness of St. Mary’s Chapel for a beloved tradition: the Baccalaureate Service. A cornerstone of our Commencement weekend, this reflective and reverent ceremony honors the graduating class and celebrates the profound journey each senior has taken during her time at Chatham Hall.

The service was rich with tradition and meaning, blending sacred music, scripture, and spoken word. The Chapel was filled with the sounds of the St. Mary’s Choir, under the direction of Dr. Francis Yun, whose selections—"Dreams" by Rollo Dilworth and "Journey On" by Derrick Fox—resonated deeply with the moment. Readings from Mary Oliver, Shakespeare, and 1 Corinthians grounded the service in both literature and faith, inviting those gathered to reflect on connection, authenticity, and love.

Chaplain Beth Barksdale opened the ceremony with words that reminded us all of the power of presence and the significance of shared milestones. Rector Sara Stephenson followed with words of gratitude and blessing for the Class of 2025, recognizing both individual and collective growth.

This year’s Baccalaureate Address, titled "Authentic Connections in a Relative World", was delivered by faculty member Mr. Zach Smith, who offered seniors heartfelt wisdom about embracing vulnerability, staying grounded in truth, and finding strength in community. Senior Rowan Ruppel’s address, "Growing Up Together", gave a personal and poignant perspective on the class's shared experiences and the ways they’ve shaped one another.

The service concluded with a powerful Sending Litany and recessional hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” as the Class of 2025 prepared to walk from the Chapel to the front lawn, leaving one sacred space and entering another, ready for the next chapter.

Baccalaureate reminds us that Commencement is more than an ending—it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and promise. As our newest alumnae prepare to carry the light of Chatham Hall into the world, we give thanks for the moments that brought them here and for the mark they leave behind.