Congratulations to MKA's Class of 2019!

Montclair Kimberley Academy graduated 110 seniors during its Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, June 9 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Montclair.

Faculty and Trustees led the procession of the Class of 2019 graduates, and Head of Upper School Dr. David Flocco gave the welcome address, noting that the beautiful day was a wonderful reflection of the seniors' impact on the school. He said, "Yours will be a lasting legacy of kindness, support, compassion, achievement, friendship and a 'chill-like' quality for all classes to emulate." Dr. Flocco also said to this extraordinary group of students, "The people, the random moments, and the gifts that each of you share have not only helped to create this sense of belonging you share, but have made us a better school in the process. As you spend your remaining moments together as a class, think about all those people who have helped make you who you are – your friends, your classmates, your teachers and, of course, your parents who made it all possible. Best of luck, Class of 2019, for we all know that no one deserves it more."

Senior Casey Rae Borella shared her personal journey of finding a place and a family at MKA. She noted the ways in which the Class of 2019 supported and celebrated one another through the years, and said, "While we learned so many valuable lessons at MKA, we learned how to come together. How to celebrate each other. How to be a community. We will go forth in this world and do great things, but more importantly, we will be great people. We will be outstanding members of a community."

In addition, Chyna Brodie used her name and her experience to illustrate her exhortation to the class: "I've always been Chyna with a Y, Brodie with an IE, and everything that comes with it. I own my extra and the way in which I walk into a room. And I implore everyone to try living in this way. Own your extra, your nerdiness, your love of technology, love of dancing, love of history, and anything that makes you uniquely you."

Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack was joined by President of the Board of Trustees Kathleen M. Logan in awarding the diplomas, together with faculty members and Trustees, who as parents of seniors, participated in the tradition of awarding their own children their diplomas.

As the last speaker to address the Class of 2019, Mr. Nammack reminded the gathering that the introduction to the school's Mission Statement says, "MKA's diverse, collaborative, and inclusive community inspires students to lead lives of noble character, purpose, and distinction. Evidence of our mission is found in the Knowledge, Vision, and Integrity of our students and our alumni." With the conclusion of the ceremony, the seniors became the school's newest class of alumni, and Mr. Nammack assured them, "We will always take an interest in what you are doing and the ways in which your lives continue to unfold. That is a guarantee."

Student Body President Julia Thompson and Senior Class Vice President Harrison Johnson officially concluded the ceremony by ringing the Montclair Academy bell, which dates back almost a century.

The Class of 2019 is matriculating to the following 71 schools:

American University (2), Bates College, Bentley University, Boston College (4), Boston University (2), Brown University, Bucknell University (3), Case Western Reserve University, Clark University, Clemson University, Colgate University, College of Charleston (4), Colorado School of Mines, Columbia University (2), Cornell University, Dickinson College, Duke University, Elon University (2), Emory University, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Georgetown University (2), Georgia Institute of Technology, High Point University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, James Madison University, Kenyon College, Lehigh University (4), Miami University, Oxford, Montclair State University, Muhlenberg College, New York University (3), Northeastern University (3), Northwestern University (2), Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences, Pace University, Westchester Campus (2), Pennsylvania State University, Pitzer College, Providence College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2), Rhodes College, Rutgers University-New Brunswick (2), Salve Regina University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Stockton University, The George Washington University, Towson University, Tufts University, Tulane University (4), United States Merchant Marine Academy, University of Chicago (2), University of Dayton, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Miami, University of Michigan (3), University of Pennsylvania (2), University of Pittsburgh, University of Richmond (2), University of Rochester, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, Tampa, University of Southern California, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, University of Virginia (2), University of Wisconsin, Madison (2), Villanova University, Wake Forest University (2), Wellesley College, Yale University (2)

You can watch the ceremony via MKATV here (begins at 12:00).