Kingswood Oxford Graduates 92 Students in its 113th Commencement

Despite the on-and-off rain and the deep chill in the air, Kingswood Oxford’s 113th Commencement on May 23 was a warm and unforgettable tribute to the resilience and character of the Class of 2025, consisting of 92 graduates, 14 of them heading to play college sports and 18 of them inducted into the Cum Laude Society. Sasha Dausey was named the Dux Prize winner for the highest grade point average. Held in the Hoffman Field House with the scoreboard glowing 2025, the ceremony featured heartfelt speeches and moments of deep reflection that transcended the gloomy weather.

Head of School Tom Dillow introduced the Invocation speaker, Upper School history teacher Ted Levine, as the “living legend,” and Levine quipped, “It’s nice to know I’m still alive.” He commented on the student performances from the previous evening's Senior Class Night, referring to the many lessons learned about testing resilience, building confidence, and embracing change. He used former art teacher Pat Rossoff as an example of a teacher who fell back, allowing a student artist to create their own vision, not hers. “We gave you so many brushes and palettes,” he said, “and some of you painted in broad swaths, seen in concepts and abstractions. Take your brushes and palettes as you leave to nurture your talents.”

Student speaker Raine Wang opened with a touching tribute to a beloved figure at KO who is set to retire at the end of the school year, Mr. Jones, this year’s Commencement speaker. “What can I say about Mr. Jones that hasn’t been celebrated?” she began. “He makes jokes in class that'll have you straining your ears to make sure you heard it right—and then laughing that you did.”

Wang recalled the joy of having him as a history teacher and advisor: “I'm not much of a morning person, but I always looked forward to his class, even when it was the first period of the day.” Her fondest memories included quiet, early mornings when she’d stop by his classroom. “He always left me with a smile and a witty comment,” she said. “He lights up everything and everyone around him.”

In his address, Mr. Jones brought both wit and wisdom. After joking that he was told not to talk about “COVID, politics, or myself,” he added, “But since that is one of my favorite topics [talking about himself], I don't think I can completely agree.”

His message emphasized the importance of time and empathy. “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back,” he quoted from Harvey Mackay.

He urged graduates to live meaningfully and remain mindful of others as a fundamental quality of being both human and humane. He shared personal experiences of how the kindness of strangers, particularly during his medical challenges, made a lasting impact: “You may never know the effect you have on someone else, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful.” Even small, prosaic interactions in a grocery store carry an opportunity to make a positive difference. He engaged the students in a call-and-response to Upper School science teacher Fritz Goodman’s three rules: to be kind. In closing, he said, “I hope you aspire to be a reason that people who know you come to believe in the goodness of humanity."

Head of School Dr. Dillow offered an imaginative and moving speech using three animals as metaphors for life’s lessons.

First, he encouraged students to “be a goldfish,” referencing the character Ted Lasso: “It’s got a 10-second memory. So go be a goldfish, Sam.” He explained, “You will never get better unless you fail… Don’t carry your mistakes like luggage.”

Next, he spoke about the wisdom of owls: “Owls can rotate their heads almost 270 degrees. That’s perspective.” He challenged students to remain curious and thoughtful in a world filled with oversimplified answers. “Don’t settle for certainty… Test your assumptions. Look for ways that you might be wrong.”

Finally, he called on students to “be a firefly”: “You don’t have to shine like the sun. You just have to leave the light on for someone else.” He quoted Dan Mangdon’s song Soapbox: “There are those who leave a light on in case another needs to see.”

Dillow’s message was clear and powerful: “Be the person who shows up, who notices, who makes space for others. In a world that feels divided, we need steady, quiet lights.”

Upper School history teacher Rob Kyff, who just published a book about The Great Gatsby, said the Farewell, fittingly closing the ceremony with a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald. He said the quote expresses the wishes he has for each student - a sense of wonderment and open-mindedness, and a life they can be proud of. “May you go forth with compassion and kindness.”

Kingswood Oxford is the preeminent co-ed private day school in West Hartford, serving 501 students from over 62 towns in Connecticut, western Massachusetts, China, and South Korea. A KO education fosters critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, and ethical leaders.