Caps Off to the Class of 2025: A Celebration of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude

On a bright and hopeful day in June, the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall at Concordia University was filled with applause, laughter, and the occasional happy tear as Kells Academy came together to celebrate its Convocation 2025. This year’s ceremony was more than just a send-off; it was a tribute to the resilience, growth, and accomplishments of our graduates from Grade 6, Grade 11, and Grade 12.

Families, friends, and faculty gathered to honour each student’s journey, and the atmosphere was electric with pride. The hall echoed with the sounds of heartfelt speeches, music, and resounding applause. The celebration was a fitting finale to a year of hard work, transformation, and triumph.

Inspiring Words, Lasting Wisdom

Elementary Principal Ms. Perlman opened the ceremony by reminding our youngest graduates of their boundless potential: “You are unique, and your possibilities are endless. Find them, create them, be open to them.” It was a message that resonated not just with the younger students but with every person in the room, a powerful reminder that the future is something to be shaped, not feared.

High School Principal Mr. Malone followed with a poignant and sincere message about authenticity. “Let your contribution be real. Let it be you,” he urged. He began his speech with a tongue-in-cheek reference to ChatGPT, confessing with a smile that AI didn’t quite capture his voice. The real message was this: our students’ true power lies in showing up as themselves — original, honest, and unapologetically real.

Grade 12 Coordinator Ms. Bailey added yet another layer of inspiration. “You’ve proven to be resilient and full of purpose. Don’t fear risks—there are no failures, only opportunities for growth.” Her words beautifully captured the journey of a graduating class that overcame unprecedented challenges, from global uncertainty to personal obstacles, and emerged stronger for it.

Student Voices, Shared Stories

The heart of Convocation 2025 was heard most clearly in the voices of our students, who shared words of gratitude, reflection, and hope for the future.

Richryan Ezekiel Sabroso, delivering the Elementary Farewell Address, drew inspiration from their Spring Concert song: “The road is long… but we climb a step every day.” He reminded his classmates that even when the path ahead feels uncertain, taking one step at a time with courage and consistency leads to growth.

Grade 11 Valedictorian Jacob Chen delivered a deeply personal reflection, capturing the quiet, in-between moments that often go unnoticed: “Late-night texts asking ‘Did you do the worksheet?’ or the glance across the room when the teacher says, ‘Pair up.’ These small moments are what I’ll remember most. They made high school feel like more than just school—they made it fun.”

Thomas Kovalchuk, representing the Grade 12 class, focused on the power of growth and resilience. “Learning to face every challenge with a smile, taking the time to learn from what others have to say, and not letting your faults embarrass you…that’s how you get closer to achieving your goals,” he said. His message emphasized that success is not just about achievements, but about embracing every experience along the way.

Celebrating Excellence: Special Awards

Every student has a unique story made up of challenges faced, milestones reached, and quiet, determined progress. At Convocation 2025, we took a moment to honour those whose stories shone with something extra: unwavering effort, heartfelt leadership, compassionate citizenship, and academic brilliance. These special awards celebrate the individuals who helped shape our school community not only through their achievements but through their character, resilience, and spirit.

From Grade 6 through Grade 12, these students inspired their peers and teachers alike. We’re proud to recognize them as shining examples of what it means to live the Kells values of respect, responsibility, and community.

Grade 6 Special Awards:

Kells Elementary Citizenship Award: Savannah Di Lella
Elementary Farewell Speaker: Richryan Ezekiel Sabroso

Grade 11 Special Awards:

Kells School Life Award: Lily Hafez
Michelle Rosich Award: Ava Nicole Ricci
Kells Citizenship Award: Misheel Barkhasbadi
Governor General’s Medal: Seohyun Jung
Kells Leadership Award: Dana Bagherifard
Director’s Award: Lily Jade Forget

Grade 12 Special Awards:

Grade 12 Most Improved: Mars Gameroff
Outstanding School Spirit Award: Avi Segalovich
Michelle Rosich Award: Jordana Elfassy and Jonathan Jackson
Governor General’s Medal: Yanying Wu
Director’s Award: Noah Costa

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for a Bright Future

The next chapter for the Class of 2025 is as exciting as it is diverse. Among our Grade 11 students, around 60% will remain at Kells for Grade 12, continuing their journey in our supportive and innovative learning environment. The rest are heading to some of Montreal’s top CEGEPs, including Dawson, Vanier, Marianopolis, and John Abbott. A few students will pursue new academic opportunities in Toronto, while one will take a gap year to travel and grow.

The future looks bright for our Grade 12 grads. From McGill and the University of Toronto to Cornell, the University of California, and leading institutions in Europe, they’re heading to some of the best universities in the world — and along the way, they’ve earned over half a million dollars in scholarships. Many students are entering programs in business, finance, engineering, and health sciences, while others are following their passions in psychology, political science, fashion design, and environmental studies.

The variety of chosen fields reflects the dynamic spirit of this graduating class. From science to the arts, from local campuses to global adventures, the Class of 2025 is setting off in many directions, but all with the same drive to make an impact.

A Fond Farewell

Convocation 2025 was more than a ceremony. It was a story of challenges faced and overcome, of friendships made and lessons learned, of laughter, love, and letting go.

To all our graduates: we are proud of you, inspired by you, and cheering you on every step of the way. The world is ready for your ideas, your energy, and your vision. Now it’s your turn to shape it.

Congratulations, Kells Class of 2025; the future is yours.