USN celebrates 106th graduating class
The Class of 2025’s Commencement celebrated not only academic milestones but also the profound connections formed during these students’ time at University School of Nashville.
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications
Commencement for the Class of 2025 was a recognition of student achievement and community. The graduation featured keyboardist Brendan West ’25, guitarist Oliver McDowell ’25, bassist Seth Prince ’25, drummer Sid Pruthi ’25, and singer Ellie Rothman ’25, who had the audience singing along and even dancing to their rendition of “Don't Stop Believin’.” Juno Callen ’25 created the class’s Commencement artwork, a black and write Tiger print featured on fan programs and a banner featuring students during their senior retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee. Senior Class President Madeline Chalos ’25 introduced Beckett Dahir ’25 to give the Commencement Address. High School English Teacher Ann Wheeler, retiring after 41 years at USN, closed the event.
The ceremony took place on University School of Nashville’s Back Lawn, a meaningful location that has been the site of students’ recesses, K-12 festivals, and HS student-led concerts throughout their time at the school, said Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
“To the 66 families whose last or only child will be graduating today. Thank you for the gift of your children. And whether you've been here two years or 13, thank you for your continued faith in the school,” she told their parents and families, among the 2,000 beneath the white tent.
Listing his peers’ many academic awards and cocurricular achievements alongside athletic titles, Dahir gave a powerful tribute that named every senior and emphasized their collective spirit of mutual support in his speech that painted a picture of a tight-knit group that values collaboration and empathy over individual achievements.
“I want to show you all why I love my grade and tell the stories of the Class of 2025. Our class is defined by resilience, the kind that pushes us to overcome challenges, support each other, and work as a team,” he said. “Our class doesn't just persevere. We lift each other up, making sure no one faces a challenge alone. This togetherness makes us stronger.”
Head of High School Chai Reddy’s remarks reflected on seniors’ 1,370-day journey through High School, noting that their diploma represents more than just academic success — it symbolizes personal growth, relationships, and community. He reflected on his first senior retreat with this class in August 2024 and encouraged the graduates to continue supporting their alma mater and each other in the future, emphasizing that while they are the heroes of their stories, they have been supported by numerous supporting characters who helped shape their experiences.
“Who do you want to be in the next 1,370 days? And what kind of community do you want to be a part of?” Reddy asked them. “To whom much is given, much is expected. While there are many people who have given a lot to the wonderful individuals behind me, the Class of 2025 has given much to me and to this school.”
One hundred five students comprise Class of 2025, the 106th graduating class from Peabody Demonstration School and University School of Nashville. They will enroll at 75 colleges and universities across the country and England, including Research 1: Doctoral Universities, historically Black colleges and universities, historically women’s colleges, liberal arts colleges, and public state flagships.
Twenty percent of the class was recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. as semifinalists, and two students earned a $2,500 scholarship. Other notable scholarships earned include University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship, Vanderbilt University’s Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, University of Michigan’s Go Blue Guarantee, and several full-ride scholarships for universities’ honors programs. Eight student-athletes have committed to playing sports at the collegiate level.
To read more about the accomplishments of this graduating class, visit usn.org/classof2025.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year. USN has 25 alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill. -
Tech Bytes: Tips for summer
Middle School Educational Technologist Kari Luecke shares must-read articles and suggests options to declutter your smartphone and reduce screen time this summer.Read More -
6th graders head to capitol for spirited debate
Read MoreDuring a fun field trip to wrap up the year, students were able to debate on the House floor during a visit to the Tennessee State Capitol. See more photos from their final lesson here.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.