News
Congratulations, Class of 2022
The Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony took place last Thursday at the First Church of Christ, Scientist on Central Park West. After a slideshow of memorable Class of 2022 moments set to Rod Stewart’s Forever Young played for the audience of York Prep families, Dr. Ronald Beresford played the traditional Entrance March as the soon-to-be graduates filed in.
Valedictorian Nicholas Feigelson delivered the welcome address. He highlighted the York Prep belief that “there’s not just one way of learning”. He said, “And that’s the thing about York. We build eachother up.” The welcoming and nurturing environment made such an impact on Nicholas throughout his years as a YP student, and he cited that the majority of important people in his current life are people that he met at York Prep.
Amid all of the emotions that swirl around graduation, Masters of Ceremonies Dylan Van Breda and Harrison Metrick kept the commencement exercises light-hearted and introduced Co-Director of College Guidance & 12th-grade Dean Janet Rooney, Co-Head of School John Beich, and Co-Head of School Jeremy Clarke who announced the National Honor Society members, York Prep Scholars, and Senior Awards Recipients.
Ronald Stewart gave his Headmaster’s Farewell and pointed out that the first York Prep graduating class members that he addressed are almost all now 70 years old. With that statement, he noted that the Class of 2022 will have the opportunity to decide what they are going to do with their lives until that point when they reach 70. He directed them to plan their own futures, without letting others determine their paths for them. He stated, “I hope your education here has taught you to ask the difficult questions, and not accept blindly what is taught to you. Challenge is an essential part of our educational process. The truth is sometimes obscured quite deliberately.”
Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Jayme Stewart, and Janet Rooney then presented the diplomas to each graduate.
Guest Speaker Eric Tull, who has been a beloved teacher at York Prep “since the last millennium” echoed Mr. Stewart’s advice when he told the graduates to “take that outside of the box thinking when you go. Be willing to always take the risk of asking questions.” He reminded them that it is always possible to not only be accepted exactly as they are but to also be celebrated for who they are. He also reminded everyone to take along the grit and the love that has been instilled from the years of being a student at York Prep.
Saludatorian Olivia Kieffer delivered the closing address. With live and learn as her motto, she assured everyone that it is entirely okay to be unsure about their life choices, and it is entirely okay to be terrified at the same time. It is through these experiences that we all live and learn.
National Honor Society Members:
Unique Barnes
Alex Chilkowitz
Nicholas Feigelson
Chad Jonas
Olivia Kieffer
Seth Nisguretsky
David Piermatteo
Ryan Plehn
Talya Plush
Mikayla Pressley
Alanna Preduhomme-Slaughter
Kaia Seldman
Namkha Toner
York Prep Scholars
Alex Chilkowitz
Nicholas Feigelson
Chad Jonas
David Piermatteo
Ryan Plehn
Talya Plush
Senior Award Winners
English - Mikayla Pressley
History - Wells Labbe
ASL - Chad Jonas
Mandarin - Jared Orlov
Spanish - Ava Ellis
French - Jake Adair
Mathematics - Alex Chilkowitz
Neal Newhaus Award - Ryan Plehn
Science – Kaia Seldman and Namkha Toner
Reading and Writing - Max Szlendak
Performing Arts Drama: - Dylan Van Breda
Music - Robson Matthews
Visual Arts - Mikayla Pressley, Natalie Davison
Yearbook Award - Olivia Kieffer
Athlete of the Year - Unique Barnes
Sportsmanship - Olivia Kieffer
Richard Loo Award - Talya Plush
Headmaster’s Award - Olivia Kieffer
