On May 29, members of the Class of 2024 were officially welcomed into the RCDS Alumni Association at the annual Blue & Gold Dinner held at Whitby Castle in Rye. 

Manager of Alumni Relations Melissa Mahoney Wirth ’97 began the evening by congratulating the soon-to-be alumni and encouraging them to stay connected with their peers, the extended RCDS alumni network, and the School. 

Senior Class President Sameer Hirani ’24 and Student Body President David Colin ’24 toasted their classmates, and a second toast was raised in honor of Coach Gil Castagna and his 45 years of service to RCDS. 

President of the Alumni Executive Board Nicole Jackson Fanjul ’02, P’33 welcomed the seniors to the extended RCDS family and emphasized the alumni network as an essential pillar of support for the seniors in their future journeys, including mentorship, networking, and community-building opportunities. Ms. Fanjul also encouraged the students to consider the different ways in which they can retain close ties to RCDS, like cheering on the Wildcats at games, submitting class notes, serving on alumni panels, and attending reunions. 

David Colin ’24, Sameer Hirani ’24, Neil Noronha ’24, Isabel Tiburcio ’24, and Julia Wallach ’24 were announced as Class Agents. They will represent the Class of 2024 for years to come to facilitate their meaningful engagement with the School, their peers, and other alumni.

The evening’s keynote speaker, who was elected by the seniors, was Senior Associate Director of College Counseling and Grade 12 Dean Susan Davidson. She reflected on her own journey after high school and the fact that she developed incredibly meaningful personal and professional relationships after graduating from high school. Ms. Davidson encouraged the seniors to embrace the opportunities that will arise to keep learning from others in the years to come.

A highlight of the Blue & Gold Dinner was a heartwarming video message from Kindergarten students, who offered their sage advice to the college-bound seniors!

Head of School Randall Dunn shared closing remarks and thanked the seniors for their leadership at RCDS. He also noted that while their time as students is concluding, the Class of 2024’s alumni chapter is just beginning. He reminded the seniors that RCDS will be a lifelong supporter and celebrator of their achievements. 

Mr. Dunn and Upper School Principal Peter Quagliaroli then jointly took a moment to formally recognize four graduating seniors who will not be present at the Upper School Graduation, due to their participation in a national rowing competition. The crowd cheered and celebrated their classmates as they received their RCDS diplomas.

The evening concluded with a special photo of the seniors with the Class of 2024–a beloved RCDS tradition.