On the beautiful morning of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Branson community gathered to honor the Class of 2025 in a heartfelt graduation ceremony. Families, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff filled the outdoor seating area at Prize Day Field to celebrate the achievements and journeys of each graduate as they prepared to take their next steps beyond Branson.
Seniors posing for one last class picture together before the ceremony began.
The ceremony opened with a performance of “Entrée de Polymnie” from Les Boréades by Jean-Philippe Rameau, presented by Branson’s talented Chamber Music students. As the crowd settled, the welcome from Assistant Head of School Nathalio Gray opened the ceremony with a tone of celebration and reflection.
Faculty and staff processed first, entering in order of tenure, continuing a long-time Branson tradition that highlights the experience and dedication of Branson's educators. Their entrance was accompanied by Kyson Alejo ’28’s moving rendition of “River Flows in You” by Yiruma.
Then came the Class of 2025, clad in blue caps and gowns, descending the steps to “Pomp and Circumstance” as emotions rose and cameras clicked. The anticipation was palpable.
Senior speakers Emmanuel Katz and Celia Tolmie took the stage, offering reflections that captured the humor, growth, and unforgettable moments of their time at Branson. Their speeches struck a balance between personal narrative and collective memory, setting a thoughtful tone for the rest of the ceremony.
The prestigious Mount Tamalpais Award was then awarded to Percival Barretto-Ko, Branson Science and Entrepreneurship teacher. Presented by Senior Class Representatives Ali Evans, Elliot Perelmuter, and Tom Lardner, the award recognizes a faculty member who has made a lasting impact on students through teaching, mentorship, and innovation.
The Branson Singers followed with a stirring performance of “Slipping Through My Fingers” by Benny & Stig Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus, arranged by Jetse Bremer.
A true highlight of the ceremony was Commencement Speaker and English Teacher Alanna Hickey, whose words moved the audience. Alanna emphasized the power of self-authorship, reminding students that their paths are not predetermined: “Each of you has the power to write your own story,” she said, a message that has lingered long after the ceremony ended.
Class Presidents Mo Jacoby and Imogen Brown then delivered selected readings: “On Friendship” by Khalil Gibran and “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver.– food for thought for the road ahead.
Tom Lardner and Karis Crabill then delivered a musical interlude dedicated to the Class of 2025:“My Life” by The Beatles. It was a tribute that brought warmth and nostalgia to the moment before the diplomas were presented.
One by one, the graduates walked across the stage to accept their diplomas, met with cheers and applause from a supportive and celebratory crowd. As the ceremony drew to a close, community and gratitude were at the heart of every farewell. The tone of the day—marked by reflection, encouragement, and joy—was one that perfectly captured the spirit of the Class of 2025.
To our amazing graduates: Your story is yours to shape. Wherever life leads you, know that you will always have a home at Branson. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Photo credits: Wedge Creative. View the full photo gallery by Wedge Creative here.