Sussex Academy Graduates 124 in Tenth Commencement

Sussex Academy held its tenth commencement ceremony on June 5, graduating 124 seniors.

Class speaker Katya Geyer told graduates that high school taught them people matter more than accomplishments. "Years from now, nobody is going to remember your SAT score," Geyer said. "But they will remember the people who showed up for them. And I think our class did a pretty good job of being there for each other."

Geyer acknowledged that every graduate changed over four years. Some found confidence, others built lasting friendships. Some discovered passions, while others learned persistence through difficulty.

Head of School Kyle Bentley compared the graduates' high school experience to "Choose Your Own Adventure" books, where readers control the story through their decisions. "What made these books so special was the idea that your choices mattered," he said. "Every decision changed your story."

Bentley praised the class for achievements in academics, arts and athletics. "What I admire most about this class is that success did not look the same for everyone, and that is exactly how it should be," he said.

Each graduate received a handwritten note from a staff member, continuing a tradition started by Chief Academic Officer Janet Owens. Bentley announced Owens is retiring after 26 years with Sussex Academy.