Madeira School Honors the Class of 2025 in an Inspiring Commencement
On Saturday, June 7, The Madeira School proudly celebrated the graduation of 80 students in the Class of 2025. The ceremony took place in the school’s scenic outdoor amphitheater, bringing together faculty, families, alumnae, and friends to honor the graduates’ achievements and bright futures.
A Keynote to Inspire
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Madeira alumna and trailblazer Representative Janelle Bynum ’92, Oregon’s first African American Congresswoman. Speaking on the theme of providence—the idea that our paths are shaped with purpose—Bynum shared her journey from Washington, D.C. to engineer, entrepreneur, mother, and now U.S. Representative.
“Your road ahead is full of promise, but it will not be without challenge,” she told the graduates. “Never stop believing in yourself and the value you bring to this world.”
Reflections from School Leadership
Head of School Christina Kyong encouraged graduates to “learn from the past, embrace the present, and help create a better future,” reminding them that the future is a blank canvas waiting for their vision.
Board Chair Anita Tolani ’91, P’24 echoed the school’s informal motto—Function in disaster, finish in style, remain calm at the center of your being—as a guide for navigating life’s next chapters.
Voices of the Class of 2025
Student speakers Nate Young and Chianu Kachikwu added heartfelt reflections, celebrating the class’s shared memories and encouraging everyone to pause and appreciate the moment.
Honoring Tradition
The ceremony continued Madeira’s cherished customs. Each graduate carried 13 red roses in honor of the 13 students in the school’s first graduating class. Class rings—traditionally worn with the sunburst facing inward—were turned outward, symbolizing sharing the “light of learning” with the world.
Looking Ahead
The Class of 2025 has already made its mark, earning acceptance to 163 colleges and universities worldwide. As they move forward, these young women carry Madeira’s values of leadership, confidence, and community impact into their next chapters.
About The Madeira School
Founded in 1906, The Madeira School is a premier all-girls college preparatory day and boarding school located on a 376-acre campus in McLean, Virginia. Known for its nationally recognized co-curriculum program and commitment to leadership, academic excellence, and personal growth, Madeira empowers young women in grades 9–12 to thrive—in high school and beyond.
