From Preparation to Possibility: Prep for Prep Contingent XLVII Commencement Honors Achievements

On Saturday, August 16, the Prep Community gathered at New York City’s historic Riverside Church to celebrate a pivotal milestone: the commencement ceremony marking the completion of the 14-month Preparatory Component. This momentous occasion honored 89 students as they prepared to take their next bold step in their Prep Journey—entering independent schools. 

The ceremony opened with a procession of students entering the Nave to the iconic theme from Chariots of Fire. The program continued with a recitation of Emily Dickinson’s “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers” and uplifting performances of “Tomorrow” from Annie and “The Finale” from Les Misérables.

Twin sisters Emely L. (XLVII/Hackley) and Emmy L. (XLVII/Horace Mann), serving as Masters of Ceremonies, brought warmth and poise to the stage as they welcomed classmates, families, friends, and Prep for Prep staff. They introduced the afternoon’s student speakers, Mubarak K. (XLVII/Horace Mann) and Harriet O. (XLVII/Packer), whose reflections captured the spirit of resilience, achievement, and community at the heart of Prep for Prep.

Mubarak’s remarks highlighted the importance of commitment, the third pillar in the Prep motto.  

“Commitment is what brings us into action. Contingent XLVII, no matter what respective journey you choose, no matter what stage of life you are in, commitment and courage will always stand as a way to achieve your dream.”

Harriet emphasized the importance of community, the unspoken word in the Prep motto. “With the 14 months of Prep behind me, I realize just how important my community has been in helping me push through. Whether it was my advisor, unit mates, friends, or teachers, the Prep Community always had my back and stood behind me to help me move forward.”

Nikole Smith, Director of Academic Programs, congratulated the students for all that they have accomplished and offered words of advice as they head off to their independent schools. “It is ok to carry your culture, your voice, your name, your native language, your accent, and your hair into every room you enter because you belong there…. Bring your lived experience and your history with you as you strive to navigate this complicated world. When you achieve, remember it’s not just for you. When you walk into rooms where your ancestors were never allowed, do so with confidence and courage. And when you speak, speak with the power of voices that history is trying to silence. And know that some day someone will look up to you and realize that you are standing in the fulfillment of your ancestors' wildest dreams.”

In one of her first duties as Prep for Prep’s new CEO, Diahann Billings (VI/Grace Church ’86, Poly Prep ’90, Yale ’94), JD, Columbia ’02 addressed the graduating students and made her expectations of them clear. “I crossed this stage in 1984…and I’m proud to say that I have accomplished a lot in the last four decades…. I plan for you to do great things. What it means to be a Prep alum is that we do great things. It means that we make great things happen.”

Commencement serves as a moment to honor academic distinction and leadership. Students who demonstrated outstanding achievement in subjects such as English, history, and science received special awards, while Certificates of Excellence were presented to those whose exceptional grades earned them cum laude honors. The ceremony also recognized students who exemplified leadership and service with Prep for Prep prizes and prestigious Les Pierre Medals.

A hallmark of the ceremony is the passing of the Prep for Prep scroll—a cherished tradition in which each graduate signs their name before the scroll is entrusted to the next contingent, symbolizing continuity and shared purpose across generations of students.

The ceremony concluded with equally meaningful rituals: the conferring of certificates, candle lighting as students joined voices in “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters, and recitations of “Invictus” and “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You.” These traditions embody both reflection and hope, sending graduates forward with light, courage, and community.

This fall, members of Contingent XLVII will be attending the following schools: