Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Class officers Saanjh Bains and Alexandra Fogarty addressed their families, teachers, and fellow classmates with a meaningful reflection on their time at KCD. 

Valedictorian, Usma Sajid, followed with an excellent speech that touched on memories of her classmates and the impact of the community she and her classmates have built as they explored their passions and found their voices at KCD. She closed out with some words of wisdom, stating, “Success is subjective. And each of us will have so much to look forward to. This is just another milestone that we have achieved—and as we enter college and life beyond then I hope you each strive to make new connections that can compare to the meaningful and insightful connections we have with each other here at KCD.”

Additional class awards were then presented to seniors. Mr. John Handmaker presented the Chairman’s Award—an award that is given to the seniors who have shown a marked development of academic interest, concern for the school, and moral leadership. This year’s recipients were Emma Coulter, Sandhya Lohano, Trey Owen, and Laura Bache.

Head of School, Peter Huestis then presented the Headmaster’s Award—an award that is given to the seniors who best exemplify the standards, attitude, and scholarship of Kentucky Country Day School. This year’s recipients were Alexandra Fogarty, Emma Vonder Haar, and Sem Ferid.

The Class of 2022 voted for a faculty member to speak at Commencement and this year’s chosen speaker was Bobby Copley. Mr. Copley is a KCD lifer who graduated in 1999. Mr. Copley has worked at KCD for 12 years as a part of the maintenance staff, substitute teacher, boys and girls basketball coach, track coach, cross country coach, social studies teacher, class sponsor, student council sponsor, coach, mentor, and dean—and now commencement speaker. Students love his warmth, energy, and generosity. 

In his speech, Mr. Copley shared the core principles he believes are necessary for “building self-agency and creating optimal conditions for growth and success.” He said: “...when it becomes overwhelming, just remember, show up for yourself and others, don’t make excuses, and engage in gratitude; if you subscribe to those principles, in that order, then you’ll once again find yourself standing in the direction of your dreams.”

Thank you to all our graduation speakers and organizers for making this such a special day for the Class of 2022 and the greater KCD community. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!