Greenhill Graduates Class of 2025 at 75th Annual Commencement

Congratulations to the Class of 2025, who graduated at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Greenhill School graduated the Class of 2025 at the 75th Annual Commencement ceremony held at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:30 pm. Head of Upper School Trevor Worcester welcomed the graduating class and families to the commencement ceremony.

Oliver Burke delivered an In Appreciation address. “To all the faculty here at Greenhill – you didn't just help us graduate today – you helped us grow,” he said. “On behalf of the class of 2025, thank you. Thank you for your time, your energy, your heart, and the hope you poured into us during every single moment we had together. We will apply the lessons we learned from you as we move on to the next chapter of our lives – ever mindful of the foundation that you have laid and the imprint you have made upon our lives.”

Sophie Fieldelman gave a senior address. “Just because things change does not mean the lessons we've learned or the friendships we've created just vanish,” she said. “As we move forward, let's not allow the fear or excitement of change make us forget what we've learned here. The compassion we've shown, the courage we've developed, the integrity we've built, and the excellence we strive for, let's bring it with us in the next stages of our lives. So, let's embrace the change. Let's climb the new hill. And let's not forget the memories we made here at Greenhill.”

Aman Jaleel delivered the second senior address. “Starting college might feel like stepping into a new environment, and a new version of ourselves might feel like letting go of a part of who we are. But change doesn't mean erasing the past, it means building on it,” he said. “Change means embracing the possibilities of who we can be, without the weight of the past. All of the moments we've shared together, and our time at Greenhill will always be a part of our journey and story – now it's our time to decide what we want our future to look like.”

Head of School Lee Hark, Board of Trustees Chair-Elect Lori Whitten, and Senior Class Dean and Upper School English Teacher Blake Harkey awarded diplomas to the students as they walked across the stage.

To conclude the ceremony, Mr. Hark delivered his charge to the Class of 2025. “Live courageously. Create with intention. Know that there are parts of you worth sharing with the world,” he said. “Seniors, you started life as these precious creatures that we loved so much. Blank tapes! You’ve been adding your own songs ever since. We have been on this journey together. In many ways, we have been hand in hand. But you are ready to chart your own course. To share yourselves and your amazing talents with the world. To live the authentic and purposeful lives you were meant to lead.”

Senior Award Winners

On Friday, May 16, Head of School Lee Hark announced the following award winners at the Class of 2025 Recognition Ceremony. All quotes are from his introductions. Congratulations to our senior award winners:

Valedictorian: Sherry Zhang
The Valedictorian is the graduating senior who has earned the highest cumulative Upper School grade point average. "Sherry has excelled across all academic disciplines. She has enrolled in and successfully completed 7 AP courses and two post-AP courses, achieving an A or A+ in those high-level courses. One faculty member noted that 'Sherry is the kind of student every educator hopes to teach: confident, always learning, and dedicated to making the world a better place.' Thriving in one of the most rigorous academic schedules throughout Upper School, Sherry did not have a free block until first semester of senior year. She is a pioneer in high-level computer science projects and a four-year member of our Orchestra. Sherry is the driving student force behind the MathLab, where she has become the go-to tutor, trusted by her peers. She excels at all of this as she travels the country and world, not only representing Greenhill, but winning championships for her school."
Salutatorian: Neha Bachu
The Salutatorian is the graduating senior who has earned the second-highest cumulative Upper School grade point average. "'Responds to feedback effectively,' 'Nearly perfect in their work.' 'Constant source of positivity.' Neha has clearly earned the praise of faculty with stellar achievement in every class. Over the course of Upper School, she has successfully completed 8 AP courses, earning an A+ in all but three. Beyond the traditional classroom, Neha channeled a passion for robotics and computer science, doubling in those disciplines in grades 9 and 10, and moving into more advanced Design & Innovation coursework in grades 11 and 12. Whether she is tutoring students in MathLab, working on projects for outside companies, or qualifying for the Tournament of Champions as a Policy debater, Neha is a positive force in every program and course in which she engages. Neha achieves in all disciplines at the highest level."
Estelle Dickens Service to Greenhill Award: Sophie Fiedelman
The Estelle Dickens Service to Greenhill Award is presented to the senior who has given the most outstanding service contribution to Greenhill School. The award commemorates the more than four decades of service given to Greenhill by beloved teacher and administrator Estelle Dickens. "Sophie has made countless contributions to the Greenhill community. As one faculty member wrote, 'this student is one who makes community happen at Greenhill and beyond.' Teammates on the volleyball team say that Sophie always prioritizes her commitments to others. Another faculty member notes, 'Sophie's leadership through service inspires those around her to be their best selves and to uplift others.' In no greater place on campus does that service and leadership intersect than her role on Honor Council. As the co-president this year, Sophie has helped provide a roadmap for future leaders on the council to serve with humility and lead with compassion. She is a sought-after Hill Guide, a student picked to interview teaching candidates, was an intern for the Advancement Office this past summer, and is one of the leaders of the Jewish Affinity Group. One faculty noted 'it might be a shorter list to see which groups Sophie is NOT a part of.'"
Kate Cecil Award: Varun Mukund
The Kate Cecil Award is given to the senior who renders the most outstanding service to the Dallas community. The award is named in honor of Kate Cecil, a member of the faculty for seventeen years. "Varun demonstrates a passion for advocacy and social justice. With nearly 400 logged hours, his dedication to service is not about checking hours, it is about impact, education, and making the world a more just place. Varun has served at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum and the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance. As one faculty member noted, 'this student doesn’t just volunteer; they seek to understand, advocate, and create solutions for systemic issues.' At Plano Teen Court, he has served as a prosecuting attorney, working on cases involving young offenders and engaging directly in restorative justice. As CEO of The Spring Group, Varun has conducted extensive research on pressing societal issues, authoring the first comprehensive juvenile detention research brief and contributing to the fight against the fentanyl epidemic. It is clear that his contributions to the Dallas community will continue to inspire long after he graduates."
Phillip G. Foote Award: JJ Arbuckle
The Phillip G. Foote Award is given to the senior who is considered by the faculty to epitomize the qualities of citizenship in the Greenhill community. These qualities are rooted in the school’s core values of excellence, integrity, compassion, and courage. The award is named for Greenhill’s second Head of School. "JJ is a model citizen in all aspects of the Greenhill community. An old-school 'triple threat,' he impresses peers and faculty alike in academics, arts, and athletics. As one faculty member notes, 'JJ epitomizes Greenhill's core values of excellence, integrity, courage, and compassion.' In the classroom, he consistently creates a positive, collaborative learning environment for his peers. In athletics, JJ's coach notes that he has no ego, and is a team player through and through, always putting the team’s needs first. He had the courage to take an acting class in 9th grade and vaulted into lead roles in our Fall musicals. As a member of the Student Inclusion Council, JJ helps move our mission forward, working to create better cultural competency in our community. And, some of the highest praise comes from one of his peers: 'Maybe JJ's most endearing quality is his empathy. I have never met anyone else who puts themselves in the other person’s shoes like he does, without reservations but with total compassion. He gives me sage advice, holds me accountable when I am wrong, and treats me with such compassion.'"
Board of Trustees Award: Sami Aidala
The Board of Trustees Award is given to the senior who embodies the mission and core values of Greenhill School. Many of our faculty have noted that Sami exemplifies Greenhill’s core values and the very essence of what it means to be a true leader and community member. She demonstrates excellence in their academic classes, earning high praise from faculty, many of whom note how she provides an inclusive, welcoming learning environment for her peers. Sami's character is unparalleled, serving in Link Crew and as a Hill Guide, representing and modeling the ideals of this school to peers and to those looking to join our community. One faculty member notes, 'Sami approaches every challenge with humility and determination, always striving to bring out the best in others.' She volunteers at Buddy Up For Life, where she works with children with Down’s Syndrome. Another faculty member says, 'Sami embodies the spirit of Greenhill by making space for others, sharing her experiences, and always striving to make her community more inclusive and connected.' Sami is already living an authentic and purposeful life."
Senior Leadership Award: Shreya Chhaya
The Senior Leadership Award is given to the member of the senior class who best demonstrates the qualities of leadership. "As one faculty member notes, 'Shreya is a leader who leads not just with her intellect, but with her heart, making Greenhill a more inclusive and compassionate community.' Those qualities arise in unofficial ways, such as leading discussions in the classroom, which many of Shery's teachers noted she does. Shreya's leadership qualities also manifest through all of her other activities: leading by example in Link Crew, a deputy in the theater, and leading in the South Asian Student Association affinity group, to name a few. As another faculty member notes, 'Shreya doesn’t just participate—she elevates, ensuring that every initiative she touches is left stronger than she found it.' While it is clear that her leadership is never about titles earned or won, Shreya's peers recognize her strong, positive leadership as she served as their Class President this year. Suffice it to say, Shreya has led her peers with grace, presence, humility, and courage, and I have no doubt we will hear of her impact in the years to come."
Bernard L. Fulton Award: Oliver Burke
The Bernard L. Fulton Award is the highest honor given in the Upper School and is presented to the senior who best embodies the mission and core values of Greenhill School. The award is named for the founder and first Head of Greenhill School. "Character. Leadership. Service. These are adjectives that many adults in Oliver's sphere use frequently. One faculty member notes, 'Oliver's impact at Greenhill extends far beyond the classroom, as he consistently embodies the school’s mission and core values in everything he does.' In the classroom, Oliver engages in thoughtful collaboration and greets faculty with gratitude. In athletics, he gives 110% and leads by uplifting and motivating those around him. His participation in the arts was consistent as a four-year band member and drumline afficionado. In addition to his contributions to our community, Oliver's service to the greater community is immense. His work with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, and the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial demonstrates a deep and selfless dedication to bettering his community, and his recognition as the 2025 Texas Eagle Scout of the Year is very deserving. A faculty member encapsulates are feelings toward this extraordinary young man: “He is a student who leads with humility, serves with heart, and strives for excellence in all he does. His legacy at Greenhill will be one of leadership, resilience, and kindness.”
Helen Fulton Award
The Helen Fulton Award is named in honor of Helen Fulton, founding faculty member and wife of Greenhill’s founder, Bernard Fulton. Helen Fulton was a life-long learner, exemplary citizen, and a well-rounded, balanced individual. This award is unique in that seniors nominate their peers who they believe embody these characteristics, and the winners are chosen by a faculty vote. Eleven students were chosen to receive this award. JJ Arbuckle Neha Bachu Sophie Fiedelman Hunter Fields Aman Jaleel Max Johnson Garrett Koerner Varun Mukund Chloe Nguyen Kendall Poglitsch Sherry Zhang