Celebrating the Class of 2023

A high school diploma symbolizes many things. It is physical proof of the education students have received. It marks years of hard work, overcoming obstacles, and resilience. It is testament to the memories made, and the opportunities created. As Tabor’s Class of 2023 stepped up to receive their diplomas at Commencement, they stepped into the next chapter of their lives, ready to take on the world before them.

Leading up to Commencement, many events were hosted to honor the Class of 2023 and all their achievements. At the Senior Next Destination Celebration, Seawolves were recognized for college acceptances, commitments, and their next steps beyond Tabor. At the Senior/Faculty Dinner, Seawolves heard from Associate Director of Admissions Ali Mattison ’03 about her love of Tabor and her hopes for the Class of 2023. Several seniors were also awarded scholarships. The Matt Houlihan Scholarship was given to Eldana Zhakypbaeva; The Jonathon A. Smith ’04 Scholarship to Aliyah Jordan; The Joseph Tomlinson, Jr. Scholarship to Layla Silva; The William M. and Natalie C. Atwood Scholarship to Emma Zhou; and the ROTC Scholarship to Collin Johnson. Prior to the evening, Drake Reid was recognized for his service as the Executive Officer (XO) on the SSV Tabor Boy this year. Read about the 2023 Department Awards.

During the last week of the academic year, the Class of 2023 celebrated Senior Week with lots of sunshine and hints of summer weather. The seniors participated in waterfront activities during Springfest, attended a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and even enjoyed one last Sippican Harbor sunrise together. Towards the end of the week, traditional gatherings such as prom, Baccalaureate, and most importantly, Commencement were held.

On June 2, 2023, the School by the Sea graduated 148 students from around the world. The graduates hail from 15 states and 11 countries. Thirty were inducted into the Cum Laude Society, a recognition society for high scholastic achievement among member schools; fourteen received Naval Honor certificates, awarded to students who have successfully achieved experience and competence in Tabor’s Nautical Science curriculum, as well as demonstrated leadership and/or academic proficiency. Also announced at Commencement were the following awards:

• Outstanding Contribution to Athletics: Ava McGaffigan and Kayla McGaffigan
• Outstanding Contribution to Athletics: Belal Kadry
• The Faculty Award: Kayla McGaffigan
• The Travis Roy Humanitarian Award: Ashley Sink
• The Alumni Award for Excellence in Scholarship: Olly Yang
• The Hamilton Webster Thayer Prize: Eldana Zhakypbaeva
• Cum Laude Society Award: Jack Xie
• Cum Laude Society Award: Rayne Xue
• The Tabor Academy Purchase Prize: Joanne Huang

Many of Tabor’s graduates invited family and friends to campus to partake in this momentous event. However, for those who were not able to travel to the School by the Sea, video livestreaming was shared on Tabor’s website. There were supporters cheering the seniors on from around the world!

The program included student musical performances as well as speeches from the student Co-Heads of School Liam Houck and Aliyah Jordan, Faculty Chris Conley, Head of School Tony Jaccaci P’23, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Regina Shakin P’15, ’17, ’19. Liam compared his classmates to pickles, with a metaphor that left those in attendance laughing and nodding along. Aliyah reminded her classmates that, “Seawolves show up, and now it’s time to step up.” Lastly, Mr. Conley’s remarks left the Class of 2023 wiping away tears in between laughs. He emphasized, “Whatever you choose to do, be the kind of person who elevates and celebrates the people around you.”

After the speech portion of Commencement, it was time for Seawolves to cross the stage and receive their diplomas. As the ceremony came to an end, Seawolves threw their programs up in the air in triumph. The Class of 2023 had processed into the tent as students and recessed out of the tent alumni. After the ceremony, graduates and their families enjoyed refreshments, shared hugs, and took photographs to commemorate this milestone achievement. Class of 2023, we wish you the best of luck as you prepare for the future and pursue your dreams. Once a Seawolf, always a Seawolf. All-A-Taut-O!

All end of year event pictures captured by Tabor’s photographer can be downloaded for free, or purchased as packages and merchandise, by clicking here. Photos from Highpoint Pictures will be available in the coming weeks, and we will email the Class of 2023 and their families when they are ready. Other Commencement resources, such as the recap video, can be found on the Class of 2023 celebration page of the website.