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Under the wide white tent in Rogers Quad, surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, and faculty, The Green Vale School Class of 2025 gathered for a moment they’d dreamed of yet couldn’t entirely believe was here. This was more than a graduation. For many of the “GVS Lifers,” students who had been here since Nursery, it was a farewell to the place where their earliest memories were made. For others, it was a goodbye to a school that became home in a matter of years. Together, they stood on the threshold of something new, pausing to reflect on everything they’d built and shared.

The sense of belonging at Green Vale is palpable, a thread that connects students not just to each other but to something much greater. Mr. Balzano, the 8th Grade teacher and advisor chosen by the students to speak, reflected on the shared growth they experienced together. “We didn’t just arrive here; we became part of something bigger,” he reflected. “This school has given you teachers who saw your potential, friends who had your back, and a community that wants nothing more than to see you succeed.”

For Aiden Castro, the 8th Grade student speaker, the moment was deeply personal. He spoke of his own journey, arriving at Green Vale in 2019 after being diagnosed with alopecia. “Nobody treated me differently,” he shared thoughtfully. “You embraced me as one of your own.” His story was one of many, a testament to the openness and acceptance that defines the Green Vale community. He spoke to the friendships they’d all built, the hurdles they’d overcome, and the moments they’d laughed until their stomachs hurt. “We’ve built a unique community here—not just as classmates, but as people who care deeply about each other.”

And that caring spirit isn’t by accident; it’s deliberately nurtured. Green Vale’s impact on its students stems from the connections they form—not just with peers but with their teachers, too. Aiden spoke fondly of teachers who had shaped them, whether through preparing them for the next academic leap or teaching them life lessons disguised as classes. To name a few, he noted, “Ms. Daley prepared us for high school. Mr. Wood and Ms. Hunt taught us that English isn’t just words, it’s a way of expressing yourself. And Ms. I? Well, she taught us the value of commitment.”

Beneath the tent, as diplomas were handed out and the applause was steady, nostalgia filled every corner. The DC trip, Blue-Gold Field Day, and even the small, silly moments in basketball games or hallway whispers became vivid memories once more. And when the 8th Graders gathered to sing (another cherished tradition), their voices were fragile with emotion, and, for some, tears slipped down as they sung the White Stripes’ “We’re Going to Be Friends.”  

Dr. Jesse Dougherty, head of school, underscored the heart of Green Vale’s mission in his address. He reminded the graduates that they had taught their teachers just as much as they’d learned from them. “You’ve shown us how to always be present, how to live with joy, and how important it is to know yourself,” he said. “You see the world with empathy and connection, and you do it with joy.” 

He encouraged them to carry these qualities with them into the world, emphasizing that their time at Green Vale would forever bind them to this community. “We have our invisible string of love,” he said, quoting The Invisible String. “It ties us together, no matter where your next steps take you.” Dr. Dougherty’s words resonated deeply—his firm belief in their ability to bring positive change to the world reflected the School's mission to nurture intellect, character, and confidence.

Green Vale’s legacy is not just in the buildings or the traditions but in the people who carry its values forward. Each student walked away not just with a piece of paper, but with shared experiences, friendships, and lessons that will shape who they become. And as the white tent emptied and the day came to a close, one thing was certain: the Class of 2025, with all their heart, individuality, and strength, would forever remain a part of Green Vale’s story.

Congratulations to the following graduation award recipients:

Lifer’s Awards: Francis D., Margaret D., Augustus L., Zachary D., Hugh O., Mason P., Carson P., Charles P., Graham S., Liam V., Alexander Y.

Buckley Award for Effort and Achievement: Renita M., Madison D.

Head of School Awards
“For your athleticism, school spirit, and commitment to the Green Vale community”: Mason P.
“For exhibiting the great characteristics of maturity, motivation, kindness to others, and your musical talents”: Mia B.

The Robert Fenwick Jackson Bowl for Excellence in Academic and Athletic Endeavor: Kaito C., Molly L.

The Thomas M. Bancroft, Jr. Citizenship Award: Hugh O., Margaret D.

The Penny Doerge Character Award: Francis D.

The Benjamin Farnsworth Vanderpoel Award: Jacob J.

Derby Medal for Strong Character: Aiden C.

Congratulations to the following year-end award recipients:

Warner Speech Contest: Margaret D.
The Frederick Driscoll Award: David B.
Brock Award for Excellence in Art: Hugh O.
Class of 1967 Music Award for Effort and the Advancement of Music at Green Vale: Chorus – Adetola B. & Ensemble – Oliver I.
The George V. Bartlett Rose Award for Shop: Nathan R.
John A. Cosentino Drama Award: Alexander Y.
Cheryl L. Webb Girls' Athletic Award: Sophie K.
Joseph J. Julien Athletic Award for Excellence in Athletics: Liam V.
The Marguerite K. Wheeler Award for Mathematics: Daniel Z.
Carlyle J. Coash, Jr. History Award: Henry D.
The JonPatrick Barry Science Award: Jourdyn T.
Ruth E. Deakins Bowl for 6th Grade Highest Average: Armen J., Michael M., Sydney W.
Sevastopoulo Bowl for Academic Achievement: Bianca S., Davis V.
The John C. Green Bowl for the Highest Academic Average in 8th Grade: Jourdyn T., Daniel Z.

This spring, Green Vale's 4th and 5th Graders joined more than 40,000 students from 816 schools across the country in the Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC)—one of the largest math competitions for elementary and middle school students in the U.S.

Designed to strengthen problem-solving skills and foster a love of mathematics, the NLMC challenges students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to creative and complex problems. The contest aims to build stronger thinkers and prepare young learners for future success in STEM.

Top performers across the country are recognized in two categories: National Honor Roll, awarded to the top 10% of participants, and National Honorable Mention, awarded to the top 50%. Team Winners represent the highest-scoring students from each participating group.

This year, several GVS students earned national honors for their performance:

Jackson S. (4th Grade) Ben J. (5th Grade) – Team Winner & National Honor Roll

Alice M., Liam C., Madison S., Patrick E., and Myles K. (4th Grade) Emma L., Asher B., Niam G., Julia M., and Brooke P. (5th Grade) – National Honorable Mention

Participating in a national contest of this scale is no small feat. In addition to their mathematical skills, our students demonstrated focus, perseverance, and a willingness to take on new challenges—qualities we hope to see grow both inside and outside the classroom.

Congratulations to our mathletes and their teachers for this exciting achievement.

Dr. Jesse Dougherty, Ed.D., Green Vale's head of school, has been selected to serve on the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Commission on Accreditation. The commission is responsible for reviewing and determining whether schools meet the rigorous standards required for NYSAIS accreditation, a process that ensures high-quality, mission-driven education throughout the state.

Each year, the commission reviews materials from member schools undergoing their 5- or 10-year accreditation cycles. This includes a comprehensive self-study by the school, a report from a visiting team of peer educators, and an in-depth evaluation by the commission. With 203 independent schools in the NYSAIS network, the work of the commission helps maintain shared standards while celebrating the distinctiveness of each institution.

“It’s one of the most meaningful ways a head of school can contribute to the broader independent school community,” said Dr. Dougherty. “It ensures that schools are not only meeting essential benchmarks in areas like safety, governance, and program quality, but that they are doing so in an authentic way that reflects their individual missions.”

Dr. Dougherty’s appointment follows his work leading an accreditation committee for another school, as well as guiding Green Vale through its own successful 10-year accreditation process. 

His participation on the commission aligns closely with his leadership philosophy. “Authenticity is critical to school leadership,” he said. “The accreditation process affirms that what schools say they do is actually happening—and that continuous reflection and improvement remain central to their work.”

In his role, Dr. Dougherty will help review documentation submitted by schools, interpret how well each meets the NYSAIS standards, and contribute to refining the accreditation process itself. “Each time I read how another school approaches a challenge or defines success, it pushes me to think more deeply about our own practices at Green Vale,” he added. “It’s validating to see shared values across schools, but also incredibly valuable to learn new ways of thinking.”

Beyond professional growth, Dr. Dougherty views this work as a contribution to the future of independent education. “I believe deeply in the independent school model,” he said. “When schools are held to high, thoughtful standards, families can feel confident that they’re in the right place—both academically and culturally—for their child.”

Dr. Dougherty joins a select group of 22 school leaders on the commission whose collective work helps strengthen independent schools across New York, while bringing back insight and inspiration to their own communities.

At Green Vale, our mission begins with knowing every child—and from that knowing comes deep care, connection, and community. This spring, that spirit was beautifully reflected as families, faculty, and students came together to support the Pre-Kindergarten Annual Fundraiser, held in honor of beloved GVS student Penny Doerge '21.

With the message “Spread your wings, shine your light” guiding the event, the fundraiser raised over $2,000 for Penny’s Flight Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Neurofibromatosis (NF) research. But more than a fundraiser, it was a celebration of Penny’s joyful energy and the lessons she continues to teach us all about courage, kindness, and living with joy.

For two days outside the Early Childhood Center, the youngest members of our school community took the lead—offering lemonade/AriZona juices, temporary tattoos, and bracelets to anyone who stopped by with a dollar and a smile. With each purchase, participants were not only supporting a cause—they were also honoring a life and continuing a legacy.

Thank you to the Pre-K teachers, parent volunteers, and everyone who supported this special event. In coming together for Penny’s Flight, the GVS community once again showed the power of compassion, connection, and what it means to truly know—and love—each child.

At Green Vale, faculty and staff are at the core of everything that matters most — the learning, the guidance, the encouragement, and the example they set each day. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and last week, the GVS community came together to recognize that in a meaningful way.

Faculty & Staff Appreciation Week was a full lineup of small, thoughtful moments designed to show how much the work of our educators and staff is seen and appreciated. It kicked off Monday morning with coffee and pastries in the Dining Hall, giving everyone a welcome treat to start their day. On Tuesday, a traveling cart made its way through campus, offering sweet and savory snacks thanks to parent volunteers.

Midweek, parent volunteers took over the Dining Hall so faculty could sit and enjoy a catered lunch in the Cheryl Webb Gym, generously provided by the Kakar family. Thursday brought a seasonal favorite—Ralph’s Italian Ices—served behind Bacon & Biondi. And on Friday, the week wrapped up with a festive Cinco de Mayo-style lunch and raffle. The raffle baskets, donated by GVS families, brought an extra layer of fun and appreciation.

Behind the scenes, the FSA Committee—Zarah Gupta, Aileen Gumprecht, Liz Kakar, Lyndsey Laverty, Roshy Vultaggio, and Gabrielle DeMatteis Keller ’97—worked closely with a network of parent volunteers to plan, coordinate, and carry out every detail. Thanks to their creativity and care, what could have been just another busy week became a celebration of everything Green Vale’s faculty and staff contribute.

The week was a reminder that at the center of a strong school is a team of people who give it their all—and a community that knows just how lucky it is to have them.