This week, the class of 2024’s last Collection was filled with tears, laughter, and heartfelt goodbye speeches from the Senate co-presidents.

The gathering began with a video (at right) by Harrison Fribush, set to the song “Rather Be,” which showed seniors dancing and enjoying one another’s company. Next, Upper School head Brandon Rogers and fellow administrators jumped on stage to show off matching: “Give it up for the seniors” shirts.

Harrison then took the stage to begin the first of three senior speeches. In his speech, Harrison reflected on his past four years at Friends, all he has learned, and how much he will miss the Friends community. The next speech was by senate co-president Macy Goldberg. She talked about the confidence being at Friends since preschool has given her, and how – though she is leaving – she will always have a special place in her heart for Friends. Then, co-president Noah Ripke presented the last senior speech. He talked about his love for math club and his brother, and gave shoutouts to the many students and teachers who helped him get where he is today. Many seniors, students, and teachers were brought to tears by the speeches.

To finish the Collection, the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” began to play. It turned out, seniors had choreographed a  dance that involved the entire graduating class, who streamed out of their seats and up the aisles of Forbush auditorium, where they did their dance.

Near the end of the song, the three co-presidents invited their classmates on stage for the last time. Harrison ended the Collection with a huge thanks to Friends School – and a few final call-and-response cries of “SEN-IORS!”

The class of ’24 then rushed out of the auditorium to collect their yearbooks and say their final goodbyes to classmates and teachers. They also took their last few rides on the inflatable water slide which they had set up in the Quad for their senior prank.