The Foundation for a Meaningful Life
Kindergarten - Grade 9 in Southborough, MA
Upper School End of Year

Commencement 2025

Commencement Photos

On Saturday, June 7, O'Connor Studio will be taking individual photographs of each graduate as they are presented with a Fay School diploma. You will be contacted via email by the photographer about ordering copies. You can also email them at customerservice@oconnorstudio.com. Additionally, our school photographer will take candid photos of the day, which will be available for download from the Fay Community webpage after Commencement.

Schedule for Saturday, June 7, 2025

9:00 a.m.   
Grade 9 students assemble in the Primary School Library

9:30 a.m.    
Class of 2025 Photo

10:00 a.m.  
Grades 7 and 8 students assemble in the Primary Multi-Purpose Room

10:20 a.m.  
Families are requested to take their seats in the Commencement Tent

10:30 a.m.  
Commencement Exercises begin. Luncheon will immediately follow in Harlow Gym. Upper School students depart at 12 noon.

Trustees, Alumni, and Faculty Emeriti

Commencement Dress Code

List of 2 items.

  • Grade 9 Students

    For Commencement, students may wear one of the following dress code options: 
     
    • Navy blazer; white dress slacks (underwear should be a solid color that blends with skin color); white dress shirt; black dress belt; dress shoes and socks ("Topsiders" and other casual shoes are not appropriate).
    • A traditional white, knee-length dress with sleeves or straps (not spaghetti straps), or a white pantsuit and white blouse; a slip or white cardigan should be added as needed; white dress shoes with heels no higher than 2 inches. 
     
    On the morning of Commencement preparations, students will be given either a Fay School bow tie or silver pendant, as well as a boutonniere or wrist corsage. 

  • Grades 7 and 8 Students

    Seventh and eighth grade students should be in School Dress code for Commencement with the following restrictions.
    • Bermuda shorts may not be worn at Commencement
    • Students may wear a traditional "dressy" dress with straps or sleeves, but casual dresses such as sun dresses or t-shirt dresses are not appropriate. A cardigan should be worn with strapped dresses. All-white dresses may not be worn. Dress shoe heels should not be higher than 2 inches.

Awards Presented to 9th Grade Students at Commencement

List of 7 items.

  • Windeler Improvement Award

    Presented to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has made the greatest all-around improvement during his or her time at Fay.

  • M.J. LaFoley Poteris Modo Velis Award

    Presented in memory of M.J. LaFoley, Class of 1992. It is awarded to a student who has demonstrated determined and consistent effort in his or her academic work, undaunted by obstacles and challenges along the way.

  • A. Brooks Harlow, Jr. Flag Award

    Honors A. Brooks Harlow, Jr. ‘49, Fay alumnus and headmaster from 1969 to 1988. This award recognizes a student, identified by the Head of School, who exemplifies the three qualities of personal character championed by Mr. Harlow: integrity, faith, and patriotism.  This award is an American flag that has been raised and flown over the School.

  • Jopling Thoughtfulness Award

    Awarded to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has been most kind, considerate, and thoughtful in the treatment of his or her classmates, particularly the younger and newer members of the School.

  • Head of School Award

    Awarded to a student who the Head of School feels is deserving of special recognition.

  • Edwards Award for Citizenship

    Awarded to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, is the best all-around School citizen.

  • Founders’ Medal

    Given in memory of Duncan Dunscomb, Class of 1913,  the Founders’ Medal is the School’s most prestigious award. It is awarded to the member of the graduating class who has excelled with respect to academic average, rating, and citizenship.
48 MAIN STREET
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772
main number 508-490-8250
admission 508-490-8201