On May 22, 2025, Davidson Day School celebrated the class of 2025 at commencement at the historic Carolina Theater in Charlotte, North Carolina. In a beautiful ceremony, the class of 2025 turned their tassels, tossed their caps and became Davidson Day alumni.
The class of 2025 was awarded an impressive $7.4 million in merit scholarships over four years and was accepted into 258 colleges and universities. Twenty-three graduates will be attending a higher-education institution in state, and others will be attending colleges and universities across the country. All 53 graduates are continuing their education this fall, eleven of whom will also continue their athletic careers in college. The following is the list of colleges and universities the class of 2025 will be attending:
Alabama A&M University
Appalachian State University (5)
Clemson University
College of Charleston (3)
Cornell University
Davidson College
Duke University
Elon University
Georgia Institute of Technology
High Point University (2)
Liberty University
Montana State University
Muhlenberg College
North Carolina State University (4)
Northeastern University
Queens University of Charlotte
Roanoke College (2)
Sewanee: The University of the South
Tusculum University
United States Air Force Academy
University of Charleston
University of Georgia
University of Kentucky
University of Mississippi (2)
University of North Carolina at Asheville
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (5)
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina (2)
University of South Carolina at Beaufort
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
University of Wyoming
Virginia Tech (2)
Wake Forest University
Additionally, at commencement, three awards were presented. The awards and award winners can be found below.
Head of School’s Awards
The recipients of this award are an inspiration to both students and faculty and consistently demonstrate a passion for learning, a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to personal integrity.
Recipients must be:
Independent thinkers, who are enthusiastic problem solvers and articulate ideas with confidence
Ethical citizens who are adept at addressing global challenges
Self-advocates who advocate for others
Graduates that the faculty believe will be lifelong learners and chart a path of professional excellence
The Upper School faculty nominates and votes upon award winners. This year, the Head of School’s Award was awarded to Pippa Hingst and Matthew Doty.
Karen Wolter Award for Student Excellence
The Karen Wolter Award for Student Excellence recognizes one senior who exemplifies excellence in academics, arts and athletics.
The honor celebrates Karen Wolter's dedication to Davidson Day School as a board member, donor and visionary driver of change. It serves to recognize Karen's tireless efforts to create a school that cultivates well-rounded citizens in our community who excel in all areas of student life.
During their tenure in the Upper School, nominees must have a 3.5 overall weighted grade point average, and each year:
Participate in at least one club or student organization
Played at least one season of athletics and served as a team leader
Participate as a performer or crew in theater productions or music programs
Eligible nominees are shared with faculty and then voted on by the Upper School faculty. This year, the Karen Wolter Award for Student Excellence was awarded to Ada Brown.
Acclaim Award for Professional Excellence
The Inaugural Acclaim Award for Professional Excellence recognizes a Davidson Day faculty or staff member who lives their commitment to the school each and every day. Recipients of the award exhibit the following characteristics:
Enthusiasm for their work
Dedication to enhancing the student experience
Devotion to colleagues
Extreme professionalism
Winners of the Acclaim Award for Professional Excellence are nominated and must be unanimously approved by the school’s senior administration. This year, the Acclaim Award for Professional Excellence was awarded to Davidson Day receptionist Vickie Howard.
Davidson Day School proudly congratulates its graduates and award winners and sends best wishes as they embark on the next chapter of their academic and personal journeys. The school community celebrates their achievements and looks forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the years ahead.