GREENFIELD — Wearing white dresses and big smiles, 20 young women graduated Friday at the 155th commencement exercises at Stoneleigh-Burnham School.

Several members of the Class of 2024 entered Stoneleigh-Burnham just in time for COVID-19 pandemic precautions to restrict campus life at this boarding and day school for students in grades seven through 12.

“I’m overcome with nostalgia of how this journey began,” said student Gabrielle Sprague of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. She spoke of the joy of returning to campus after her eighth-grade experience of remote learning.

“Half of us returned to campus finally, seeing those [students] we only knew online,” Sprague recounted. “I would be amiss to ignore the harshness of reality as we watched our community fall apart and come back together. I’m filled with a deep sense of appreciation for my fellow students. It has been my greatest pleasure to be able to grow up alongside you.”

Stella Turowsky-Ganci of Shelburne Falls described her six years at Stoneleigh-Burnham as “a whirlwind of highs and lows.”

“I spent time doing something interesting with the people who matter to me,” she recalled. “I think of the times we came together to make something we were proud of.”

Quoting writer John Gardner, Sprague said, “Meaning is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt. Meaning is something you build into your life. … The ingredients are there. You are the only one who can put them together into that unique pattern that will be your life.”

Head of School Laurie Lambert said she was thrilled to attend the graduation in her first year in the position.

“This is truly a joyous occasion. Together we are celebrating 155 years of proud history. Connection lies at the heart of [Stoneleigh-Burnham],” she told the graduating class. “I’m so impressed by our students, and the Class of 2024 is no exception. They have helped shape our school in so many ways.”

As they move on to their next chapter, Lambert told the graduates to “be extra.”

“Live hard. Laugh too much. Be yourself. Breathe deep and love your life. The Class of 2024 will be amazing alumni. You’ll always be welcome to return to the nest.”

Local graduates

Adeline Broady of Shelburne Falls, Yosola Dawodu of Holyoke, Katheryn Fuller of Northfield, Charlotte Gilmore of Greenfield, Arabella Haigh Wilsey of Haydenville, Summer Lamson of Athol, Maddy Parker of Amherst, Aviendha Rowland-Roth of Greenfield, and Stella Turowsky-Ganci of Shelburne Falls.