The 138 members of Menlo School’s Class of 2019 received their diplomas on Thursday, June 6, at 9:30 am, in an outdoor ceremony.

Menlo’s commencement festivities opened with a welcome from Director of Upper School John Schafer and included remarks by Damon M. Wilson, Executive Vice President of the Atlantic Council, and Menlo English teacher Maren Adler. Senior Class President Isabella Scola of San Mateo offered reflections on the Class of 2019, and Menlo School’s Chorus and Orchestra performed. To close the commencement exercises, Menlo School Board Chair Rob Chandra assisted John Schafer and Head of School Than Healy in conferring high school degrees upon the members of the Class of 2019.

Commencement speaker Damon M. Wilson currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Atlantic Council where he is responsible for programs and strategy. Through his work, Mr. Wilson strives to advance peace throughout Europe, strengthen the NATO Alliance, and foster a transatlantic partnership capable of tackling global challenges and promoting its common values.

From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Wilson served as special assistant to the president and senior director for European affairs at the National Security Council. He also worked with the Unaccompanied Children in Exile refugee program in Croatia and Turkey, and has been decorated by the presidents/governments of several European nations for his efforts to advance transatlantic relations.

A dynamic, diverse and vibrant independent educational community in Atherton, CA, Menlo School enrolls 795 students from around the Bay Area in grades six through twelve. The School’s mission is to empower students to explore and expand their interests, reach their fullest potential, develop the skills necessary for success in college, and become ethical, responsible, and engaged members of ever wider communities. Established in 1915, Menlo is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.