Class of 2024

On Sunday May 26, over 500 people—students, their families, faculty, staff, invited dignitaries, guests and friends of HMA—gathered on our campus to celebrate two major milestones: the graduation of our pioneering first class of seniors, and our official school “opening”.

A long time in the making, this was the rarest of days—a celebration of purposeful hard work and challenges overcome, a day of pure joy and near perfection.

The ceremony started with a beautiful message of congratulations from President Sahle-Work Zewde. Co-founder Rebecca Haile delivered opening remarks that traced the history of the school and acknowledged the many individuals and organizations who contributed to its founding. Head of School Andrea Spinner spoke directly to our graduates, inviting them to think deeply about the freedoms that come with the end high school, and student speakers offered poignant reflections that made us laugh and tear up with pride.

 The program also featured student performances that brought the house down, especially the quartet of 11th graders who sang songs of peace and serenaded the gathering with a powerful rendition of “Inkwan Des Alachu” (“congratulations”) at the end.

 Indeed, congratulations to our seniors—we are very proud of you! And thank you, thank you, thank you, to all the friends and supporters who made this joyous moment possible. This was YOUR day too!