submitted by Nichole Smith, Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy is proud to have graduated 219 students during its 112th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with Rexy Rolle (MVA alum ’06) as the keynote speaker. These Eagles, representing 16 different countries and 29 languages, were accepted to top-ranked colleges like Baylor University, Cornell University, Duke University, Florida State University, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Purdue University Northwest, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rutgers University (New Brunswick), The Ohio State University, Wake Forest University, University of California (Davis and Irvine), University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Maryland (College Park), University of South Florida, Virginia Tech, and many others.
The Class of 2025 was offered nearly $5 million in academic scholarships and had 40 Distinguished Scholars and 44 Cum Laude Society inductees, including the valedictorian and salutatorian.
Salutatorian João Pedro (JP) Fortes Ribeiro and Valedictorian Ali Shahbaz Cheema both delivered incredible addresses where they gave honor to those who had contributed to their success.
Salutatorian João Pedro (JP) Fortes Ribeiro is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and he began his journey at Montverde Academy in the sixth grade. JP graduated with a 4.55 GPA and completed 14 Advanced Placement courses and two dual enrollment math courses. JP was an Honor Council Representative for the Head of School Student Advisory Committee, Brazilian Club co-founder and President, leader and lead guitarist for the Pep Band, member of the Tennis Academy, and member of the math club. He also shadowed and volunteered at Advent Health. JP will attend Duke University this fall and plans to major in neuroscience to prepare for his goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.
In his salutatory address, JP said, “Though we had those memorable moments – last-minute MAIT comebacks, Grad Bash, painting our parking spots – we shouldn’t take the smaller, everyday moments for granted because those are the ones that dictate our experience as a whole. Looking back years from now, we’ll laugh at the times we spent stressing over silly little drama, we’ll cherish the fun times in the center of campus, and hey, we might even remember those student center cookies…. However insignificant [the memories] felt in the moment, they’re sure to leave a mark on us as we reflect on them down the line.”
Valedictorian Ali Cheema is from Islamabad, Pakistan, and has been a student at Montverde Academy since the seventh grade. Ali graduated with a 4.62 GPA and completed 18 Advanced Placement courses and two dual enrollment courses. In his studies at Montverde Academy, his academic interests centered around experimental sciences, and he was part of the STEM Study Area Concentration (SAC) program in experimental sciences at MVA. This past January, he began conducting research with Lakeview Institute of Clinical Research. As a member of the project, he assisted with patient screenings and identified whether the patients met the inclusion or exclusion criteria for the study by interpreting data from their medical history questionnaires, physical exams, and laboratory tests. Ali will attend the University of Florida in the fall and plans to major in physics in preparation for medical school.
In his valedictory address, Ali reflected on the community at MVA that was vital to his success: “There’s an old saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ I didn’t fully understand the depth of that phrase until I visited the village where my family is originally from in Pakistan. That trip changed how I saw community, connection, and ultimately—myself. I bathed in natural springs beside water buffalo, drove across terrain that seemed allergic to paved roads, and I shared chai with people who didn’t know me but welcomed me like family. That experience helped me understand the strength of a rural lifestyle—the resilience, the grit, and most importantly, the way everyone looks out for each other. But what struck me the most wasn’t in the village – it was at Islamabad International Airport. The chaos there makes the holidays at MCO look like a spa. I asked my parents why it was so packed, since Pakistan isn’t exactly a top tourist destination. They explained that many of the people gathered there were just there to say goodbye—to one person. Some had traveled hours in a crammed bus, not for a vacation, but to send someone off on a pilgrimage. That moment, that dedication, shaped how I view community because it’s not just about helping someone succeed; it’s about being there – truly there – when they take off, literally or metaphorically. That’s what Montverde has been for us, our village. From our teachers who believed in us when we doubted ourselves to the friends who stuck with us through late-night study sessions and lunchroom therapy talks, to our parents, guardians, coaches, dorm parents, everyone who showed up even if they didn’t always understand the math homework, they were there.”
After the salutatory and valedictory addresses, the H.P. Carpenter Award was presented to Zac Joshua Knight for having a significant impact on the life of the school. The Dalton P. Monroe Award was presented to Alexa Anndelise Foxx for being able to see the positive side of things and keep her sense of humor despite facing significant adversity while attaining success at Montverde Academy. The Trustee’s Leadership Award was presented to Kristy Khadka for having exhibited qualities of a leader and serving the school community with distinction, integrity, loyalty, and character. Giavanna Parker and Daphne Gunasekera then performed their beautiful rendition of “I Believe.”
At the close of the ceremony, MVA alumni took part in the long-held tradition of joining the Concert Choir Ensemble on the stage to sing the alma mater, “This Is My Montverde,” as the Class of 2025 sang cheerfully from their seats. Mr. Dean Bell, Director of Performing Arts and Conservatories, then presented diplomas, and Vaasu Gadiparthi, the 2025 Senior Class President, guided seniors in the customary moving of the tassel from right to left, signifying their transition from student to graduate, before tossing their caps into the air!
Congratulations to the 112th graduating class and newly appointed Montverde Academy alumni!
