After two years of modified graduation celebrations and ceremonies, we are so grateful to have been able to resume all of our CDS graduation traditions with the Class of 2022.

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, CDS families, seniors, faculty, and staff came together in force for the annual senior honoring event at the Tampa Hilton Downtown. Senior advisors regaled the more than 550 guests with stories of their advisories. There were awards given out for IB Character Traits and Gabe S. was awarded his West Point Appointment.

Friday morning, the graduating seniors reported to the Hayes Family Gymnasium to begin their rehearsal of what would be a pivotal moment in their lives, just several hours later. As the clock turned to 4:30 pm, the graduates returned, ready to put on their red gowns and regalia. Everything was going according to plan and we were really going to have an indoor graduation again.

Graduation for the Class of 2022 was a day of pomp and circumstance, just like it is supposed to be. This was the first CDS graduation led by Tim Walsh, Upper School Head, and it was a special moment for all when he got to present his daughter, Ava, with her diploma. Valedictorian, Ashna P., and Co-Salutatorians, Suhani S. and Gabe S., addressed their peers with grace, confidence, and words of wisdom. Despite obstacles and challenges that they could not have foreseen, the Class of 2022 students excelled, achieving many notable accomplishments. There was a collective sigh of relief that the weather held, and we were able to have the traditional cap toss outside the school entrance.

Congratulations to the CDS Class of 2022 graduates, their families, their teachers, and their advisors. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that you will succeed no matter what life throws at you, because you already have.

Please visit the Class of 2022's Senior Page on our website to view a video recording the Commencement Ceremony. You can also read bios of our 92 amazing graduates!

Class of 2022 Senior Page  |  Graduation Photo Gallery