Carlisle School held its first commencement in June 1974, according to Charles “Chuck” Cumiskey, Jr., who was a member of the school’s first graduating class. His father Charles J. Cumiskey, Sr., served as the first Headmaster of the school.
Now coming full-circle, Cumiskey was a speaker as Carlisle School’s Class of 2023 took its place in history at a recent commencement ceremony.
“As a member of this inaugural graduating class back in the pre-smartphone, pre-personal computer, basically the prehistoric
days of 1974. I am deeply honored to represent my fellow alumni on this momentous occasion.” Cumiskey said and commended the Carlisle Foundation for having a vision and creating an institution that is still thriving.
He also praised the graduating class for navigating school through a pandemic.
“This class has shined despite this historic adversity, and it will remain a testament to the unique circumstances that will forever shape its character,” said Cumiskey.
Valedictorian Cristiano Di Maro delivered the valedictory speech, both reflecting on his years as a Carlisle student and bonding with others.
“I do see our class as a family. An oddball family definitely, but a family, nonetheless. As every family does, we’ve had our ups and downs, our triumphs, and defeats, those have only brought us closer together,” he said. “This is both the beginning and the end. It’s the end of our childhood but the beginning of the rest of our lives.”
Carlisle Class of 2023
Aubrey Curtis Adams, Bridget Anne Belk, Bryson Reece Brady, Finley Reese Brightwell, Emily Gail Cahill, Cristiano Di Maro, Piper
Delaney Doughton, Webb Cunningham Garrett, Styles Thomas Geramita, Terrance DaRay Hairston, Dakare’ Dashaun Hampton, Ryan Allen Lane, Ian Xavier Martin, Gabriel Matthew Richardson, Jacob Konye’ Simpson, Chloe Alexandria Taylor, Andrew Hoang Truong, and Elizabeth Casteen Wright.