Nikki B. Sweeney

For decades, we have claimed that education must evolve.

We talk about creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, and purpose.
We talk about preparing students for a world shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid change, and global complexity.

And yet, we continue to rely on standardized tests to tell us who is “smart.”

There is a disconnect here that we can no longer ignore.

Standardized tests were built for a different time.
They were designed to sort, rank, and standardize during the industrial age when efficiency and uniformity were the goal.

But that is not the world our students are entering.

Today, success requires originality, resilience, collaboration, and the ability to think in ways that cannot be captured in a multiple-choice format. And still, we devote enormous amounts of time in schools to preparing students for exams that measure a narrow slice of human capability.

Programs like Advanced Placement, administered by the College Board, add another layer to this system. On the surface, they offer rigor and the promise of college credit. In practice, they reinforce the same model of standardized assessment.

AP courses often become another sorting mechanism.
They reward students who test well within a very specific structure and pace, while overlooking many others who are equally capable but demonstrate their strengths differently.

And the stakes are high.

Students are told that these scores define readiness.
That they determine access.
That they signal who is ahead and who is not.

At the same time, this system has become a powerful financial engine. Families pay for tests, for preparation, for multiple attempts. Schools invest time and resources to support it. The incentives are clear, and they are not always aligned with what is best for students.

What we call “merit” is often shaped by access to preparation, repetition, and familiarity with the test itself.

And students who are capable, curious, and driven can be left behind because they do not perform well in a narrow, timed, standardized environment.

This is not just a measurement problem. It is a design problem.

If we are serious about preparing students for the future, we need to rethink what we value and how we measure it.

Assessment should not be about sorting students into narrow categories.
It should be about understanding how they think, how they grow, and how they contribute over time.

We need systems that recognize multiple forms of excellence:

The student who can design and build
The student who can lead and inspire
The student who can solve complex, real-world problems
The student who demonstrates resilience, curiosity, and purpose over time

These are not secondary skills. They are the skills that will define the future.

And they are largely invisible in our current models.

This does not mean abandoning standards or accountability.
It means evolving them.

Portfolio-based assessment
Performance tasks
Capstone projects
Internships and real-world application
Longitudinal demonstrations of growth

These approaches already exist. Many schools are moving in this direction. Higher education is beginning to follow. Employers have been signaling this shift for years.

The question is not whether change is possible.

It is whether we are willing to let go of systems that feel familiar but no longer serve our students.

We cannot continue to say we are preparing students for the future while measuring them with tools from the past.

If we truly believe in the potential of every child, then our assessment systems must reflect the many ways that potential can be realized.

Anything less is not just outdated.

It is misaligned with the future we claim to be building.

Good evening, everyone! To the faculty, families, and friends, thank you for being here today. But most importantly, congratulations to the graduating class of 2025! You made it!

As you stand here, poised for a thrilling “Choose your Own Adventure” called life, it reminds me of those early days four years ago when we began in the Upper School together… For me, it was like stepping into a giant game of ‘Chutes and Ladders,’ trying to figure out where everyone was going! And for you, I’m sure some days felt longer than others, but looking back, it’s astonishing how quickly it all went – the plays, games, meets, matches, homecomings, and proms!

In this blink-of-an-eye timeframe, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing your transformation into these wiser, more skilled, talented, and (dare I say it?) even more passionate young adults. You’re right on the cusp of what John 10:10 beautifully calls ‘abundant life’ – or as we less formally say, to ‘flourish.’ And ‘flourish,’ let’s be honest, is a fantastic word that we don’t hear a lot. It’s not just surviving that pop quiz you forgot about, or one of Mr. G’s tests, it’s your phone battery going from that dreaded red sliver to a glorious 100% power after finally finding an outlet. It’s growing like crazy, increasing in vigor, complete connection, truly thriving. And that, hopefully less chaotic than our first week at TVS together four years ago, is my heartfelt wish for each of you as you launch into this incredible life, the life you dream of and envision when you close your eyes at night.

The world you’re entering is one of unprecedented change.  Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, redefining jobs, and challenging our understanding of what it means to be human. In the face of this, you might wonder: what will guide me? What will ensure my success and well-being?  My answer, graduates, lies not in the latest technology, but in something far more enduring: the timeless virtues that reside within each of you.  

I’ve spent much of my life exploring these virtues, and in my recent book, “The Virtue Code: A Guide to Flourish for the AI Generation,” I outline several that I believe are essential for a flourishing life, especially in the age of AI. Today, I want to focus on a few that I know you already possess and that will continue to serve you well in the increasingly technological world we live in.

First, curiosity. Remember when you were little and constantly asked “why?” or more recently, “Why can’t we prank the faculty with a pretend pest control company looking for an alleged snake in the building?” Seriously, though, you know that innate desire to learn, to explore, to question – that’s curiosity. Don’t let that fade away. In a world driven by innovation, your curiosity will be your compass, leading you to new discoveries and groundbreaking ideas with the potential to truly improve the world we live in.  

Second, courage. The path ahead won’t always be easy. You’ll face challenges, uncertainties, and moments that test your resolve. But within you lies a wellspring of courage – the strength to step outside your comfort zone, to stand up for what you believe in, and to persevere even when you’re afraid. Mr. Leo spoke to this very virtue at the senior dinner when he suggested taking that step forward in the face of fear to continue growing. I’ve watched you demonstrate resilience here when setbacks arose and so I know you will continue to build on that moving forward.

Let’s not forget the remarkable virtue of gratitude, one that truly shines in this graduating class. Your genuine “thank you’s” and thoughtful expressions of appreciation have not gone unnoticed, even in the face of the challenges that arose. Cultivating gratitude enriches your life and strengthens your bonds with others. In a world that often rushes by, pausing to acknowledge the kindness and support you receive creates a ripple effect of positivity.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you possess, from what you want to what you have. It reminds you of the people who have helped you along your journey. Look to the audience, graduates, at your parents, your teachers, your friends. I’ve heard you say, “Thank you” thousands of times, and today might just be another opportunity to share your spirit of gratitude. It will serve you well in every relationship, every challenge, and every success you encounter. Your ability to appreciate the good in your lives will continue to be a source of lasting joy and fulfillment.

Fourth resilience. You will stumble, you will fall, you will experience setbacks. That’s inevitable. But what defines you is your ability to rise again, to learn from your mistakes, and to keep moving forward with determination. It was Nelson Mandela who said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

And finally, compassion. In an age of increasing technology, let us not forget the power of human connection. Be kind to one another. Be generous with your time, talents and treasures – what I call the three T’s. Seek to understand, to support, and to uplift those around you.  

Graduates, AI may be able to process information faster than any human, but it cannot replicate the spark of curiosity, the fire of courage, the strength of resilience, a heart filled with gratitude, or the depth of compassion. These are your unique gifts, virtues – your human superpowers.  

As you step forward, embrace these virtues. Let them guide your decisions, shape your relationships, and fuel your ambitions. Use them to not only achieve personal success, but also to build a better, kinder, more humane world.  

Class of 2025, I have immense faith in your potential. Go forth, be curious, be courageous, be grateful, be resilient, be compassionate, and above all, go forth and flourish!