Chosen by popular vote, this year’s graduation speakers feature an accomplished senior and a longtime St. Stephen’s faculty member.

Jim Woodruff, who will retire at the end of this school year after dedicating 30 years at St. Stephen’s, is chosen as the faculty graduation speaker and Charlie Hubbard ’25, a National Merit Semifinalist, competitive athlete and entrepreneur will serve as the student speaker.

“I’m honored, pleased, and a little nervous. This is a great senior class and I appreciate the invitation. I'm looking forward to it,” said Woodruff.

Woodruff began his three-decade tenure on August 1, 1990. From 1990 to 1995 he served as the director of development and later transitioned into academics as assistant and head of Upper School. He began teaching theology in 1991 and has served as the Theology Department chair since 1992.

Through the years, students have enjoyed and appreciated Woodruff’s approach to theology, some commenting in their written evaluations that “he encourages seniors to think critically, reflect on their own lives, be interested in the lives of other people, and get to know all their classmates.”

Woodruff is probably most known on campus for “taking his class on walks and having class near the Brewster Memorial — he jokingly urges them to ‘walk like theologians’ with their hands behind their backs while deep in thought, and uses the school's beautiful campus as his classroom.”

When Woodruff was recognized in chapel during the 2023-24 academic year for his 25 years of service, one of Woodruff’s former students, Nathan Goldberg ’14, spoke about the lessons he learned from Woodruff that still shape who he is today.

“In our journey through some of the world’s most preeminent, spiritual and religious texts both holy and academic, we learned about how people from different faiths conceive of their relationships with themselves, to each other and the universe,” said Goldberg. “And for me, a Jewish student at an Episcopal school, I felt that this approach embodied everything about what made my education at St. Stephen’s so special. Today, it is my honor to thank Mr. Woodruff for helping me cultivate this human-centered perspective and for showing me the power of self reflection as a tool to lead a happy and fulfilling life.” Watch the entire chapel talk.

Charlie Hubbard ’25, one of nine National Merit Semifinalists, is an accomplished golfer who recently committed to play at Carnegie Mellon University. He is also an entrepreneur and successful podcaster. He says he is excited and fired up to share his speech and send off to his fellow senior class.

"I'm deeply honored to have been selected as our graduation speaker, and I view this opportunity as a chance to capture what St. Stephen's means to the Class of 2025,” says Hubbard. “Throughout our time here, St. Stephen's has taught us how to think critically and ask the right questions — skills that have shaped us into the people we are today. My speech will explore how these fundamental abilities have connected us, transformed us, and prepared us for whatever lies ahead."

Hubbard began his St. Stephen’s tenure in 9th grade and in his Upper School career, he has not only been named a National Merit Semifinalist but he has also served on Student Government, the Athletic Council, the Student Support Network and the Philanthropy, Leadership and Happiness Committees.

Additionally, he is a Southwest Preparatory Conference State Champion, a two-time winner on the Srixon Prestige Tour, and a member of the Legends and TJGT Junior Golf Tours.

In his spare time, Hubbard is an entrepreneur serving as Founder and President of the Business and Entrepreneurship Club and podcaster, hosting “The ProFiles Podcast” which he launched in January 2023 to document his journey of learning the what, how and why of success. Hubbard is also a writer for The ProFiles Newsletter and “The Bell” digital St. Stephen’s student newspaper.

He says he is passionate about learning, growing, innovating and challenging myself and others to be the best we can be.

Congratulations to both Mr. Woodruff and Charlie! Find information and details about this year’s graduation festivities here.