Graduation Ceremony, Class of 2025
June 16, 2025
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi held its twenty-first Annual Graduation Ceremony at the Lisi campus. Sixty-five students graduated from the American Academy this year.
The Honorable Robin L. Dunnigan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia; Giorgi Bazgadze, a Co-Chairman and a Trustee; and Andrés J. Cruz, the Director of the American Academy, were this year's Commencement Speakers.
The school keeps the tradition of awarding medals to distinguished graduates every year during the graduation ceremony. This tradition was established by Donald W. Thomas, the Founding Director, and is carried on by the faculty.
This year, two members of the class of 2025 – Ani Chikovani and Anna Maria Kand- were the recipients of the Thomas and Faculty Medals, respectively.
Ani Chikovani received the Thomas Medal for being “the senior who has exemplified exemplary character and scholarship throughout their time at the GZAAT.”
Anna Maria Kand was awarded the Faculty Medal for being “the student whose love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and strength of character have enriched our lives as teachers and affirmed our belief in the sanctity of education.”
Elene Mansvetashvili was the valedictorian speaker for the 2025 class.
In recent years, the American Academy has established the tradition of inviting alumni to speak at the graduation ceremony. This year, the Class of 2007 took their turn. Their representative, Sofio Chkheidze, shared warm words and reflections, welcoming the Class of 2025 into the alumni community and celebrating the lasting bonds shared by all American Academy graduates.
The class of 2025 received 85 acceptance letters from colleges and universities all across the world, as well as almost $2 million in scholarships and financial aid.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the graduates sang the school's anthem for the final time.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
