Old Rochester Alumna Chosen to Speak at Anna Maria Graduation

When Carly Drew first found out she had been selected as Anna Maria College’s 2025 student commencement speaker, it was a bittersweet moment.

Drew, a Rochester native and Old Rochester Regional High School graduate, was home at the time mourning the recent loss of her grandmother. She described the timing of the announcement as a comforting sign that her grandmother was still with her.

"I got the email while I was home, and my whole family was there," Drew said. "It was kind of like my grandma's way of saying she's still here with us."

Now preparing to take the stage, Drew is channeling that spirit into her speech, centered around the theme "Great things never come from comfort zones." Inspired by a bracelet her siblings gave her after high school, Drew has carried the message, both literally and figuratively, throughout her college experience.

"You could easily just sit in your room, go to class, get your degree and call it a day," she said. "But the experiences and opportunities really come from what you make of it."

How Old Rochester Regional Prepared Carly Drew for Success

Drew’s time at Old Rochester helped lay the foundation for her success. A three-sport athlete at ORR, she honed the time management skills and leadership qualities that carried over into her collegiate career. At Anna Maria, she continued her athletic journey playing field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse, while also serving as a resident assistant, admissions ambassador, and president of the American Cancer Society chapter on campus.

Get our free mobile app

From Project GROW to School Psychology: Carly Drew’s Career Path

As she prepares to graduate with a degree in psychology and minors in education and sports management, Drew has her sights set on earning her master’s degree in school psychology at Worcester State University.

"Working with kids has always been a passion of mine," she said, citing early experiences with Old Rochester’s Project GROW program and internships that exposed her to the day-to-day life of a school psychologist. "School isn't easy for everyone, but I want to create an environment where every student feels safe, welcomed, and supported."

READ MORE: Old Rochester's Ryon Thomas Works Out for the NY Jets

Family Support and Life Lessons That Shaped Her Journey

When reflecting on the people who influenced her journey, Drew pointed to her cousin Tyler, who has special needs, as a major inspiration behind her decision to study psychology. She also credits her parents, siblings and coaches for their constant support and encouragement.

"My family has been my biggest support system," she said. "They’ve pushed me, cheered me on, and believed in me every step of the way."

Drew knows firsthand the power of stepping out of your comfort zone. She recalled how as a freshman, simply attending events in her dorm lobby instead of staying isolated in her room helped her build connections that shaped the rest of her college career.

"If I hadn’t gone to those events, I wouldn’t have made the friendships or had the opportunities I did," she said. "Now, four years later, I'm the one planning those events for others."

As she gets ready to walk across the stage and deliver her commencement address, Drew said it feels surreal that graduation is already here.

"It really does go by in the blink of an eye," she said. "It feels good to be coming home for this moment, and I'm excited for what's next."