Congratulations to the Class of 2026

Steward’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, which took place on May 22, was filled with spirit and celebration. This year’s graduation was extra special because it marked a significant milestone: The Class of 2026 is Steward’s 50th graduating class!

The morning began with the Class of 2026 procession along the Colonnade. Seniors processed into the gym to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by Steward’s band under the direction of Middle/Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher John McAlister. Owen Engel ’27 and Claire Stuckey ’27 served as junior marshals, and Upper School teachers Eric Hopp and Todd Serr, Class of 2026 sponsors, gave the invocation. Gregory Trepp (chair of the Board of Trustees and father of Jack ’15, Sam ’15, Meg ’16, and Maya ’25) welcomed families and friends.

Senior Class Gift
The Senior Class Gift presentation is a beloved Steward tradition. Class President Raiden Liesfeld ’26 smiled proudly as he announced the Class of 2026 gift: mirrors for the Athletic Center weight room. “These mirrors are more than just functional,” shared Raiden. “This gift stands as a symbol of our class’ lasting legacy and our steadfast commitment to future students.” 

Rafi Zepeda ’26 followed with a reading of “It Couldn’t be Done,” a poem by Edgar Albert Guest that encourages readers to persevere through hardships. Then the Middle/Upper School chorus, directed by Middle/Upper School Choral Director Heidi Taylor, performed a beautiful a capella song, “In Meeting We are Blessed.”

Senior Speaker
Senior Speaker Ella Grace Saunders’ speech was inspired by a letter she found when cleaning out a desk drawer. The letter was a note to herself that she’d written in eighth grade. In it, she pondered, How do we find our people?

In her speech, she shared, “If high school has taught me anything, it is that the moment is made by the people you experience it with. In good times and challenging moments, someone was always there … whether that was a friend who made us laugh when we needed it, a teacher who saw potential in us before we could see it in ourselves, or a parent who sacrificed more for us than we will ever know. Through all these times, we’ve always had a community — our people — to lean on.” 

Ella Grace ended her speech with a note of encouragement for her classmates: “I hope every single one of us leaves here knowing that we experienced some of the best times of our lives with the people that matter the most. Because life is so much more fulfilling when sharing it with the people you love.”

Lifers
Upper School Director Bobby Pollicino presented Lifer awards to 10 graduating seniors who started their Steward experience in junior kindergarten or kindergarten. 

“Today we are grateful that some of their Lower School teachers can be here to present this award to them,” noted Mr. Pollicino, who invited Kindergarten Teacher Catherine Hathaway, Grade 2 Teacher Lyn Lunsford, and retired Kindergarten Teacher Kate Strickland to join him onstage to present the Lifer awards. 

‘The things that matter take time’
In his commencement address, Head of School Dan Frank reflected on 50 years of Steward graduation ceremonies. 

“Something that began as a way to honor a graduating class of just three has now grown to more than 70, and more than 1,500 graduated alumni along the way,” he said. He noted that one of the most important observations he’s made in 19 years at Steward is that the things that matter take time. 

“How does one face the prospect of time in front of us, and how does one honor the moment we’re in, especially today, one of the most important milestones in your lives to date?” he asked. In answering that question, Mr. Frank shared quotes from several graduating seniors, including Kensington Charles ’26: “Life isn’t a race to check off as many experiences as possible. It’s a collection of moments — messy, unhurried, ordinary—that only become meaningful when you’re present enough to feel them.” 

The Dixon Award
Mr. Frank then shared heartfelt words about each graduate and presented the Dixon Award, named in honor of Helen Dixon, the founder of The Steward School. This award, given annually to a member of the senior class who has made outstanding contributions to all phases of life at Steward, is the highest award presented to a student. 

“This year’s winner is a true scholar … next year, she will attend the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar, a highly competitive and prestigious distinction,” said Mr. Frank. “Congratulations to the 2026 Dixon Award recipient, Rafi Zepeda ’26.”

Amid cheers and applause (and a few tears), the proud graduates walked across the stage to accept their diplomas from Mr. Frank and Mr. Pollicino. Then, they enjoyed another school tradition: tossing blue-and-gold confetti into the air as they celebrated the culmination of their Steward education. Steward’s newest alumni then recessed and gathered with friends and family on Waddell Terrace for a festive reception.

College Bound
The 73 members of the Class of 2026 will attend 40 different colleges and universities in 16 states and the District of Columbia. College readiness is an integral part of the Steward experience. Thanks to a robust curriculum, dedicated faculty, staff, and coaches, and our top-notch College Counseling program, 100% of our graduates are offered admission to four-year colleges and universities.

Arts and Athletics Commitments
Each spring, seniors who have committed to arts or athletic college programs participate in a school tradition: commitment ceremonies. These informal gatherings on campus bring together students and their proud families, teachers, and coaches. 

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We know you are going to do great things in college and beyond!