Caps off to the Class of 2026! On a clear, crisp Sunday morning, the D-E community celebrated our seniors reaching the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. Commencement 2026 was called to order with a ceremonial bell-ringing by Student Body President-Elect Sebastian Chang ’27 and a processional to Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1.”
Dr. Ami Vaidya ’91 P’24, ’26, D-E Board of Trustees President, gave welcome remarks expressing how this day was not only ceremonial, but also personal, as her daughter Nisha Rajan ’26 was among the 130 graduates gathered beneath the tent on Leggett Field. Dr. Vaidya also spoke about how despite unprecedented advancements in machine learning, many of us feel more disconnected than ever. “No app can optimize your character… and AI cannot be a substitute for human connections,” she cautioned. “Wonder still matters.”
Senior Class Reader Amanda Friedman ’26 then took to the stage to recite lines from Mary Oliver’s poem “To Begin With, the Sweet Grass,” about finding joy in nature and cultivating a life of gratitude. Following the presentation of The Bailey Award and The Senior Citizenship Prize by Upper School Principal Kim Lalli P ’35, ’37, the D-E Symphony Orchestra, directed by Mr. Diego Garcia, performed “Danzón No. 2,” by Arturo Márquez.
Senior Class Speakers Gabriel Rhodes ’26 and Madigan Kacmar ’26 then spoke about living in the present, appreciating the relationships that were formed at D-E, and prioritizing kindness to others.
Next came reflections from Head of School Dr. James Calleroz White P’27, ’28, ’33, who urged the graduates to use their time wisely and seek “moments of awe,” as “the richest people are the ones who know how to pay attention.” He challenged them to “watch sunsets and sunrises without taking a picture of it” and offered that the most important thing about this day was that their life was just getting started.
In his message to fellow graduates, Student Body President Max Koppelman ’26 extolled the virtues of collaboration and not judging others by where they came from. He also implored his class to read the U.S. Constitution, be civic minded, and stay connected. “These people are my family, always,” he said.
Seniors from the Jazz Rock Ensemble, directed by Mr. Rob DeBellis, then poignantly performed their final act—“From Now On,” by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek.
Ahead of the presentation of diplomas, Ms. Lalli gave farewell remarks in which she asked students to consider what kind of legacy they wanted to leave, whether or not they got credit. Ultimately, she concluded, they should ask themselves, “Did the work matter… and did I meet the challenges of a changing world and make it better?”
As is D-E tradition, during the Recessional the honor guard marched toward the ceremonial bell, now positioned outside the tent, so that each new graduate could cap this joyous milestone with a glorious chime.
During the celebratory afterglow, Ms. Emily Sclafani, Dean of the Class of 2026, described this class as “incredibly driven and incredibly kind.” She noted how so many of the students spoke about the importance of human connection, which is, she said, “just as powerful as the academic learning they received here.”
Congratulations, Class of 2026—we could not be prouder of all your achievements!
