The All-School End-of-Year Assembly, held under the big tent on Leggett Field, marks the final time all divisions gather together to be in community. In remarks given throughout the event, Head of School Dr. James Calleroz White said these moments ensure that “we’re all connected in many different ways.” He also thanked the Seniors for “onboarding me” during his inaugural year at D-E and shouted out retiring Faculty who have “given an incredible amount of time and loyalty to this school.” In addition, students including Dani Dennis ’28 and Sharlene Galvez ’28 individually acknowledged D-E Faculty/Staff completing milestone years of service (Mr. Charlie Beckford, we see you and your 45 years!). As is tradition, incoming Student Body President Sebastian Chang ’27 passed down advice by encouraging rising 9th Graders to bring “effort, passion, and kindness” to the Upper School. Next, 8th Grader Zorena A. ’30 advised rising 6th Graders to “stay open to new friendships,” and 2nd Graders Lexi W. ’36 and Autumn M. ’36 sweetly advised Seniors that their “special gift for doing their best is knowledge.” MS/US Librarian Mr. Petkus then spoke on behalf of Calliope, in its 70th year of publication, Sra. Kanter represented Parnassus, in its 50th year of publication, and Carpe Diem 2026 editors graciously dedicated the scrapbook-themed yearbook to the Facilities and Security Staff. Sprinkled between the speakers were live performances by the All-School Chorus; PreK 3 & 4 students, who sang Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”; the MS African Drumming Ensemble; and Jazz Rock Seniors, who previewed their Commencement song, “From Now On” from “The Greatest Showman.” In what has become a lovely ritual, Seniors high-fived our Lower School students as they exited the big tent as if to say, “Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!”

MAGIC, a D-E tradition in the Upper School (US) that has been going strong for 30 years, was filled with revelry, intense competition, and unexpected winners—congrats to the Sophomores, sporting purple T-shirts, for rising to the challenge this year! As many in our community know, MAGIC (the Michael Andrew Glowski Intramural Competition) is named in memory of Michael, an US student from the Class of 1995 who died suddenly of health complications before he graduated. In an earlier US gathering, Michael’s parents, Kathleen and Mathew Glowski, shared how Michael, a student-athlete, “valued the spirit of community.” During this year’s annual event, held in the Myrna B. Sherman Gym, D-E Student Activities Team, Faculty/Staff judges, and scorekeeper Mr. Middleton worked exceptionally hard to ensure the games—which included a sundae relay, a one-legged race, a water bottle flip relay, a wheelbarrow relay, the always-exciting musical chairs, and the grand finale tug-of-war—were fair and on track. Way to bring the team spirit, Bulldogs!

The countdown to Commencement (Sunday, May 31) is on for our Class of 2026 Seniors! And with that, came a series of special D-E traditions that helped close out the school year for our soon-to-be graduates. Among them were Senior Selective offerings—classes and trips that were creative (graduation cap decorating), recreational (swing dancing and Mahjong playing), and focused on “adulting” skills (personal finance basics and transitioning to college). There was also lunch with Head of School Dr. Calleroz White at Collins House, where they received commemorative blankets from D-E’s Development & Alumni Relations team; the Senior BBQ, hosted by our amazing Parents’ Association, where graduation gowns and “2026” shades were distributed; the Senior Class Trip to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY, for horseback riding, tubing, archery, and wiffleball; Carpe Diem yearbook signing and a “time capsule” letter opening for those who were at D-E in 7th Grade; and the Senior Dinner in Hajjar Auditorium, a final moment for Seniors to hear from Dean Emily Sclafani before the graduation bell is rung. We can’t wait to see our D-E community come together on Sunday! Or click the link in our bio to watch live, starting at 10:00 AM!