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!

This morning, sixth graders presented weeks’ worth of group research, experimentation, and data analysis during the Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair in Hajjar Auditorium. Teams worked together to select a topic of interest, which required consensus and collaboration. Some of the questions delved deep into science (such as ice cream melting points, how electrolytes affect a runner’s speed, and which liquids produce the best results for popping boba), while others had an engineering bent (for example, topics involving electromagnetics and hydraulics), explained Sixth Grade Science Teacher Ms. Makohon-Moore. Several groups played time-lapse videos as part of their presentations, including Jason X. ’32, Emerson C. ’32, and Sebastian H. ’32, who built a cardboard hydraulic claw made to test their experiment about the power of water. Another group, composed of Maya P. ’32, Gracyn S. ’32, and Ella C. ’32, tested diaper absorbency because they wanted to research a topic that would be helpful to parents. “Engaging in the scientific process not only builds essential skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, but also fosters curiosity, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of the world around us,” said Ms. Makohon-Moore. Amazing work, sixth graders!

D-E Parents’ Association recently hosted their annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on a beautiful morning beneath the tent on Leggett Field. Head of School Dr. Calleroz White P ’27, ’28, ’33 gave opening remarks, thanking volunteers who’ve worked hard this year as part of the Coop staff, the Bulldog Bash committee, the Board of Trustees, and the PA, including its Committee Co-Chairs and Grade Representatives. Board of Trustees Liaison Theresa Hazelton P’20, ’22 took the mic to bid sincere gratitude and farewell to the outgoing PA Executive Board members, including Co-Presidents Samantha Asulin ’92 P’18, ’23, ’27 and Jennifer Mayer P’23, ’26, ’33 (who served an incredible three years), and introduce next year’s PA Executive Board members. Parents of graduating seniors were also recognized and thanked for their significant volunteer commitment over the years.  The event closed with a soulful performance by members of Jazz Rock, including Leah Gavilan ’27 singing Olivia Dean’s “So Easy,” and a duet by Mia Burleson ’28 and Amaya Calleroz White ’28. Afterward, guests mingled and received small tokens of appreciation. “It’s been a good year,” said Jody Rose P ’29, ’31, who added that the ethos of “serving where you eat” is why she volunteers as a Trustee. Black Parent Affinity Group member Tara Williams P ’28, ’31 commended the work that “keeps people engaged and connected to our community.” A HUGE D-E thank you to our volunteers for all the ways they’ve supported and celebrated our community!