The Lifers Dinner is a special celebration honoring graduating seniors who have been students in all three divisions at D-E. This year’s event recognized almost 40 members of our Class of 2026. Head of School Dr. Calleroz White gave opening remarks, Upper School Principal Kim Lalli introduced the Lifers with amusing and touching anecdotes, and as is D-E tradition, each student feted a teacher or staff member who had become a mentor, coach, or guiding force during their time at D-E. Both the Lifers and their honorees received a commemorative mug to represent their role as a D-E Lifer or mentor. We truly thank these lifelong learners for being a part of our community for so many years—and can’t wait to see them engage creatively and compassionately in the world! Congratulations D-E Class of 2026 Lifers!

At the recent FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, our Upper School Robotics Team, #207 Critical Mass, competed alongside and connected with top robotics teams from around the globe. As the event was live streamed, D-E faculty and staff facilitated a watch party in the STEM Building to cheer on our team! Ultimately, Critical Mass earned the 1st Place Reach Award in their division, an honor recognizing their exceptional mentorship and impactful outreach efforts throughout the season. “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our students showed throughout the year, especially in their commitment to positively impact younger students and aspiring engineers both within our school and the broader community,” said Coach Fleischl. Congrats to our Bulldog Bots for their world-class effort!

 Senior student-athletes were recently honored during Signing Day, a special D-E tradition that recognizes their commitment to play at the collegiate level. Six members of the Class of 2026 gathered in the Myrna B. Sherman Gym for the ceremonial signing, surrounded by their families, fellow students, and D-E faculty and staff. “Today, we are celebrating the achievements and future endeavors of six of our outstanding senior athletes as they prepare to take the next step in their athletic journeys,” said Athletic Director JD Sand, who opened the ceremony, followed by Upper School Principal Kim Lalli, a former college field hockey player. Ms. Lalli shared a personal story about her transition from high school student-athlete to college athlete and underscored how important it will be to “build a family with your teammates.” Associate Athletic Director Dat Phan then introduced each of the following honorees: Grace Dalgetty ’26, intending to play track and field at Brown University; Sophia Espinal ’26, intending to play women’s soccer at Wellesley College; Austin Kim ’26, intending to play baseball at Swarthmore College; Piper Rosenberg ’26, intending to compete on the women’s rowing team at Stanford University; Alex Jachimowski ’26 intending to play men’s lacrosse at Oberlin College; and Cameron Gennardo ’26, intending to compete on the men’s rowing team at Trinity College. In the words of Mr. Sand, “We wish you all the best of luck and congratulations!”