Commencement 2026
On the morning of June 5, 2026, students, families, faculty, and alumni gathered under the tent on Soja Field for a joyous celebration of our graduating ninth graders.
The procession of ninth graders was led to the tent by piper Jesse Ofgang, through a path made by the seventh and eighth graders. Eighth grade marshals, Raife Milling-Smith and Zuri Shannon directed graduates to their seats.
The Reverend Andrew A. Kryzak ’98, Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Stamford, Connecticut, gave the invocation followed by the traditional singing of “America the Beautiful,” led by Ms. Joanna Seaton and accompanied by Donald Sosin.
Head of School Lisa Sun addressed the class, presented Mountain Cards and other Head of School awards. Then, members of the class of 2026, led by Music Department Chair Ram Miles, performed “Rivers and Roads” written by Head and the Heart. Mountain Voices later performed “In My Life” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, directed by Ms. Seaton.
"As the first graduating class of my first year at IMS, you will always hold a special place in my heart, but I will remember you for so much more than that. I am deeply grateful for the ways you have allowed me, and all of us, to know you more fully this year."
The following prizes were presented:
Mountain Card: Anko Mbeleelo
Courage to Climb Award: Ms. Lauren Frankenbach
2006 Distinguished Teaching Chair: Mr. Jay Barillaro
Head of School Awards: Carlos Garces Nuñez, Bella Xiao
McMillen Prize: Lyanne Pryce
Schutte Prize: CJ Clarke-Richardson, Bonnie Zhao
The 2006 Prize: Remi Kurasawa
Rouse Prize: Roberta Craig de Silva
Doolittle Prize: Sofia Catalan
Austen Fox Riggs Prize: Paolo Santillana Abate
Triangle Prize: C.C. Stevenson
Over the course of the school year, ninth grade students prepare and present a personal narrative, “This I Believe,” to the Upper Campus. Their stories touch on great journeys, personal triumphs, and the pressures of achievement. At the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, the graduating class presented a group “This We Believe.”
“We’re a class of a lot of firsts. The first class to memorize the world map. The first class to have a daily debate on purpose. The first to enjoy the Dining Commons. The first to have Ms. Sun as Head of School. There may never be another ninth-grade class with so many firsts — but hopefully every class that follows will feel as connected to this school and to each other as we do.”
Head of School Lisa Sun, Dean Of Faculty Alex Hodosy, and Dean of Academics Sarah Breakell presented the graduates with their diplomas. After the ceremony, students bid a bittersweet farewell to their friends and teachers before heading off for the summer and on to their next schools.
Congratulations to our graduates!
