![Resilient and Ready: Celebrating the Class of 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780410078/danahallorg/vqd7dtfzknkzsgot0ro8/DH_Graduation1_Richins_053026_090300_3781.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780410078/danahallorg/vqd7dtfzknkzsgot0ro8/DH_Graduation1_Richins_053026_090300_3781.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780410078/danahallorg/vqd7dtfzknkzsgot0ro8/DH_Graduation1_Richins_053026_090300_3781.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780410078/danahallorg/vqd7dtfzknkzsgot0ro8/DH_Graduation1_Richins_053026_090300_3781.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780410078/danahallorg/vqd7dtfzknkzsgot0ro8/DH_Graduation1_Richins_053026_090300_3781.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1780410078/danahallorg/vqd7dtfzknkzsgot0ro8/DH_Graduation1_Richins_053026_090300_3781.jpg","width":2200}])
Unseasonably cold and rainy weather could not wash away a momentous Dana Hall milestone. On Saturday, May 30, 80 members of the Class of 2026 pinned flower crowns in their hair, tossed pennies into the Pond and processed into the tent filled with faculty, friends and family on Saturday, May 30.
Head of School Katherine Bradley welcomed the assembled crowd and highlighted the seniors’ journey through Dana Hall over the past eight years, through both individual and group accomplishments. “You have come together beautifully for yourselves, for Dana Hall and for the larger world beyond our school,” she said. “In fact, the notion of ‘showing up for others in a way others have shown up for me,’ a quote by one of you, has been defining for you as a group, particularly through your deep and meaningful engagement with your communities.”
Courtney Caruso ’05 gave the Trustee Remarks in her last Commencement as Board Chair. She was followed by Charlotte Leono ’26, who was chosen by her peers to deliver the Senior Address. Leono spoke to the closeness the class developed during their time as Upper Schoolers. “What had started as unfamiliar company flourished into the closest thing to family I know,” she said. “Each one of you has taught me something different, whether it was through sports, classes or friendship. You have taught me that strangers are just family awaiting recognition.”
The Commencement Address was delivered by Sara Remsen ’08, chief product officer at Minutes Mojo, who shared with the graduates three things that Dana Hall has taught them: to learn by doing, to pay attention to what draws you, and to find your friends and collaborators. “Dana Hall has prepared you to navigate life ahead, with all the skills you need to figure it out,” Remsen said. “You might not realize it now, but this will set you apart. The path ahead is full of questions and uncertainty, but I know you will approach them with curiosity and confidence.”
Associate Head of School Rob Mather P24, 26 announced the slightly shivering graduates, after which outgoing Assistant Head for Admission and Strategic Initiatives Angela Brown delivered closing remarks. After putting their arms around each other and singing the Alma Mater for the last time this year, the newest Dana alumnae received hugs and congratulations from their teachers and families.