Class of 2026 Celebrated at 241st Commencement

The Class of 2026 was celebrated on Thursday, June 11, at EA's 241st Commencement Exercises.

The ceremony took place in the Class of 1944 Chapel as 137 seniors were presented with their diplomas and Bibles.

Students were recognized for their accomplishments and congratulated by Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon., Head Chaplain Fr. Tim Gavin, Hon., Head of Upper School Mike Letts, Hon., Class of 2026 Form Dean Zach Richards, Hon., and the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Rt. Rev. Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez. This year's student speakers were Valedictorian Alice Wu and Salutatorian Ryann Newcomb.

Reflecting on the school motto, Alice remarked, "Esse Quam Videri has taught us that our goal is not simply to become impressive people, but to become people who are real: people whose genuine joy lights up a room, people whose boundless curiosity is as contagious as it is pragmatic, people whose ambitions are rooted in love."

Dr. Locke reminisced that when he arrived at EA 13 years ago, many of this year's seniors also arrived on campus as kindergartners. "I have watched you grow from five-year-olds with backpacks bigger than you were, into the people sitting in front of me tonight," recalled Dr. Locke. 

"Strengthened by respect, kindness, and care for one another, the Episcopal experience breeds excellence in both endeavor and character," shared Ryann. "Perhaps the greatest gift Episcopal has given us is a community where achievement and benevolence work in tandem." 

Several awards were presented, the student-designed and handmade Class of 2026 shield was unveiled, and students and their families proudly sang the school song, Episcopal, Episcopal, before processing out as the newest class of EA alumni.

"This school and your hard work have given you doors to open," Dr. Locke said to the graduates. "Your education will help you open them. But your kindness may determine what people remember after you walk through. Congratulations; I will genuinely miss you."

"May we leave Episcopal not just ready to seem, but brave enough to be," said Alice.