Mid-Pen Celebrates the Class of 2026

There’s something special about the final days of the school year at Mid-Pen. Chairs shift, traditions unfold, and one class begins to imagine the future while another steps into it. Last Friday and Saturday, our community gathered for two meaningful moments that marked that transition: Moving Up and Graduation.

Friday’s Moving Up ceremony celebrated both reflection and renewal. As our seniors prepared to close this chapter, juniors officially stepped into their new role as leaders of the school by taking their seats in a symbolic passing of the torch.

The ceremony also recognized students whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the Mid-Pen community. Five seniors received academic awards celebrating achievement, growth, and impact:

• Senior Class Award: Claire C. and Kyrie D.
• Douglas C. Thompson Inspired Growth Award: Alex S.
• Leonard W. Ely Community Award: Isabelle E. and Gabi R.

Our athletic awards honored student-athletes who exemplified dedication both on and off the field:

• Most Outstanding Athletes of the Year: Mike L. ’26 and Kimberly R. ’26
• Scholar-Athletes of the Year: Oliver C. ’27, Baz D. ’26, Eli G. ’27, and Meeru S. ’27

Then, on Saturday, our community gathered under clear skies on the Mid-Pen lawn for our 46th Commencement Ceremony.

34 graduates crossed the stage surrounded by family, friends, staffulty, and classmates. Throughout the ceremony, students reflected on their time at Mid-Pen through speeches from seniors Xenia H., Ary H., Kyrie D., and Baz D., sharing stories, lessons, and moments that shaped their journeys.

Music has long been part of Mid-Pen celebrations, and this year’s ceremony included a moving performance of “I Know the End” by Phoebe Bridgers performed by our Senior Ensemble.

Graduates also heard from alumni speaker Casey Schaefer ’16, whose reflections offered a reminder that while graduation marks an ending, it also opens the door to everything that comes next.

One of the ceremony’s most meaningful moments came with the presentation of Mid-Pen’s highest honor, the Founders Award, to Xenia H. ’26. The award recognizes the graduate who most exemplifies academic achievement, academic and personal growth, courage, and meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of the Mid-Pen community and beyond.

And as each graduate crossed the stage, they were presented not simply by name, but by their Core teacher—the advocate who has walked beside them through challenges, celebrations, growth, and discovery.

To the Class of 2026: thank you for your leadership, your spirit, and the ways you have shaped this community. We cannot wait to see where you go next.