KUA Preps for Class of 2026 Send-Off
Kimball Union Academy will celebrate the graduating Class of 2026 during its 210th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 23.
This year’s ceremony will recognize James Lee ’26 as valedictorian, a designation that honors the individual who typically holds the highest academic record in the class. Huy Tran ’26 will serve as salutatorian.
Lee, who will attend the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in the fall, will deliver the valedictory address per longstanding tradition. A native of South Korea, Lee is a Giles Family STEM Scholar as well as a recipient of a 2025 Cullman Scholarship, which he utilized to further study his passion for drones. He is a member of the Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team, co-founder of KUA’s first-ever drone club and participates in the Recreational Ski program.
As salutatorian, ran will address those gathered for the annual Baccalaureate service on Friday, May 22. A native of Vietnam, Tran is a Giles Family STEM Scholar, and member of the Outing Club, Climbing Club, and Recreational Ski program. He will attend the University of Florida in the fall where he plans to major in astrophysics.
“Valedictorian and salutatorian are two of the highest academic honors one can achieve,” Academic Dean Tasheana Dukuly said. “We are incredibly proud of the curiosity and dedication James and Huy have brought to their academic work at KUA and look forward to hearing their reflections during Commencement weekend.”
Also addressing those in attendance will be Noa Barrett ’26, who was selected by his peers as this year’s Class Speaker; and Lyn Lord P’09, who will serve as Commencement Speaker. Barrett is a three-sport varsity athlete for the Wildcats, while Lord is a beloved member of the history department who with her husband Tom Lord P’09 will retire at the close of the academic year.
“This year’s speaker, Lyn Lord, is an educator, innovator, leader and trusted voice of reason for so many kids and adults of our community,” Head of School Tyler Lewis said. “I have no doubt she will fill our hearts and minds with her address to the class of 2026.”
This year’s Commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Bicentennial Quad, and will also be available via livestream. Visit KUA’s Commencement webpage for a complete list of events, and to tune-in to the livestream of the Academy’s Award Ceremony, Baccalaureate, and Commencement exercises.
