KUA Awards Diplomas to Graduating Class of 2026

The event, held on Bicentennial Quad, recognized the achievements of this year’s graduating seniors, hailing from 15 states and 11 countries. The ceremony also celebrated longtime history teacher Lyn Lord P’09, who, along with her husband Tom Lord P’09, is retiring after more than 30 years of combined service to the Academy.

“Every lab, every project, every moment was never just about the activity, it was about learning in play,” Lord said to the Class of 2026. “You learned how to question and how to connect ideas, from anthropology to world history to climate science to your own lives. You see, the most important thing was never about getting it right, it was about learning that right and wrong are simply a small part of a larger idea of how to think. I would argue, the real purpose of an education.”

Graduates, and the hundreds in attendance gathered to support them, also heard from Valedictorian James Lee ’26, a Giles Family STEM Scholar, Cullman Scholar, and member of the Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team. KUA’s valedictorian designation honors the individual who typically holds the highest academic record in the class. 

Lee, a native of South Korea who will attend the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in the fall, reminded graduates that while high school may be over, life will be greatly influenced by the choices made going forward.

“What you do right now and from now on matters more than the past,” Lee explained. “No one can know the future. But we all have our own unique strengths and capabilities that come with just being who we are. My point is you cannot be discouraged by what happens to you. Even if things are looking uncertain or impossible, keep pushing through, be yourself, believe in yourself, and do what you think is right.”

Also addressing his classmates was fellow graduate Noa Barrett ’26, who was selected by his peers as this year’s Class Speaker. A resident of Stowe, Vermont, and a three-sport varsity athlete during his time at KUA, Barrett will attend Bates College in the fall.

“We didn’t just survive, we adapted,” Barrett shared. “We learned that growth does not come from comfort, it comes from adversity. It comes from falling down and choosing when to stand back up again. As we leave this hilltop, we will all go in different directions. Some of us know exactly what we want out of life while others are still searching. But regardless of where life takes us, I hope we carry the core values that this community instilled in us.”

Head of School Tyler Lewis P’28, presiding over his seventh Commencement ceremony since arriving at KUA, reminded graduating seniors of the most important lesson taught on The Hilltop, one rooted in humility.

“A part of you was developed here,” Lewis told the Class of 2026. “You were influenced by the time you spent journeying through these paths, through these friendships, and even up on the stage. Or, right in your seat amid your friends and mentors. The gift we offer collectively in that space — it’s simple — it’s just kindness. Here, both willingly and subconsciously, you’ve steeped in kindness.”

See photos from this year’s Commencement Ceremony.

The following graduating seniors were also celebrated during Saturday’s ceremony for having earned 2026 Commencement awards: 

The Class of 1920 Award
Noa Barrett ’26