Sunshine and Laughter Mark the Graduation of the Class of 2026

“This is such a special day for all of us, and I am absolutely delighted that this Senior Class represents my first Commencement at Foxcroft,” shared Head of School Dr. Lisa Kaenzig, who went on to welcome all in attendance, especially the families of the graduates. “You have our deepest appreciation for investing in your daughters’ and granddaughters’ learning and for entrusting them to our care.”

She then announced Dr. James Sweeney as the Commencement Speaker, who shared his first memories of the class as one of their freshman year dorm parents in Reynolds. 

“When I think back to that first year,” he recalled, “there is one moment that I always go back to. It sticks out so much that I have the specific quote embedded in my brain: ‘You are a terrible driver.’ … this comment caught me so off guard that I still remember it over three years later, but not for the reason you might think.

“I remember that specific weekend trip so vividly because it was one of the most fun times I have had in my entire time working at Foxcroft. Shortly after that terrible bus ride, I got to be a member of a team of freshmen who had to escape from a rustic cabin in the woods. The team of Valeska, Maddie, Ellet, and Anneliese worked so well together, and we escaped with 10 minutes to spare. Afterward, we went to Chick-fil-A, and when we got back to campus, they sang the loudest rendition of the 'thank you' song that I have ever heard. That night will always be cemented in my brain as a time when a required work commitment can be so much more.

“As you look back on your time at Foxcroft,” he continued, “you will face a similar duality. There are things you will remember from your time here that seemed especially difficult … However, if you think about these moments just a little longer, you will see that they were transformative … So my ask of the Class of 2026 is this: embrace the chaotic moments, and the stressful moments, and the times where things didn’t go right. These may be hiding some of the most powerful lessons and memories from your time at Foxcroft. Or, as was put more concisely by Miss Charlotte, around 100 years ago, ‘Take the difficult hills and let your light shine.’”

Chosen by her classmates to deliver the Senior Class Address, Lizema C. ’26 spoke next, weaving together a poignant reflection on connection and what the Foxcroft experience with her classmates has meant to her.

“We are walking proof that Foxcroft girls are many things, but most importantly, we are what we make of the opportunities Foxcroft has given us,” she shared. “Foxcroft is more than a school. It’s the pride of seeing your name engraved on the walls of Schoolhouse and finally being a part of the same legacy as the women before you. It’s the Fox/Hound traditions and whispering on the sleeping porch. It’s the School Song and Miss Charlotte’s Garden, but most importantly, it is the friendships. The connections that we’ve gained here will last us the rest of our lives because, while luck may reward us by chance, the true foundation of our success lies in the connections we build. Our School Song says, ‘Every girl that’s here has a memory near and dear.’ We come in as little girls, not knowing if we are Foxes or Hounds, and we leave knowing that we are ready to navigate the world. We are classmates by chance and friends by choice.”

“Some species of trees, like the great Redwoods,” she went on, “have surprisingly shallow roots, but they grow wide and interlock with their neighbors to stay standing strong. They’d fall on their own, but together, they hold each other up. ... As we end senior year, I see the same result in all of us. We didn’t just grow with each other; we grew because of each other. Class of 2026: May our branches reach high, but may our roots always stay intertwined.”

The culminating event of the day brought Board of Trustees Chair Elizabeth Lester ’88 forward to award diplomas to this impressive group. The Class of 2026 has accomplished much, receiving 232 offers of admission from 148 colleges and universities. Eleven seniors were offered 29 merit scholarships totaling over $1.7 million. Thirteen are AP scholars (three with Honor and four with Distinction), eight are members of Foxcroft’s chapter of Cum Laude, and eight now hold a transcript designation in Foxcroft’s Academic Concentration program: three in Fine Arts, two in STEM, one in Humanities, and two in Integrated Studies.

Members of the Class will attend Boston College, Cornell University, John Cabot University, New York University, Northeastern University, Rutgers University, United States Naval Academy, University of Virginia, and Washington and Lee University, among others. View the complete list of college acceptances.

In addition to those announced at the Awards Assembly on Thursday afternoon, several prizes were given at Commencement, including Valedictorian Harper P., who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and Salutatorian Caroline W., who will attend the University of Washington. Other top awards went to seniors Ariana A., Aradeal H., Kyla P., and Katarina S. The highest honors for younger students went to Olivia M. ’27, Youki T. ’27, Jensy C. ’28, and Dara O. ’29. View a complete list of awards and prizes.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on your graduation!