On the morning of Sunday, May 24, the Class of 2026 gathered beneath a sky that, despite all forecasts to the contrary, chose generosity. The light was soft and the Chapel lawn green, with a little confetti still scattered from a merry week. Framed by Brick Row, the stage stood empty as family and friends took their seats, but it wasn’t long before the cacophonous signal of the start — the cheerful, strong warble of the bagpipes. 

The procession processed with measured steps, the swell of music, the flash of cameras, and faculty and trustees guiding students one last time. At the end of the journey, those same adults turned, facing in and joining the applause for the graduating class. It’s the sound of pure pride. And if Commencement marks an ending, it is also certainly a moment of recognition.

This is, after all, the Bicentennial Class.

They arrived at Reserve as the school approached its 200th year and leave having helped define it. They stood between the glow of 75,000 lights at the start of the year, they gathered in the Chapel in April to celebrate a birthday that only a few institutions reach, and, it feels important to note, they won the Bicentennial Class Olympics along the way. But history, however luminous, is only part of their story.

This class would be unforgettable, even if they weren’t tied to such a milestone. We can count off the various hats that fit them — readers, scientists, performers, volunteers, athletes, artists, scholars, hackey-sackers. We could keep going. They are quick to smile and laugh. They are curious and kind. They are, in the most sincere sense of the phrase, good to one another. The kind of class that alters the chemistry of a campus. 

Brand new titles were given to a select few. Among the many traditions honored at Commencement is the school’s most distinguished awards. This year’s recipients are: 

• Bicknell Prize | Jayden A. Kersh        
• Robinson Prize | Lilly G. Morgan
• Harlan Wood Award | Sihyang Christine Baek
• John W. Hallowell Award | Charlotte C. German
• Turnbull Endeavor Award | Finnegan M. Frato-Sweeney
• Friendship Trophy | Casimer M. Badynee 
• Marie Fiedler Award | Lydia M. Stropki 
• Angus Frew Award | Casimer M. Badynee

Click here to read these award descriptions.

Another cherished tradition is the selection of the student speaker, nominated by their classmates. This year, that honor went to Casimer Badynee, who approached the podium with ease (he is, after all, a two-time, first-place Rotary Speech champion). He offered a thoughtful reflection that reframed a familiar refrain:

“There’s a common saying in commencement speeches: it’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” he began. “And that’s true… but I believe that the meaning of our time here was really about neither the destination nor the journey. Our time here at Reserve was really about the company.”

With a gesture toward the crowd, he named what was plainly visible: that no one arrives at this moment alone. That the true measure of these years might be found not in milestones, but in the people who made them matter.

“So many people here today are your company: the friends who supported you, the teachers who guided you, your family who stood by your side. What's clear to me now more than ever with the sea of people in front of me, is that this commencement ceremony commemorates company."

We welcomed our Commencement Speaker, Rev. Peter Gunn Cheney. A graduate of the Frederick Gunn School, Transylvania University and Virginia Theological Seminary, Cheney was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1975 and later received an honorary doctorate from the University of the South. And we were honored to be present for his heartfelt, earnest speech about the lifelong journey of growing up, which he introduced with a charming call-and-response activity —

“All together, sing with me… I won’t grow up!”

There was a pause. And then: “...I won’t grow up,” replied the graduates, some breaking into laughter and many shaking their heads, exchanging smiles.

“I don’t wanna go to school.”

“I don’t wanna go to school.”

“Just to learn to be a parrot.”

“Just to learn to be a parrot.”

“And recite a silly rule!”

“And recite a silly rule!”

A perfect way to set the table for the larger message. Cheney reflected on the lifelong journey of “growing up,” and with a series of quotes and personal anecdotes — a Peanuts comic strip, a moving story of a struggling former student, etc. — he illustrated his point in broad, vivid strokes. True fulfillment comes not from external achievements or prescribed paths, but from discovering one’s authentic self. And central to this lesson is the idea, the truth, that each person’s worth is inherent, not earned, and that joy, though often challenged by life’s hardships, remains a vital, sustaining force.

“Find your own voice,” he urged. “Be a pioneer. You don’t have to be great in the world’s eyes — but you can be great at loving, serving, and nurturing joy.”

And, in reflecting on joy as a practice, he left them with a lovely call to action: “Don’t ever lose your skip.”

In a normal ceremony, we would then move immediately into the grand finale: the awarding of the diplomas. But this ceremony held another surprise — the announcement of our co-President of the Board of Trustees Martin D. Franks’ ’68 retirement as board president and his transition to Chair of Lux et Veritas: A Third Century Campaign for Reserve. His co-President, Nathaniel E. Leonard ’82, broke the news, and his words of appreciation inspired applause across Lawn’s Wide Sweep. It was an echoing expression of heartfelt gratitude for Franks’ years of service, dedication and generosity. His love for Reserve is unmatched, and we are incredibly grateful for his continued leadership.

Diplomas were awarded by our co-presidents, and if felt like no time at all had passed before our final student walked across the stage. Particularly moving, as always, were the moments of legacy when family members, WRA alumni themselves, handed diplomas to the next generation. Brief exchanges, quiet words, strong embraces shared along the way.

In her closing remarks, Head of School Suzanne Walker Buck P ’24 expressed her tremendous appreciation at being a part of their Reserve journey.

“It has been an honor watching you grow, connect with others and ideas, and find meaning in your endeavors,” she said. “You are Pioneers who will blaze new trails. Like our Bicentennial Tree and the school it symbolizes, it is my hope that you may form deep roots, extend branches, and share your brilliance with others. Our world needs your empathy, intellect and excellence in action. Heed the call and share your joy.”

Gathered around the flagpole, voices rose and the final line “Around thy walls, Dear Old Reserve” transitioned right into cheers, applause and something almost inaudible but keenly heard amidst the noise — something like a sigh of disbelief, equal parts sorrow and joy, that they did it, that they can’t believe it’s already time to go.

Oh, Pioneers. We will not say “make us proud.” That work is already done.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.