Congratulations to the Class of 2026

Stuart's Class of 2026 marked their commencement on Saturday, June 6, with the particular joy that comes from a class that has always known how to show up for one another.

Click here for photos from all Commencement ceremonies   Click here for a recording of the live stream from the ceremony

Class President Najma Tahiry opened the morning with a portrait of her classmates — passionate, grounded, and genuinely invested in one another's success:

"We pursue our passions because they matter to us, not because they are expected of us… Our drive is not about performance; it is about authenticity. We know who we are… We care deeply about our goals, but we never let them become our entire identity. We genuinely want to see each other succeed. No matter how stressful or demanding high school became, we stood beside each other and developed a quiet understanding that none of us had to face it alone."

Class Speaker and Executive Student Government President Annika Alden-Siegel wove Stuart's own living stream into a meditation on four years of growth — and the responsibility that comes with leaving:

"Just as a river relies on tributaries to sustain its flow, we would not be here without the people who have given their time, love, and support to help us succeed… It is our honor and our duty to bring back what we have gained and learned in the world to help those who are at the beginning or in the midst of a similar journey to the one we complete today."

This year's commencement address was delivered by Ashley Loren '06 — Broadway star, recording artist, and proud Stuart alumna. Best known as the longest-running Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Ashley returned to the green brick walls twenty years after her own graduation with something more honest than a highlight reel. She spoke candidly about the seasons her résumé doesn't capture — auditions not booked, opportunities that dissolved, years spent trying to earn worth she already had — and offered the graduates a charge rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition she carried with her:

"I am a Stuart girl… I had teachers in this building who saw things in me before I knew how to see them in myself. Wise freedom is not doing whatever you want. It's learning how to listen to yourself. It's discernment… freedom without self-awareness can become chaos, but freedom rooted in truth becomes integrity. Trust yourself even before the evidence arrives. Trust yourself before the applause. Trust yourself when other people are projecting their fears onto you… Nobody can tell you what your ceiling is unless they have walked exactly in your shoes. And sweetie, nobody ever will. What is meant for you will never escape you — as long as you keep showing up. As long as you keep moving. As long as you remain open enough to grow into the person you are becoming."

The ceremony included the conferral of diplomas by Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Woodney Wachter and Paul Teti, with graduates announced by Head of Upper School Kristen Zosche and Director of College Counseling Cindy Michalak. Vice President Abby Chirik led the turning of the rings — the deer, worn facing inward throughout their Stuart years, now turned outward: a symbol of readiness to offer their gifts to a world that needs them.

The Tartantones performed "Here's to Song," and the ceremony closed with a prayer offered by class Secretary/Treasurer Taylor States:

Dear God,

As we approach the end of graduation, I want to thank you for all of the memories our class has shared together. Whether we have known one another since middle school or joined this community just four years ago, thank You for bringing us together and allowing us to share these final moments as classmates. 

As we embark on our own paths, I pray that we find peace, joy, and purpose in the journeys ahead. Please guide us, protect us, and keep us under Your wing. In moments of uncertainty, moments of joy, or even moments of quiet reflection we share with You, may we always feel Your presence and know that You are with us through everything. 

Lord, please continue to lead us down the path You have prepared for us, and continue to shine Your light upon us in every success and every challenge. Help us remain open-minded, aware, and focused on the responsibilities before us. Prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead, and guide us as we grow into the women You created us to be: hardworking, independent, compassionate, and strong. 

Lord, I ask that You continue to protect our family and friends. Keep their minds at ease and let them know that everything will be alright because we are in Your care. Remind them that we are deeply grateful for their love, sacrifices, and unwavering support. None of what we have accomplished would have been possible without them. 

As we enter college this fall, may we fill every room with light and courage through You. Shine through us Lord, and help us live in a way that honors You. May we make You proud and keep You at the center of our hearts as we step into this next chapter of our lives.

In Your precious name we pray, 
Amen. 

Below is the full list of the Class of 2026

Annika Elise Alden-Siegel
Sydney Noelle Anderson
Ashley Maria Batz Ajanel
Kirsten Aseye Sarpong Brenya
Angelina Che
Abigail Carolynn Chirik
Samantha Rebecca Feldman 
Pari Noor Hazaveh
Leila Jaslene Hernandez-Lewis 
Jada Alexis Hutchinson 
Rhea Jain
Nana Akua Ken-Kwofie 
Hadelyn Martinez Cambero
Daniela Hadasa Mayen-Veliz
Julia Catherine Perl
Thara Aashna Shetty 
Taylor Marie States
Najma Tahiry
Gloria Ying Wang
Ziang (Vivian) Wang
Mingzi (Penny) Ye
Leyi (Aria) Zhou