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Sara Strnad took center stage Thursday, June 4 as the class valedictorian at The Harvey School’s 2026 commencement. The top scholar of Harvey’s senior class with a 4.28 GPA, Sara plans to attend Notre Dame in the fall and major in mechanical engineering.

Sara spoke eloquently to her fellow graduates about the importance of recognizing the important people in their lives who have guided and supported them, their parents, families, mentors, and teachers. “High school wasn’t a solo mission, and although exciting, college isn’t any easier. However, the loved ones in our lives do not simply disappear when we move out. You are never alone, and those close relationships will grant us courage to face the future,” she said, closing with “Success cannot be defined by anyone but yourself. We, the Class of 2026, are ready for all that is to come.”

In May, when making the announcement of this year’s class valedictorian, Harvey’s Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro described Sara as "a talented, mature student." Mr. Lazzaro said, "Through outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to the Harvey community, Sara has exemplified excellence both inside and outside the classroom, and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future.”

In addition to being an outstanding student, Sara immersed herself in campus life throughout her years at Harvey, serving as the co-president of student government and captain of the varsity volleyball team, and participating in the VEX Robotics tournaments where she helped her team garner major awards for the excellence in design and performance of their robots.

Alexandra Carrozza, the senior associate of Harvey’s office of college counseling, speaks highly of the 2026 valedictorian. She said, “Sara is extremely bright, curious, and kind, all while balancing an ambitious course load. She takes her responsibilities seriously as both our student council co-president and as a leader on Harvey's VEX robotics team. It’s been a delight to have witnessed her hard work pay off as she heads to Notre Dame where she'll surely leave a similar, lasting, mark on their campus as she has ours.”  

Harvey math teacher and robotics director Chris Kelly was delighted with the naming of Sara as this year’s valedictorian. Mr. Kelly said, “I have known Sara for eight years, and she has always stood out for her intelligence, drive, integrity, and kindness.” Mr. Kelly said, “She consistently leads by example through hard work, humility, and respect for others.” He went on to say, “I am incredibly proud, though not surprised, that she is this year’s valedictorian.” He added, “Notre Dame is gaining an exceptional young woman.”

AP Chemistry teacher Bruce Osborne also speaks highly of the Class of 2026's top scholar. He said, "Sara possesses excellent quantitative skills, a flexibility of mind to interpret and process some very challenging problem sets, and a remarkable work ethic.” Mr. Osborne described Sara as a student who “takes a genuine interest in each and every area of study, and derives great pleasure in mastering every facet of a topic.” He called her “a very special Harvey senior.”