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The beautiful, sunny morning of June 4 provided the perfect backdrop for a truly heartfelt celebration. Before a proud audience of family, friends, teachers, and staff, the 84 members of The Harvey School Class of 2026 officially turned their tassels and became graduates.
The moving Commencement ceremony at the Fenstermacher Athletic Center began with the traditional sounds of "Earl of Mansfield" played by Pipe Major Jonathan Henken. Walking in with radiant smiles, the graduating class embraced a milestone that marks both the culmination of their hard work and the bright, welcoming path ahead of them.
“Today is a time to celebrate your accomplishments,” said Head of School Bill Knauer. “To reflect on all you’ve achieved, and to savor this moment.” But he also cautioned the graduates about relentlessly pursuing “the best” and “perfection” when often, good truly is enough. “It’s a reminder that the tiny imperfections we stress over really don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. When we agonize over every minor detail, we drain the energy we need for the things that actually matter,” Mr. Knauer said. “Class of 2026, orient yourselves toward the good. Look for it, create it, and appreciate it. Let go of the pressure to find a perfect world, and step confidently into one that is full of good, if you’ll only take the time to notice,” he said.
Commencement Speaker Daniel Schonning ’12, poet and professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, encouraged the graduates to be “a maker” in their lives. “I wish for you the joy of learning new things and being mediocre at them. I wish for you a world of challenges and rewards. I wish for you a well of love for one another, especially those-most-other than yourselves. The stranger, the immigrant, the folks not lucky enough to have a Harvey of their own. I wish for you passion and wonder. I wish for you failure and redemption. I wish for you doubt. I wish for you forgiveness,” he said. “Manage to build a life in the miraculous made place of “now.””
2026 Valedictorian Sara Strnad 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. “Success cannot be defined by anyone but yourself. We, the Class of 2026, are ready for all to come.”
The Upper School Chorus, led by teacher William Norman, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Chamber Chorus sang “Landslide” arranged by senior Delilah Hickson-Bilotta. Seniors were recognized for awards in academics, the arts, and athletics by Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro before the moment came to receive their diplomas on stage. The Class of 2026 then rose to their feet to move their tassels from right to left, symbolizing they are now graduates of The Harvey School, then tossed their caps high into the air in celebration.
The Harvey faculty lined the sidewalk in the Quad as the graduates walked in between them, a moving tradition that captures their journey from students to treasured Harvey alumni.
Congratulations, Harvey Class of 2026! Continue to be curious and good!
