Our first student address was by class president Zora Scannell-Rooks ’26. Her introduction to the class was playful and full of pride:
“Hello and Welcome to the Graduation of the Class of 2026. It’s only fitting that we’re the 100th graduating class, as we are undeniably the finest class to grace this school (and the reigning tug-of-war champs 6 years running). Filled with talent, humor, beauty, and intellect, this class is the full package. Not a single person on this stage is anything short of exceptional. I take immense pride in being a part of such a remarkable group of people, and in having watched them group up alongside me.”
Our second student address was by Oscar Bernfield ’26, and he shared the temperament of the class:
“Every person on this stage can attest to the affinity of our class for disagreement, which, I suppose, is a nice way of saying we like to argue. From the worthiest theory to the pettiest preoccupation with semantics, I don’t think there is any hill any one of us shouldn’t like to die on.”
Our third student address was by Charlie Dickinson ’26, and she shared appreciation and a challenge:
“Thank you to everyone for being here today. To the friends who have taught us, the teachers who have parented us, and the parents who have been friends when we needed them, thank you. You are all family who have supported us for the past 18 years, through our best and worst moments. You have helped us develop into individuals who we are proud to be, and for that, we thank you.
As Harley students, at every turn, we have been asked to take the more difficult route. We were expected not only to “become what thou art,” but to work hard, push ourselves creatively and intellectually, be empathetic and thoughtful, and always deliver…as Harley graduates, we are not meant to leave here today and do whatever is easiest. Every morning you will have to wake up and make the choice to care about the world around you…as amazing and wonderful as you all are, every day you will have to wake up and find ways to be better.”
The faculty address was given by David O’Brien P ’19 (English, 2011–present):
“If your private school education has taught you to feel exceptional, to measure your enlightenment against the supposed ignorance of others; if it’s lifted you up so that you can look down upon others; if it’s led you to value private gain over public good; it it’s goaded you to covet access to high-walled, opulent communities that promote stupefying exclusivity…you’ve been miseducated. But if you see yourself in both the beauty and the flaws you perceive in others; if you see strangeness not as something to turn away from but as a loop that takes you out of and then back to yourself…then you are well educated.”
This is just a taste of the ceremony. If you wish to watch it in its entirety, click here. The password is: 2026.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
