Severn School Holds 112th Commencement Exercises

The outdoor ceremony included all of the usual pomp and circumstances, with graduates processing in under brilliant blue skies, cheered on by family and friends. The program included the presentation of numerous senior awards, speeches by students and school leadership, and the presentation of each graduate before receiving a Severn School diploma. 

Kate Grimes earned the overall highest GPA and was recognized as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. Marcus Schwartz, with the second-highest GPA, was the salutatorian.

Annie Campion was chosen by her peers to deliver the senior class address. Lagarde offered remarks to the graduates and then Grimes delivered the valedictory address.

The final speaker was Apryl Doyle, English teacher and Class of 2028 Dean. Doyle was nominated by the members of the senior class to offer the commencement address.

The presentation of the graduates followed the student and faculty speakers. Each graduate was announced and invited to the stage to accept his or her diploma. Once all of the graduates were announced, they stood as a group and turned their tassels from right to left, signifying the transformation from student to alum.

Vocal Ensemble, one of Severn’s performance groups, performed two different songs during the program.

To close out the ceremony, the graduates gathered on one of Severn’s fields where they counted down and participated in the traditional cap toss, sending mortar boards skyward as they cheered their newfound status.

Upper School Head Steve Soden presented the following seniors awards during the ceremony: 

Students from Severn’s Class of 2026 are heading to 80 different colleges and universities in the states and abroad. Continuing a long tradition of service, five Admirals received appointments to 3 different service academies: United States Naval Academy (Olivia Cochran, Sam Long), United States Military Academy (Antonia Huber, Brendan Szydlik), and the United States Coast Guard Academy (Luke Layden). Additionally, Nate Eakins is attending the Georgia Military Academy in pursuit of an appointment to the United States Military Academy.

A record total of 37 Admirals will continue their athletic careers in college starting in the fall. They are matriculating to 30 different colleges and universities, with 18 competing at the D1 level, two in D2 programs, and another 16 in D3 sports. One student will be playing soccer at the University of Chester (UK).  Severn alums will compete in Men’s Basketball, Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Soccer, Football, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Soccer, Sailing, Men’s Swimming, Women’s Track & Field and Women’s Cross Country. For more information on Admirals in College, click here.