Canterbury Celebrates the Class of 2026: Congratulations, Saints!

On May 22, Canterbury celebrated its 109th Commencement ceremony on Sheehan Lawn. Surrounded by loved ones, the Class of 2026 shared memories, excitement, and a few tears as they took an important first step into their future.

“Commencement is bittersweet because it asks you to hold two truths together at the same time: the joy of all that lies ahead and the ache of leaving behind a place and people you have loved deeply,” said Head of School Caroline Blatti. “So before life rushes forward yet again, let us be here together one last time as a community, on the threshold between what has been and what comes next. You are not meant to leave Canterbury as finished products. None of us is ever truly finished. Life asks us to continue growing, questioning, revising, learning, failing, recovering, and evolving. Who you are becoming already exists somewhere within you, but discovering that person requires courage, reflection, humility, and patience.”

Of the 106 graduates to cross the stage, 47 were “diehards,” Saints who spent all four years of high school at Canterbury. The class will go on to 73 colleges and universities, where they are positioned for success beyond the hilltop—81% have earned college merit scholarships, and 82% were accepted to Barron’s Profile of American Colleges “Most and Highly Selective” schools. During the ceremony, a dozen graduates were presented with honors acknowledging their academic and athletic achievements, service, and character.

THE ROBERT M. STEELE ’72 SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD | Grayson Mengold
In memory of Robert M. Steele, a model scholar-athlete, for academic and athletic achievement.

THE CHARLES R. HUNTINGTON SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD | Jaelyn Beauvais
In memory of Mr. Huntington, teacher, coach, and Athletic Director from 1969 to 1999, for academic and athletic achievement.

THE ELIZABETH “BETTY” BURKE AWARD | Daniel McGuire 
Given by the family of Mrs. Burke, who served the School from 1964 to 1995 in the roles of faculty spouse, parent, hostess, and school nurse, for cheerful determination to serve God and others.

THE CLASS OF 1987 CITIZENSHIP AWARD | Jared Strand
Presented to the Sixth Former who, in the judgment of classmates, has best fulfilled obligations to school, to fellow students, and to self.

THE RICHARD L. AND MARY CATHERINE FARRELLY AWARD | Serena Bacetti 
Presented to the Sixth Former who serves Canterbury quietly, yet thoroughly.

THE PHILIP H. BRODIE AWARD | Jaelyn Beauvais, Kaelyn Darrin, Maggie Samela, Cody Hew, & Gianna Martinez
In memory of Mr. Brodie, who was a teacher at Canterbury from 1919 to 1921 and 1924 to 1957, for exceptional achievement and all-around service to the School.

THE DR. NELSON HUME AWARD | Miguel Garcia & Jared Strand
Presented to the Sixth Former whose leadership, character, and achievements have been of the highest order, and whose performance embodies the ideals of the founding Headmaster.

And it wasn’t just students who were honored during the day’s festivities. Director of Music Dave Overthrow was given an honorary degree for his 30 years of service to Canterbury School. Science teacher Manna Ohmoto-Whitfield received the prestigious J.P. Mandler Teaching Award, given annually to the faculty member who reflects the fundamental commitment to excellence in classroom teaching.

Before diplomas were awarded, valedictorian Miguel Garcia offered words of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement to his fellow students.

“Boarding school offers an education, an experience, like no other. For us diehards, it was 720 days and 729 nights. It was about 2,000 meals in the dining hall. There were 700 sports practices, 1,900 hours of study hall, about 20 different classes, and 12 seasons of sports,” he said. “Yet what we've done in high school cannot be limited to a set of numbers. Over these last four years, the class of 2026 has also practiced showing up for our fellow Saints. And now I believe that it is time for us to show up for the rest of the world.”

Saints, the world is waiting, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do.