On a rainy Commencement morning, the Class of 2026 gathered in Strong Field House with family and friends, poised between the familiarity of the Hilltop and the uncertainty of what comes next. Throughout the ceremony, speakers challenged graduates to step beyond their comfort zones, live with intention, and leave the world better than they found it. They painted a portrait of a class prepared not only to navigate life’s possibilities but also to meet them with courage, compassion, and optimism.

In her introductory remarks, Head of School Heather Willis Daly opened with a familiar reflection on endings and beginnings, quoting Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca — and Semisonic’s “Closing Time” — that “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” She then turned to the wisdom shared throughout the year in Senior Chapel Talks. “Charlie [Garrity] would say, ‘Time doesn't wait; the horizon is always in front of us, meaning we will never fully arrive—so we must use time with intention now,’” she shared.

Elected class speaker Owen Schmidt delivered remarks on behalf of the graduates, reflecting on growth through discomfort and the strength of community. He described Pomfret as both a foundation and a launching point. “I am excited to watch our class go out and expand the walls of our comfort zones,” Schmidt said. “Thanks to this solid foundation we have built for ourselves, which Pomfret has helped us achieve, we have the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs.” He closed by returning to the school’s guiding motto, urging classmates forward: Certa Viriliter — Strive Valiantly.

That spirit of stepping into the unknown carried into the Commencement address delivered by Hilary Axtmayer ’00, chief program officer and soon-to-be CEO of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. She encouraged the Class of 2026 to make the world more beautiful through joy, compassion, and intentional acts of care. Reflecting on her favorite childhood book, Miss Rumphius, Axtmayer spoke of a woman who travels the world but ultimately finds her purpose in scattering lupine seeds to beautify her community.

“You don’t need to graduate today and immediately find your purpose. You don’t need to change the world by tomorrow morning,” she reassured the graduates. “But you do need to decide what kind of seeds you are going to carry. You have everything you need to make your mark on the world.”

The ceremony also marked an opportunity to recognize outstanding student achievements. Thirteen students were honored with Commencement Awards for their accomplishments on the Hilltop. Kelly Jimin Park and Ziheng “Henry” Chen were named first and second in class, respectively. The Pomfret Bowl — first awarded more than 130 years ago — was presented to Laila Mancini and Ian Sherman in recognition of their athletic excellence. The faculty selected William Leary for the Wendell D. Mansfield Cup, honoring his desire, drive, and determination. Edward King’oo received Pomfret’s highest honor, the Founder’s Medal, in recognition of his scholarship, character, and leadership.

Rooted in Pomfret’s enduring motto — Certa Viriliter — the Class of 2026 now leaves the Hilltop ready to step boldly into the unknown and plant something meaningful in the world beyond it.

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