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As Commencement approaches, the Mount Vernon community has spent the past several weeks celebrating the accomplishments, relationships, and lasting impact of the Class of 2026. From the Senior Luncheon on April 22 to the Honors Ceremony on April 29, and the Seniors’ final day of school on Friday, May 8, each milestone created space to reflect on a journey defined not only by achievement but also by connection, purpose, and personal growth.

For this class, Mount Vernon has been more than a school. It has been a place to ask questions, discover passions, build lifelong friendships, and step boldly into new experiences. Each student’s path has been uniquely their own, shaped by the people, opportunities, and moments that helped them grow into who they are becoming.

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Head of School Kristy Lundstrom reflected on the significance of the Class of 2026 and the legacy they leave behind. “This class has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with courage, humility, and purpose. They embraced challenge, cared deeply for one another, and helped shape the culture of our community in meaningful ways. We are incredibly proud of who they are and who they are becoming.”

The Senior Luncheon on April 22 brought students, faculty, and families together to celebrate the relationships and shared experiences that shaped the class throughout their years at Mount Vernon. Stories were shared, laughter echoed across tables, and the community paused to honor the people and moments that made this journey meaningful.

During the Honors Ceremony on April 29, the community celebrated a defining characteristic of the Upper School experience: a deep commitment to curiosity, growth, and academic excellence. Students were recognized not only for their accomplishments but also for the way they pursued learning with intention, resilience, and integrity.

Congratulations to Class of 2026 Valedictorian Cameron Bogdanchik, Salutatorian Christian Foster, and Class Speaker Maya Chopra. Their leadership and dedication reflect what is possible when purpose meets perseverance and when students are empowered to pursue learning with both ambition and heart.

And to every student recognized, the message was clear: your contributions matter. Whether in classrooms, on stages, in studios, on athletic fields, through service, or in the everyday moments of community, each Senior helped shape the story of this class.

Current Head of Upper School Trish Bogdanchick shared her admiration for the graduating class. “The Class of 2026 has led with remarkable thoughtfulness and empathy. They have supported each other, laughed with us, and grown into confident young adults. Watching them grow for the past four years has been an absolute joy I will carry with me for many years to come.”

On Friday, May 8, Seniors celebrated their final official day as Mount Vernon students, marking the occasion with beloved traditions, reflection, and one final opportunity to gather as a class before Commencement. The day was filled with both celebration and nostalgia as students revisited spaces and relationships that have shaped their experience over the years.

Incoming Head of Upper School Brad Droke also reflected on the Class of 2026’s impact as they prepare to take their next steps. “The Class of 2026 represents the very best of what’s possible when students are empowered to discover who they are and how they want to impact the world. Their future is incredibly bright, and I’m excited to see the paths they pursue beyond Mount Vernon.”

The story of this class can also be seen in the opportunities they will pursue next:

  • 125 graduates, including 10 MVSO graduates
  • 70% will attend college out of state at 59 different schools
  • Twelve Mustangs will attend Georgia Institute of Technology, and twelve will attend the University of Georgia
  • Ten students playing collegiate sports
  • Across 996 applications, the class earned an overall acceptance rate of 62% in the United States and abroad

These outcomes reflect more than impressive numbers. They represent years of discovery, persistence, creativity, and support from teachers, mentors, families, and peers. They reflect students who learned how to think deeply, lead courageously, collaborate meaningfully, and approach the world with empathy and purpose.

Commencement 2026 is the culmination of Mount Vernon’s promise to prepare students to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. As the Class of 2026 crosses the stage, they do so equipped not only with academic preparation but with the confidence, curiosity, and character to make a meaningful impact wherever their journeys lead next.

Commencement 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 9:00 am. The entire Mount Vernon community is invited to celebrate this incredible milestone as the Class of 2026 takes the stage and steps into the future by joining us via livestream on the YouTube channel as we celebrate the remarkable journey of the Mount Vernon Class of 2026.

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