Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Hailing from six countries across Asia, North America, and Europe, the Class of 2026 is a remarkably diverse cohort. While each student brings a unique personality and set of passions, they collectively embody the transformative power of peace education, which has taught them to find common humanity and embrace a global perspective. This close-knit group graduated last Friday as courageous global citizens, poised to help light the world in their respective fields.
In keeping with tradition, each graduate wore a sash of a different color during the commencement ceremony, symbolizing the academic discipline they are most passionate about. These fields represent not only what they study, but also who they are becoming as future global citizens and changemakers.
Viola wore Gold, embodying her creative spirit and passion for Architecture and the Arts.
Kate, Yuna, Charlotte, Dylan, and Tom wore Red, signifying their commitment to the fields of Psychology, Accounting & Finance, Business Management, Economics, and Business within Individuals & Societies.
Kevin, Karen, and Michael donned Green, symbolizing their passion for the Sciences and their future pathways in Medicine and related scientific fields.
The Keynote Address delivered by Jakub Grzeszczuk beautifully encapsulated the Class of 2026 by equating each student to a living being found in nature and highlighting how they embody the highest qualities of each.
“Nine organisms. Nine completely different survival strategies. And somehow, one advisory class. Despite how unbelievably different all of you are from one another… somehow you work… Sometimes probably wanted to launch one another directly into orbit. And yet whenever things truly mattered – you came together. That is rare – and beautiful.
Because despite what modern life sometimes teaches us, no meaningful system survives through isolation – and neither do people. One of the things that made me proudest about all of you was never the fact that you struggled. It was the fact that when things became difficult… you reached for one another. You talked, supported each other, and asked for help.
What matters is not whether you always know the correct answers. It is whether you remain curious enough to keep asking questions about reality, people, and yourselves.”
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
