Wakefield Country Day School in Huntly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 last Saturday, honoring 13 seniors during a ceremony attended by classmates, family members, faculty, alumni and friends.
The graduates gathered in the auditorium one final time as students to mark their accomplishments and reflect on the impact they made during their time at the school.
Whether they attended Wakefield for one year or 15, members of the Class of 2026 contributed to school life through academics, athletics, clubs, performances and daily interactions.
Valedictorian Olivia Korte and Salutatorian Daniel Fletcher reflected on those experiences in their remarks, highlighting the relationships formed during their years at Wakefield. Alongside thanks to family members, teachers and classmates, both spoke about lessons learned inside and outside the classroom.
That theme carried through the keynote address delivered by Wakefield alumna Monica Marciano, a member of the Class of 2016. Since graduating, Marciano has earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia, worked in the federal government, including a year at the White House, and is now pursuing a law degree at New York University School of Law.
Drawing on her own experiences, Marciano told graduates that while life rarely follows a straight path, the knowledge, values and relationships they developed at Wakefield would continue to serve them.
“The relationships that you have today, and the people sitting next to you right now, will always remain available to you if you choose to cultivate them,” Marciano said.
The ceremony also included the presentation of awards by faculty members, Wakefield co-founder Pamela Lynn-Tucker and former Head of School Kathleen Grove. Members of the school’s International Student Cohort were recognized for their contributions to the Wakefield community during their time at the school.
Head of School John Elmore conferred diplomas while Upper School Dean Patricia Mullins shared personal tributes for each graduate as they crossed the stage.
One of the ceremony’s longstanding traditions followed as Tana Brady, Jacob DiDomenico and Blake Jordan — the class’s longest-tenured students, each having spent 15 years at Wakefield — rang the school bell one final time.
The Class of 2026 leaves Wakefield with a record of academic, athletic and extracurricular achievements, as well as a lasting presence within the school community. Collectively, the graduates earned more than $2 million in merit scholarships as they prepare for the next stage of their education and careers.
The ceremony marked both the end of their time at Wakefield and the beginning of new opportunities beyond the school’s campus.