On Sunday, June 7th sixty-six Heights seniors joined the ranks of alumni in the Class of 2026. Here is a recap of the day with a look at some of their accomplishments and where they are headed.
Denis Mitchell ’92, father of Will ’21, Hank ’23, and Joe ‘26 gave the commencement speech. Denis, a partner at Stein Mitchell Beato & Missner LLP, is the first alumnus to give a commencement address. He was also the first son of a commencement speaker to give the address.
The class of 2026 featured eighteen lifers (students who have attended the school since third grade) and five sons of alumni.
Fourteen students graduated as Robert H. Jackson Scholars. Named after the first longtime Headmaster, these students successfully completed a thirty to forty page research paper and thirty minute presentation before a panel of faculty judges. The following are a sample of some thesis titles from these scholars: Artificial Intelligence, the Unreliable Employee: An Analysis of AI’s Ability to Replace Humans in Labor; One Currency, Divergent Paths: Assessing the Euro’s Impact on European Integration; The Identity of the Synoptic Christ; and Opportunity and Exploitation: The Transfer Portal Era.
These graduates also demonstrated a dedication to service. Many attended the YSI Service Project to Peru the summer after their sophomore year or worked at the summer Leadership Camp. Others attended the Jamaica Crescite Trip serving with Mustard Seed at an orphanage for children with disabilities. Still more were involved in their local churches either teaching catechism, math at school in D.C., or volunteering for summer camps. Six graduates will participate in ROTC programs in the fall, three in Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, one at Princeton, one at Benedictine, and one Clemson. One graduate is entering the seminary for the Archdiocese of Washington.
The class leaves a well rounded legacy for the drama and fine arts departments including one tied for the second most drama performances in school history. Others were student directors, lighting and stage directors, scriptwriters. A few graduates served as soloists and section leaders in the Men’s Chorus and Upper School Wind Ensemble as well.
Regarding athletics, three seniors achieved First Team All-WCAC in soccer. Two of them will be playing at the Division I level next year for Mount St. Mary’s and UMBC. The class also includes a Maryland State Champion Wrestler who will continue his career at Benedictine. Finally, two are headed to the Catholic University of America one for lacrosse and one for rugby.
Our 2026 graduates will go onto a variety of different colleges, universities and trades, including: Catholic University of America, Texas A&MUniversity of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Benedictine, Clemson, Furman, Hillsdale, Ave Maria University, Holy Cross College in South Bend, University of Maryland, College Park, Princeton University, Cornell, Columbia University, Northwestern, University of Navarre, Georgetown, Providence College, St. Joseph’s, Belmont Abbey, George Mason, Indiana, Iona, and Penn State Behrend among other Universities and community colleges. Three will be studying in the United Kingdom at Cambridge, St. Andrews, and the University of Leeds.
If you are interested in providing advice or mentoring to other alumni or current students, please reach out!
Congratulations to the class of 2026!