Class of 2026, family, friends, faculty, and staff: I am honored to welcome you to Castilleja’s 119th Commencement.
At Baccalaureate last night, we heard beautiful and personal messages. Mr. Callahan spoke to you about liminality and the power and agency that can come from living between phases and fixed definitions. Ms. Fox spoke to the importance of recognizing the historical context of our lives to build meaning from what we have both witnessed and built.
Class of 2026, like Mr. Callahan and Ms. Fox, you will always hold a special place in my heart. For me, it’s because you were my first senior class at Castilleja. My first boba party. My first senior speeches. And my first advisees. Most of all, you welcomed me as a new member of the community and you taught me so much about leadership.
Many of your most valuable lessons came through the cards you wrote to me for my Installation. For members in the audience who are guests at Castilleja for the first time today, because this is my first year, we had a wonderful Installation Ceremony in the fall to mark the beginning of my time as Head. During that event, I was given a wooden box with a handwritten note from every single Castilleja student inside. Can you believe it? I’m still reading and re-reading them and I’ll continue to for the rest of my life. There were lots of words of encouragement about being new to a community and really wise pointers about life.
Class of 2026, knowing that all of you are about to venture into new communities yourselves, I thought it might be helpful to share some of your own words back to you—as a reminder of the wisdom you already possess.
Ademi wrote: “You are an inspiration to the girls at the school with your PhD in molecular biology.” And from that message, Ademi reminded me that deep learning is not just about grades and degrees. Curiosity is a super power, a force of strength, and a way to connect with others. So, Class of 2026, use your intellect to inspire others.
Anukha wrote, “At Casti, I’ve found some of my closest friends and they have helped me grow.” And Katherine wrote: “I’ve learned about the kind of people I want to surround myself with and the kind of person I want to be.” Yes, Anukha and Katherine, school is about science and history and French cinema. And it’s also about finding your people and discovering yourself. Class of 2026, continue to surround yourselves with people who make you stronger. And continue to find your way toward your best selves.
Violet wrote: “In the coming years, I’m excited to see what changes are made as a result of your leadership.” And Charlie wrote, “I’m excited to see how you embrace and build upon our school.” Thank you, Charlotte and Charlie, for reminding me not to shy away from making an impact. Yes, being an agent of change can be hard, but you might also be appreciated for it. Class of 2026, I invite you to leave your mark on the world.
Rianne wrote: “I hope you are able to promote sisterhood and leadership.” Rianne, I appreciate that you see these two ideas as connected. As women leaders, sisterhood will matter more than you know. Support each other and seek each other out as mentors. The network of Casti Alums is waiting for you with open arms and lots and lots of good ideas.
Savannah wrote: “Never be afraid to say hi.” I know she’s right, but still, it can be harder than it sounds. When I graduated from a high school like this one, where everyone knew me, I have to admit that college felt a little lonely at the beginning. But draw from Savannah’s advice as you walk into a class of people you don’t know yet: if you say hi, soon enough you’ll know them!
Zoe R. wrote: “Don’t stress.” And Zoe F. wrote: “I hope you treat yourself with ease.” So, Class of 2026, you may feel tempted to be hard on yourselves and get stressed out, but try to remember the advice of the Zoes. They are right. You can do hard things, but you don’t have to be hard on yourselves in the process.
Finally, Lauren wrote: “I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do.” Lauren, thank you for having so much faith in me. I will live up to your expectations. In fact, maybe I’ll even surpass them. Class of 2026, like Lauren, I cannot wait to see all the amazing things you do. You already amaze all of us here today. And the rest of the world—whereever you’re headed next—won’t know what hit them when you raise your hand and make a comment that takes the conversation to a whole new level.
I know this because it happened to me when I was your age. In high school I had curious and courageous classmates like you. Then, in college, we suddenly realized that the people around us didn’t quite know what to make of us. Take it from me and from Lauren. Never let anyone talk you into being quieter, less ambitious, or less impressive than you already are. Surpass expectations at every turn. Continue to be amazing. And now, in your final moments as Castilleja students, I have my own message for you—just three short words: “You are ready.” I have met you with fresh eyes this year. You might have started your Castilleja journey as a shy 6th grader or a nervous 9th grader. Maybe you even had an awkward phase along the way—I know I did—but I can’t see any traces of that today. From my vantage point, I’ll remember you as you are now: calm, capable, confident, compassionate. And I’m not alone. Everyone here today sees that as well, and we believe in you. You are ready for all of it. Thank you, and Congratulations to the Class of 2026!