148 Students Graduate from Hopkins School

On the morning of Friday, June 5, 2026, under warm sunshine and clear skies on the Hill, the largest graduating class in Hopkins history received their diplomas, surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff.

Before 148 members of the Class of 2026 took to the stage, the audience enjoyed powerful speeches and musical performances. 

The ceremony began with an Invocation by Reverend Joseph MacNeill, Chaplain of St. Thomas More, the Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University. 

Gabriel Ciminiello, President of the Class of 2026, delivered the Salutatory Address. Reflecting on the growth and resilience of his classmates, Ciminiello encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty, continue taking risks, and support one another as they move forward. Speaking about the spirit of the Hopkins community, Ciminiello offered a new motto for the Class of 2026: “Hopkins, ‘We Try!’” in reference to how members of the Class of 2026 were marked by an adventurous knack for trying new things and exploring endeavors outside of their comfort zones.

“The beauty of everything we partake in is not in its completion nor its conception. It's in the failures and the hiccups. It's in the smallest victories. Every limp or crawl forward,” said Ciminiello.

Ciminiello closed his speech with a short performance of the song “High School Musical” as the audience clapped and sang along.

Valedictorian Michael Illuzzi reflected on the power of curiosity, adaptability, and human connection. After opening his remarks with an intentionally AI-generated introduction as a way to show its staleness and lack of humanity, Illuzzi emphasized the uniquely human qualities that define meaningful experiences and relationships. He encouraged classmates to embrace uncertainty and remain open to growth, noting that young people should not feel pressure to have everything figured out. 

Illuzzi concluded by challenging graduates to carry forward the lessons they learned from their teachers and mentors.

“Stay agile, stay curious, stay connected, and together, let's change the world,” he said.

Head of School Matt Glendinning addressed the graduates by reflecting on the remarkable journey of a class that experienced both a global pandemic and the emergence of artificial intelligence during their years at Hopkins. He praised the Class of 2026 for their resilience, achievements, and commitment to one another, describing them as “a mature, sophisticated, deeply bonded group of seniors.” Glendinning highlighted the class’s academic, athletic, artistic, and service accomplishments before encouraging them to embrace the opportunities ahead.

“Whatever path you take, you are likely to encounter new ideas, new people, and whole realms of study and thought that you didn't even know existed.”

Following the speeches, Gwen Evans ’84, Chair of the Hopkins Committee of Trustees, accompanied by Joshua Young, Head Adviser to the Class of 2026, delivered diplomas to each graduating senior.