Following the traditional "Then and Now" slideshow, student speaker Shreya Ranjan ’26 posed the question “What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?“ and concluded that it’s a lack of empathy. Shreya encouraged her classmates to “make a concerted effort to feel empathy for those involved in conflict, and challenge yourselves to see the bigger picture.”

Head of School José M. De Jesús warmly welcomed Commencement Speaker Jodi Kantor P’24, a prize-winning investigative reporter and best-selling author. Her new timely book, How to Start: Discovering Your Life’s Work (which Dalton gifted to each senior), offers wisdom and strategies to help young people launch their careers in a challenging environment. In her inspiring and instructive remarks, Jodi addressed the feelings of uncertainty the soon-to-be graduates may be experiencing as they look ahead: “All of us are always in a state of becoming, but today your state of becoming is heightened.” Jodi challenged the Class of 2026 to “enjoy the not knowing,” rather than racing ahead and “building a resume with one arrow after another pointing in the same direction, and pushing away any contradiction or confusion.” Her invaluable advice to the Class of 2026 is to ward off pressures that will “undermine the essential project of self-discovery, experimentation, and growth that will lead to your greatest success.”

The Senior Graduation Music Ensemble — under the direction of Music Department Co-Chairs Liz Cruz and Bill Solomon — performed a beautiful rendition of the Beatles song “In My Life.” 

In his remarks, Head of School José M. De Jesús referenced examples from school life and his personal experience and observed, “Life — especially in today's world — will not always give you time to prepare. Be as prepared as you can in what you know, and trust that preparation to carry you through what you don't. Seek to understand. Context matters. It can change everything. And remember that success is rarely a solo act. Build communities. Invest in relationships. Support one another.”

After receiving their hard-earned diplomas, members of the Class of 2026 moved their mortarboard tassels from right to left, sang the Dalton School Song, and enthusiastically tossed their caps — marking this momentous transition from students to alumni. 

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