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Beneath skies that shifted from clouds to rain, back to clouds, more rain and eventually a peek of sunshine, the North Shore Country Day Class of 2026 crossed the stage on Friday, June 5, during the school’s 107th upper school Commencement, celebrating the achievements, friendships and growth that defined their years together.

The ceremony, held in the auditorium, honored 58 graduates, including 10 lifers who began their North Shore journeys in junior or senior kindergarten.

PHOTO GALLERY: COMMENCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Senior speaker Max Flemma ’26 reflected on the experiences that shaped the class, from memorable moments in the senior homeroom to lessons learned on athletic fields, in classrooms and through friendships that spanned years. He encouraged his classmates to embrace all the different parts of who they are and to value the people who have supported them along the way.

“Our class can’t be summed up in one word, one assignment, one win, one club or one moment,” Max said. “We are all unique individuals, and that’s what makes us strong.”

Selected by the senior class to deliver the faculty address, upper school English teacher Jack Kinder spoke about embracing life’s many new beginnings. Drawing on the children’s book “You Are New,” he reminded graduates that growth often comes from stepping into unfamiliar situations with curiosity and courage.

“You are prepared,” Jack told the class. “You are prepared to live between the question and the answer long enough to make the world a better place.”

In his commencement address, Head of School Tom Flemma challenged graduates to seek authenticity in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, artificial intelligence and carefully curated digital identities. Rather than striving to be influencers, he urged students to become people of action and purpose.

“Go out and make a difference in the world,” Tom said. “Fight for the real over the fake; authenticity and impact over influence.”

Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates processed outside, where family members and faculty gathered as the Class of 2026 sang the school song, “Wake the Echoes.” The school’s lifers then rang the bell one final time, marking the end of their North Shore journey and the beginning of the next chapter.

As the sun emerged after an afternoon of changing skies, the Class of 2026 left campus carrying forward the values that have guided generations of North Shore graduates: to live and serve, remain curious and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

To see more photos, visit the Upper School Commencement page on Vidigami.