The very last day of April coincided with the final day of high school for our Class of 2026 seniors. Amid delicious food, college t-shirts, and a ceremonial walk through campus, seniors reflected on all that they achieved during their time at MICDS. They spent the day connecting with their peers and teachers (a.k.a. their Ram families) and looked to the future as they get ready to embark on their next journeys: college! What a milestone day it was to celebrate!
In the morning, seniors enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast that was set up in Hearth Room, the sacred senior space on campus where seniors study and hang out throughout the school year. The breakfast included fruit, oatmeal, muffins, and a coffee bar. Throughout the day, they were welcome to enjoy a brightly colored candy bar before a lunch of nachos with all the topping options you can imagine!
Thank you very much to the senior parents who volunteered to pull of these delicious meals and the fun decorations for this special day. Decorations included multiple photo backdrops that nodded to the Class of 2026, photo booth props, balloons, college flags that showed each seniors’ college destination, inspirational quotes, lit up 2026 numbers, and Senior Celebration Day banners. Seniors added to the decor by using chalk to draw the many logos of their college destinations and their goodbyes to MICDS.
Besides food, seniors partook in a variety of games and activities. They played football, volleyball, cornhole, and hacky sack, to name a few of the games. It was also “Anything But A Backpack Day,” where seniors could bring anything but a backpack to carry their stuff. The Class of 2026 could be seen carting their stuff around in baby strollers, mini coolers, pet carriers, and small shopping carts. Many also took the time to take photos with one another, often while holding their college pennants.
In the final hours of the day, seniors gathered on the front steps of Olson Hall for the senior class photo. Dressed in college gear, they waved their college pennants and smiled brightly.
Lastly, seniors embarked on the traditional campus walkthrough. Among happy tears and laughter, students paraded through cheering Lower, Middle, and Upper School students and faculty. At the end of the walkthrough, Senior Class President Riley Crawford ’26 passed the senior class flag off to representatives from the rising senior class. Check out the photo albums below from the Class of 2026’s reflective stroll through campus!
Lower School
Middle School
Applause from Head of School Jay Rainey
Upper School
Daniel George, Upper School Dean of Students for the Class of 2026, had these words to say about the seniors’ last day: “The Class of 2026 did not just reach the finish line; they grew into it, carrying with them effort, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. On their final day, pride gave way to joy, tears, and the feeling of stepping freely into what comes next. As their dean, I have never been more proud, and watching them cheered by our younger Rams offered a powerful reminder that as one class finishes, another steps forward.”
Although there are still post-season athletic competitions, AP exams, and Commencement still ahead, our seniors are officially finished with classes at MICDS and can start turning the pages to their college adventures ahead. Check out the video below as some seniors reflected on their time at MICDS, and hear where a few of our students are headed in the fall!
We wish the Class of 2026 the absolute best as they wrap up their time at MICDS and begin their college chapters. Happy last day of Upper School, seniors!