GSB Honors Class of 2026 in Commencement Ceremony

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, family, friends, faculty, trustees, and special guests gathered on campus for Gill St. Bernard’s School's Commencement ceremony celebrating the Class of 2026.

Seniors processed into the Athletic Center to the triumphant sounds of St. Ann’s of Hampton Pipes and Drums before Head of School Dr. Delvin Dinkins welcomed the audience with a reading of the poem Everything Is Waiting for You, setting a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the afternoon.

The Upper School Choir then delivered a spirited performance of Stevie Wonder’s “As,” filling the Athletic Center with energy and joy. Following the musical selection, Dr. Dinkins shared opening remarks reflecting on the accomplishments of the academic year and the many achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of the graduating class. He also reminded the class of the importance of taking chances, curiosity, and friendship. 

On behalf of the current and past trustees, Board Chair Rajiv DeSilva P '21 '25 presented departing trustee Liz Fucci P '17 with the GSB Medal in recognition of the highest level of service to the school.

Dr. Dinkins then announced the recipients of this year’s Chair of Excellence awards. The Chair of Excellence in Teaching, a longstanding GSB tradition, honors educators whose leadership, creativity, enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication leave a lasting impact on students. This year’s recipient was Lower School Science Teacher Lynn Prosen, recognized for inspiring curiosity, fostering a love of learning, and exemplifying excellence in the classroom.

This year also marked the formal introduction of the inaugural Chair of Excellence in Community, an award established to recognize individuals whose service, character, and commitment help shape the culture of Gill St. Bernard’s School. Grounded in GSB’s core values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, Compassion, and Excellence, the award celebrates those who strengthen the community through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a spirit of generosity. The first recipient of this honor was Head Librarian Kristen Armstrong, whose dedication and care have enriched the lives of students, faculty, and families throughout the school.

Six seniors elected to share their personal reflections at the Commencement ceremony – Maurice Boyd, Jr., Clarence Wu, Stephanie Perez, Declan Marcucci, Elia Titmas, and Annabelle Beekman.

In keeping with tradition, GSB Kindergarten Teacher Diane Lipnickey came to the podium to give special recognition to this year’s GSB Lifers – students who have attended GSB since Preschool, Prekindergarten or Grade 1 – who included Annabelle Beekman, Lucian Corrado, Cecilia Criscola, Davis Herr, John Jacobson, Oliver Litchfield, Gurnoor Pakka, Neil Procaccino, Caitlin Vollrath, and Aryanna Wasser.

Next, faculty and administrative members awarded the Class of 2026 Honors and Prizes to student recipients. These awards were in addition to the ones granted in the 2025-2026 Upper School Academic Awards on April 27, 2026.
 

Honors & Prize Descriptions

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY:

Maurice Boyd, Jr., Braelyn Brandl, Chase Cignarella, Cameron Coates, Caroline Collins, Luc Corrado, Nathan Costa, Erin Crickenberger, Luke Greenseid, Davis Herr, Oliver Litchfield, Siena McGill, Isabella Mecca, Rohan Norden, Stephanie Perez, Caitlin Vollrath, Joel Wagman, Clarence Wu and Dr. David Malito were among the newly-inducted members of the Cum Laude Society.

Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society recognizes excellence, justice, and honor in secondary schools. An association of 382 chapters worldwide, membership within cum laude is granted to those students who rank among the top 20 percent of their graduating class.

JOYCE CREASEY MEMORIAL AWARD: Addison Platt

The award is given to the senior female athlete whose ability, leadership, sportsmanship, and team loyalty distinguished her and contributed the most to our athletic program.

HAROLD D. NICHOLLS MEMORIAL AWARD: Griffin O'Sullivan

The award is presented to the outstanding senior male athlete, in memory of Harold D. Nicholls: teacher, coach, Senior Master, and Headmaster from 1917 to 1957 (“A good friend and wise counselor to generations of boys at St. Bernard’s”).

BENNETT SERVICE AWARD: Aliza Riaz

Given in memory of Caryl and J. Gordon Bennett, the award was established by the Gill School Parents Committee to honor the student who best demonstrates, through active community service, the school’s concern, and consideration for others.

SUSAN H. STOVER AWARD: Annabelle Beekman

Beginning with the Class of 2003, this award honors Susan H. Stover, who served for many years as Director of Development at the school. It is presented annually to the senior who demonstrates the highest level of service and loyalty to Gill St. Bernard’s.

LINDABURY SENIOR HONOR: Dorsett Mulcahy

The Class of 2007 established this award to encourage future seniors to understand the importance of community at GSB. The prize is awarded to a senior who made an outstanding effort to positively affect the experiences of underclassmen, who acted as a role model and leader, and who was inclusive, compassionate, and thoughtful—the characteristics that underclassmen seek to emulate.

CAPORUSSO/DeLUCA AWARD: Declan Corrigan

The award was established by two graduates of the Class of 1996 to honor a member of the senior class who provided distinctive leadership to both the class and school during their years as an upper school student in extracurricular activities.

JULIAN T. BROWN CUP: Maurice Boyd, Jr.

A St. Bernard’s tradition, the cup has been awarded annually since 1913. It is the highest honor that may be attained by a young man at GSB. This student is chosen from the graduating class based on his character throughout his years at the school. He worked for the good of the school, showed thoughtfulness and consideration, and maintained his integrity. It is this student, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of faith, honor, and consideration.

ELIZABETH GILL AWARD: Erin Crickenberger

This is the highest honor that may be attained by a young woman at GSB. This student is chosen from the graduating class based on her character throughout her years at the school. She worked for the good of the school, showed thoughtfulness and consideration, and maintained her integrity. It is this student, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of faith, honor, and consideration. Part of the tradition is that the recipient receives a red rose.

JEAN LOIZEAUX AWARD: Braelyn Brandl and Oliver Litchfield

Named for Jean Loizeaux, a beloved and influential teacher at GSB for 45 years, this award is given to the senior who earned the top academic record.

Conferral of Diplomas:

After Interim Upper School Director Ananya Chatterji conferred diplomas to the Class of 2026, Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Rajiv De Silva officially certified the class: “By the authority vested in me as chair of the Board of Trustees of Gill St. Bernard’s School, and on behalf of its trustees and faculty, I declare you bona fide graduates of the school and entitled to all its rights and privileges thereunto appertaining. The diploma you received is evidence of our actions.”

Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 on a remarkable milestone. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and can’t wait to have you back on campus soon!

Please enjoy some photos from the event below and view the full gallery of photos through Bedrosian Photo.