The Colorado Springs School Celebrates the Class of 2026 at 61st Commencement Ceremony

Members of the Board, Mr. Ortega, Faculty and Staff, Family and Friends of CSS, and Students of CSS, thank you all for attending this graduation ceremony and listening to me speak on behalf of the senior class.

I have to admit I used ChatGPT to help me write this speech. I hope it produced a good product, as this is the first time I am reading it.

I want to congratulate the Senior class of name of school, for the year 2026, moreover, I state your name, want to commend you all on staying motivated and producing original thought that an AI could never produce.

You arrived here as freshmen: small, uncertain, and still using “LOL” unironically. And now you leave as mature young adults who can simultaneously write an essay, doomscroll TikTok, order DoorDash, and ignore Google Classroom notifications with astonishing efficiency.

You will never be able to survive college without me, an AI assistant, so subscribe to your favorite AI and help yourself help AI.

Ok, I think this just got a little strange, so I will just make the rest of my comments about the senior class off the cuff. And because I am a history/civics teacher, you can bet that I am going to use this platform to talk about a philosophical topic involving history and civics. You are welcome.

The Colorado Springs School is truly a magical place. Although I grew up in this area, I graduated from CMHS in 2004 (don’t hold it against me), I had never heard of the Colorado Springs School. I think I once stopped on Boddington Field to throw around a lacrosse ball, but I never knew it belonged to the school. The Colorado Springs School really is a hidden gem. I mention this because this Senior Class has had the amazing privilege of attending a school that really cultivates the individual student and the best parts of learning. The environment created by the faculty, staff, parents, and students at The Colorado Springs School promotes the development of young people into something truly special; well-developed citizens. I am not just talking about citizens of the United States but rather something broader…..World Citizens. What is a world citizen, you ask? The world citizen believes in the interconnectedness of all people and place. They actively participate in global challenges by participating in local engagement. A world citizen values differences in people and aims for the inclusion of others. Lastly, the world citizen is defined by traits like wisdom, courage, and compassion, and they often aim for a peaceful and sustainable world.

How do our students develop into such amazing citizens? I have witnessed the transformation of the Senior class into world citizens over the past two years. I saw the spark of learning in each student when they were Juniors, and they went on ECSs both around the world and right here in Colorado Springs. Students witnessed how the world was connected firsthand by going to places such as Senegal, the Caribbean, and Seattle. They also experienced how people are connected in our community by seeing how the other side lives in the Habitat ECS. Some even imagined how we are connected to the universe at large by going down to the Space Center in Houston. This idea that CSS students, through experience, begin to understand worldly connections was further cemented in my mind when I saw the conclusions our Seniors arrived at on ECSs this year in Alaska, Patagonia, and here in Colorado Springs. Our Seniors not only understand how regions of the world relate to one another, but they also made an impact; at home and abroad. I was instantly impressed at the level of volunteerism I witnessed in our community from our Seniors; where they aimed to alleviate global problems with local action. Whether it was stewardship for the environment or caring for those in need, I saw a truly remarkable transformation into caring and empathetic young people.

The class of 2026 embodies the ideas of appreciating other points of view and embracing difference. They may be surprised to hear me say this because our Jeopardy sessions got a little heated, but even in moments of fierce competition, they continuously emphasized respect and understanding for one another, a unique attribute that should not be undervalued. Which brings me to my last point about how the Class of 2026 has become model world citizens.

Wisdom, the Class of 2026 possesses a wisdom that is well beyond their years. First of all, they picked me to speak about them at graduation, a wise choice. But seriously, through the completion of their Capstone projects, they have proven that they can implement ideas that they are passionate about and turn them into a graded assignment. It has been remarkable watching this class turn concepts and thoughts into real-world projects that will prepare them for their future endeavors. To invest in oneself is a wise decision indeed.

Courage, the Class of 2026 has shown courage in ways that go far beyond a dramatic moment. Their courage has often appeared in quieter, everyday forms: showing up consistently, taking risks, supporting each other, and continuing to grow even when things were uncomfortable.

This year, many seniors demonstrated courage by stepping into leadership roles on campus — not because it was easy, but because younger students were watching.

They also showed courage academically. The Class of 2026 had to navigate demanding coursework, presentations, performances, competitions, and college decisions while still balancing the pressures of being teenagers in a fast-moving world.

Perhaps most importantly, they showed the courage to become themselves. In a school community that values leadership, integrity, and personal growth, students are challenged not only to succeed but to discover who they are. The Class of 2026 spent this year making tough decisions about their futures, taking ownership of their ideas, and developing the confidence to step into adulthood.

Their courage was not just in extraordinary achievements. It was in the daily choice to keep learning, keep trying, and keep showing up for each other

Compassion, an attribute that I find to be the highest level of intelligence. The Class of 2026 genuinely cares for one another. This class demonstrated empathy by recognizing that every student carries different challenges, pressures, and uncertainties about the future. They learned how to encourage classmates during difficult moments, celebrate one another’s successes, and create a community where people felt seen and valued.

Perhaps most importantly, the Class of 2026 showed compassion by continuing to care for one another during a demanding and transitional year. In doing so, they left behind not only accomplishments but a stronger and more connected school community.

Having such a view on humanity allows our students to enter the world with a much wider perspective than many of their peers. This outlook, in turn, prepares our students to enter the arena of life with wisdom that is often beyond their years. I will leave you with this quote from one of my favorite presidents, Theodore Roosevelt.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Thank you.

If it’s alright with all of you, I’d like to speak to our Seniors one last time before I talk with them later, as graduates and Alumni of our school. For those of you who know me, now would be a good time to place your bets as to whether or not I can make it through what I’d like to say without a few tears. Finding the right words for this moment was a challenge, not because I didn’t know what to say, but instead, because there is so much that I can say. Now, I am a firm believer in the idea that the mind can only absorb what the ear can endure. So, I’m going to keep this short but meaningful. I’ve known some of you since PreK and Kindergarten, or when you joined CSS in the 5th Grade, Middle School, or even the Upper School. When you stepped onto our campus, you and your families went all in. I also have a personal connection to this group because it’s my daughter’s class. So, I’ve been present for many of the moments that challenged you, excited you, and helped you to make some fantastic memories along the way. A standout moment for me happened about 12 or 13 years ago, after a wonderful Holiday Tea, down the street at Arby’s. One of you gentlemen asked Mrs. Mo and me if you could marry our daughter. Good times! Many of you were present when Mrs. Mo and I were married (right here on the Trianon terrace), and you have always been there for Oliver (aka Mini Mo) from the day he was born. With a similar pride that I feel for my own children, I’ve watched all of you flourish and transform this campus into a true home away from home. My mind is flooded with memories of your stories. Witnessing your curiosity, your spirit, your growth as artists, musicians, actors, athletes, and scholars, but what stands out most is how you’ve consistently shown us the very best of our school. Your impact is felt across all three Divisions; when I spoke with your Kinder-Buddies, many shared how much fun you are, and they loved their time with you, proving that the moments you spent with them meant the world. I’ve seen you come alongside our Middle School students, inspiring them and encouraging them to reach beyond what they can imagine in the moment. I’ve seen you with your Upper School peers, celebrating success, or standing tall with unwavering spirit through the toughest games. You have led by example and invested your whole hearts into this school. Today, we gather around you as your school community, your second family, wanting you to know that you are what makes this place special; you have defined what it means to be a Kodiak, and very soon, a graduate of this Alma Mater. We are so incredibly proud of the amazing people you have become and are here to celebrate this moment with you. Now, I (“as your school dad”) have one final request for all of you. Take the lessons that you have learned here at CSS, mixed with the qualities that make all of you incredible individuals, and go make a difference in the world. Make CSS and your parents proud. On this next part of your journey, make any school that you attend, any career that you choose to start, and any people whose path you cross better because of you. Then, don’t forget to come back to tell us all about it! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making CSS your home. For reminding us what makes this place and this community so special, and for teaching us what it means to be a Kodiak. Kudos to you!

Longevity

The esteemed longevity award is given to students who have attended The Colorado Springs School for their entire educational career, since PreKindergarten or Kindergarten through graduation.

Today, we will honor these students: Coltin Bridgmon, Morgan Hebel, and Wyatt Novak. We honor YOU all, along with your families, for your immense commitment to a CSS education and to this community.

At this time, we would also like to recognize all teachers who have played a role in their educational journey. Please stand to be honored. Thank you.

Please give these students and their families a round of applause for their loyalty, commitment, and school pride. Thank you.

Faculty Cup

The Faculty Cup is awarded to the student who exemplifies CSS and the overall mission of the school, as well as the student who represents the community in leadership, integrity, academics, and responsibility.

This year's recipient not only depicts the social value of CSS but is a strong student, an excellent musician, an athlete, and an inspiration to others. Their enthusiasm, personal integrity, and dedication to all activities have proven to be some of their most valuable assets.

Their success stems from commitment to hard work and the pursuit of a strong and well-rounded education. They have excelled in math like no other, mastered the trumpet, busted Kodiak Spirit at every home game, and helped support all those around them.

By investing in others, they have also inspired many of their peers and our younger students to set higher goals and aspire to make our programs truly exceptional. On the Matchwits team, they were a latecomer, but moved up to varsity initially as a mascot and later as a strong competitor at the state championship.

Their positive attitude and ability to engage others in conversation help them feel included and experience what it means to be part of this community. I mentioned this before, and I still stand by this statement: They are the student most likely to do wellness checks on their teachers. They care deeply about CSS and have invested themselves in the fabric of this school.

For their leadership, integrity, hard work, and commitment, this year’s recipient of the Faculty Cup is Coltin Bridgmon.

Margaret White Campbell Award, presented by Sofia Ortega '23

The Margaret White Campbell Award, named for our founding Head of School, recognizes academic excellence, leadership, service to the CSS community, and overall great character. Each year, this award is presented to the senior deemed by the Upper School faculty to be that young person who best exemplifies the highest standard of excellence in all areas.

The 2025–26 recipient of this distinguished honor is a student who has quietly, yet profoundly, shaped our community through her integrity, curiosity, and care for others. She excels in both academics and the arts, not for recognition, but out of a genuine love of learning and a deep commitment to personal growth.

In all that she does, she consistently seeks deeper understanding, approaching her studies with thoughtfulness and connecting them to broader social, humanitarian, and justice-centered purposes.

What distinguishes her even further is the manner in which she engages with those around her. She possesses a steady moral compass and an unwavering sense of fairness, and she speaks with a quiet confidence that invites reflection and respect.

Her leadership, though understated, is deeply felt—rooted in consistency, humility, and a clear sense of purpose. Peers trust her and value working alongside her, knowing she contributes with care, insight, and a deep commitment to shared success.

Whether in the classroom, on stage, in service, or beyond campus, she brings authenticity, generosity, and quiet strength to every endeavor. In turn, her scholarship reflects not only achievement, but also care, creativity, and true intellectual integrity.

This fall, she will continue her journey at Vassar College, following in the footsteps of Margaret White Campbell herself.

Please join me in recognizing Meia Aime.

I don't want this speech to be sad, but instead, a celebration of our class and friendship. As Dr. Suess once said, “Do not cry because it is over, smile because it happened,” and I can't think of a quote that better encapsulates the feeling of how I want to spend my last minutes with my group of friends. Landon, who gave the graduation speech some years ago, chose singular and thematic words that captured and connected him to his classmates, and as one of my best teachers told me, “Good artists copy; Great artists steal.” As such, I chose one word for each person in my class and a sentence or two that explains why I chose that word and the reason they mean so much to me.

But first, a quick word for our Teachers, Faculty, and Parents: Thanks! For everything you have done to support us through our time at CSS, now onto my classmates.

Morgan: Time for she is the classmate I have been with at the school the longest. Coltin: Reliable because he has always been the person I could rely on most for help when it comes to homework. Tristan: Masks, because no one helped me more in the building and working on my mask for theatre productions. John: Hilarity for no one has made me laugh, smile, or enjoy the dumb jokes between classmates and friends like him. Hudson: Food, because he has been the person I’ve bonded over most with food. Grace: English, because in AP Literature, you always provided a differing take on the books. Jerry: Math, because no one has humbled me quite like Jerry in Calculus. Sky: Management, because he helped me learn how to better manage people during my time as a stage manager. Xaia: Mean, not actually mean at all, but her unforgettable role as Regina George will forever live in my mind. Sophia: Senegal, because she was always a friend I could count on during our time on this ECS. Ronaldo: Perspective, because no one could challenge my views like my dear friend from a different continent. Dominique: Banter, because no one quite provides banter as she does. Noah: Sweet, because the nickname he always used for me in high school was “my sweet sweet Wyatt.” Keeton: Jazz, because no one pushed me and talked to me more about Jazz than he did. And finally, Meia: Rivalry, because she is both a role model for the scholar that I strive to be, and also the friend I tease whenever I do better on an assignment.

It was hard to define each person in only one word; they are so much more than what this one word captures. But I hope twenty years down the line, when I hear these words, I’ll remember and see the faces of my dear friends from CSS. I couldn't have asked for a better group of friends to spend my school time with. My time spent on this campus will remain with me for all my life, and that's thanks to all of you guys and the memories I made with you. Thank you, class of 2026, you made every day at school more bearable, and every moment spent away a moment to look forward to seeing you again. I hope I can keep in touch with every one of you as we move forward towards college. Congratulations to us for making it past this chapter of our lives, and here's to many more chapters of our future! And now I hand the other half of the graduation speech to my dear friend and colleague Meia Aime.

One of the greatest things in the world is our individuality. Something that may be even greater than that is the community that individuals can form. We built this community of brilliance together at CSS, and as a people, we have reached the finish line. All of us, as a community, as the graduating class of 2026, have succeeded and accomplished this milestone, and now here we stand, as one. We didn’t reach this milestone by ourselves. We’ve been surrounded by friends, family, teachers, and mentors who encouraged us all to get where we are today.

Something that I really think resonates with this class is the phrase: “I will always have your back, no matter what.” Here we have athletes and actors, singers and songwriters, friends and family. We’ve been a part of teams, casts, groups, clubs and more. And it allowed us all to grow closer together, but more importantly, it allowed us to really be able to say to each other that no one person is alone. We are all here with you.

I think this class can agree that there were parts of high school that were truly insufferable. Daily assignments that we put off and made past due for over a month, essays that we rushed the morning it was due because we internally thought we were finished after writing one paragraph, and actively saying we had definitely all finished the weekly reading in our English classes. In one night. Maybe we made it that way. But in the grand scheme of things, that didn’t matter. There was always more than one of us in the same boat. And in the end, right here, we’re all in the same one. But to understand where we’re all going we first need to remember where we came from.

When I think of my first look at this class, I think of theater. Not because everyone here is currently a part of it, but because at one point, we all were. It was in middle school, and though I don’t think any of us wants to relive our tween days, I do want to acknowledge the fact that even though we had mandatory theater rehearsals, those were the first few moments when I felt like I was getting to know everyone. And from then on, I’ve seen all of us grow in the best ways possible and hope to continue to see your growth in the future. Keeton, you are truly amazing at what you do. You can turn protests in music and philosophy into lyrics, and in the future I hope to see you in roles where your complex knowledge is a force for fighting back. Tristan, it’s been incredible watching you encompass any and all roles you’ve starred in. Thank you, especially as Montag in F451, because those monologues sucked to memorize. I expect to see you on the big screen, as our future veteran actor. Wyatt, thank you for being someone I can call “friend” and never letting anyone talk you down. Your psychological knowledge is immense and I have faith you’ll be making bank as an incredible psychiatrist in the future. Thank you three for being an awesome set of actors in the department. Theater has been the highlight of my high school and being able to act alongside all of you and your respective shenanigans has made it all the more memorable. The dentist, Shaak-Graa/Hades, and Chuck will forever live on in the theater department. Hudson, it’s been amazing having you handle the atmosphere of all of our shows. You’ve made us all laugh, and that has truly brought us all together. Wherever any type of engineering will take you, I know you’ll do it to the best of your ability. Jerry, Sky, and Ronaldo, as crew and booth, I appreciate you guys making our shows all the more flashy and exciting. Thank you for all your work, even if the stage manager had to take away more than three phones and yell at you to get it done.

Moving on, I can’t say that the sports have made any impact on me here, but I remember when I played them, I was alongside some girls who truly blazed with the meaning “Triple Threat Athlete.” Morgan, you’re a leader. You’ve been president in multiple clubs and a captain on the fields. You inspire me with your unwavering attitude and compelling grit. If anyone can lead an army (or a herd of elephants, primates, and more), it’s you. It was an honor serving with you as an NHS executive. I really do believe you could be the next Jane Goodall. Dominique, your smile and constant determination in any of your activities have encouraged me to keep my head held high every day, no matter what. Whether it be swimming with turtles or being a lead doctor in veterinary studies, you will pioneer a force for care and love. Sophia and Xaia, you are people who understand the word “team” better than most. Also, Senegal was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, thanks to the two of you. Whether in journalism, ceramics, any of the arts or real estate and business, I know I’ll be reading about you both in the most prestigious reports and papers. John, Noah, and Coltin, there was never a dull moment in any class with you guys. I bet you three will continue to be the life of any party, as you were the life of this class. Plus, it’s about how the engineering world takes on new technological advances, of which I’m sure you three will be a part of. And Grace, thank you for being a part of the choir with me. Though the population fluctuated, when you were there, I was glad to sing alongside you and face the audience at our concerts. In that regard, I know you’ll face the world with determination and unwavering confidence.

I’m so proud to be able to say I’m graduating with this class of 2026. Here are 16 young adults who will make their marks in life as they have here. Don’t any of you ever stop to think of what you should’ve done, but instead, always look at what you will do. I have confidence in each and every one of you, and I can say, with absolute confidence, so do the countless people here. From your families and friends, to your teachers, they are all here for you. And they will continue to be as we continue to the next stage in life. A final thank you to everyone up here for being my class and my people.

This class has made its legacy at CSS, and the remnants of it will stay as we continue to the next stages of our journey. But once upon a time, we were here all together, and that is what we will leave behind. Together, as individuals, as people, we were one. And that is the Class of 2026.