Our Town’s 24th Annual Graduation Issue

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (“Go Lancers!”) held its 8^th grade graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29, at 2 pm. The graduates processed into the church to “Pomp and Circumstance,” wearing a traditional cap and gown in the school colors of blue and white. Students were adorned with flower leis, and gold or red cords awarded for different levels of scholastic achievement. 

Per tradition, the ceremony began with a Catholic mass, led by Pastor Fr. Lawrence Seyer with the students reading various passages. Music for the mass and graduation ceremony was led by Ms. Eun Kim. 

The graduation portion of the ceremony began with the blessing of the autobiographies the graduates made for their parents, and then the grads presented the books with a rose to their parents. The conferring of the diplomas was by Fr. Seyer and OLMC School Principal Tracie Simolon. She said, “When I think of this year’s graduating class, I see joy and light. Smiles lit with understanding in those aha! moments. Reserved smiles that quietly demonstrate pride in work well done. Sometimes there have been mischievous smiles while telling a good joke, but mostly this group shares smiles of happiness and joy with those they encounter. They bring to mind the quote from C. S. Lewis. ‘Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.’ While we are sad to see this class move on from our school community, we send them forth to spread their joy and light so that others might see God through them.”

Simolon introduced the Student Body President, Sonora Landa, who gave the Student Address to her fellow grads. She spoke about entering the school in the 4^th grade and key moments the grads experienced during their time at OLMC School. She said, “Each of us brings our own unique talents to the school. And I know our graduating class will do great things as we take our next step into high school.”

Mary Beth Lee is8th Grade Homeroom teacher, Literature & Religion teacher, and religion coordinator for Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. She provided her remarks, recalling the special moments with the students, and concluded with, “You radiate joy and love for each other. From all your OLMCS teachers: We love you.” The students’ other teachers were; Math and Science – Eun Kim; Writing – Angela Pangan; and History – Lauren Bergesen.

Simolon’s concluding remarks for the grads were, “Like today’s gospel, each of you is a light. Some of you are a soft, flickering flame, gentle, steady, comforting. You are the quiet encouragers, listeners, the ones who bring peace into a room without expectations. Never underestimate the power of your love leading others out of the darkness. Others among you shine like strong, bright fire. Your personalities fill the space with energy, confidence, and passion. You inspire to move, dream big and take chances, your fire has the power to ignite others. The world needs both kinds of light, you don’t need to shine like anyone else to make a difference. Success isn’t measured by how brightly you shine alone, but by how others feel by your warmth. Congratulations Class of 2026, go light up the world.”

OLMC 8th Grade Graduation Awards 2026:

Altar Server Award: Sonora Landa
Citizen of the Year: Kamila Albarran and Cruz DeVreese
Rising Star: Sophia Lombardi
Lancer Award: Alexa Lira-Martinez and Grant Feramisco
Spirit Award: Henrik Juarez
Faculty Award: Sonora Landa

The 2026 OLMC School graduates are: Kamila Albarran (Kami), Xander Christoff, Cruz DeVreese, Mae Edwards, Grant Feramisco, Benjamin Ferreira (Ben), Henrik Juarez, Sonora Landa, Blake Lashlee, Alexandria Lira-Martinez (Alexa), Sophia Lombardi, Andrew O’Flynn, Havana Pond, Sienna Valerio, Fiona Weber, and Jonah Wyban.

YMCA Preschool

The Montecito YMCA Preschool held its graduation on Friday, May 29, at 11:30 am in the club’s gymnasium. For the first time in the history of the school, the students wore real caps and gowns in blue, along with a banner across their chest. Traditionally, the preschoolers made their own caps. 

The grads paraded into the gym to a recording of “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar, led by their new teacher Sarah Yenney. Each student then sat on the floor on a colored paper circle which bore their name. Their parents and friends were seated in the center of the gym. The program’s welcoming remarks were by Montecito Y’s General Manager Ryan Power. He acknowledged the parents and said that their children at the preschool have a kind, loving nature. He introduced Sarah Yenney, who invited the grads to join her at the front and to sing the song, “We Are Graduating.” She then proceeded to confer the diplomas upon each student, along with a noted quality about each of them, such as: loyal friend, dancer, bug hunter, fashionista, leader and so forth. 

The ceremony concluded with a chorus line from The Dave Clark Five song “Sha-Na-Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” A reception outside followed.

The 2026 Montecito YMCA Preschool graduates are: Andy Asher Kass, Alexander Manchak, Ambrose Ivanitsky, Aras Karaorman, Clay Valiante, Gian Madrigal, Hugo Hardie, Kai Mather, Luciano Pulido, Merrick Ferzoco, Haven Mullen, and Sloan Klein.

Montecito Union School

The Montecito Union School 2026 Sixth Grade Graduation, (“Go Mustangs!”) was held on Friday, June 5, at 8:30 am, inside the school’s auditorium. To open the ceremony, as the grads waited in the wings, a slide show with music showcased each of the graduating students at various stages of their life at MUS.

They entered to the processional song “Simple Gifts” by Joseph Brackett Jr. taking their places up front on risers and standing for the entire ceremony. The formal program began with graduating students Krista Carranza and Oliver Shiffman inviting attendees to join with them in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

In what was her last MUS graduation ceremony prior to retiring this summer, MUS’ esteemed Music Teacher, Pam Herzog, stood center stage and directed the guests in singing “America the Beautiful.”

The microphone was then passed to representative graduating students who provided their praise and thanks for their experience and education at MUS, and for the friendships they forged. An additional student address was given by Elenora Miller who also played the song “Pax” on violin accompanied by Herzog on piano.

MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii introduced keynote speaker and MUS Board Member Kim Crail. Her remarks included the following and the reading of the poem “Sanctuary” by Ada Limón. Crail, “Thank you to the teachers, staff, assistants, and friends of these students, you have made a profound impact in such formative years. I feel I speak for many in this room, that MUS is an extension of what we try to create at home: a place of discovery, discussion, laughter, and love. To our sixth graders, you have tools for success you learned at MUS. You are all powerful and will continue to make your families proud. Congratulations to all our sixth graders, we love you all so much.”

The grads sang “Season of Love” accompanied on piano by Leana Movillion. 

Next, the presentation of diplomas was introduced by MUS Principal Nick Bruski, who shared, “As our 6th graders prepare to leave Montecito Union School, we have tremendous pride and optimism for all that lies ahead. During your time here, you have grown not only as students, but as leaders, problem-solvers, teammates, and compassionate members of your community. We hope you carry forward the curiosity, character, and confidence that have defined your years at MUS. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see the many ways you will make a positive difference in the world.” Presenting diplomas with him were Ranii, MUS Assistant Principal Rusty Ito, MUS Board President Susannah Osley, MUS Board Member A.C. Hernandez, and MUS Chief Business Official Virginia Alvarez. After receiving their diploma, the graduates crossed the stage to be congratulated by their sixth-grade teachers, Kim Berman, Rebecca Faanes,and Danielle Weill. Sitting with them was retired MUS Orchestra instructor Ron Zecher.

The ceremony concluded with the students singing the “MUS Graduation Song” by Kenny & Eva Loggins. A reception followed at the school’s Nature Lab.

The 2026 MUS School graduates are: 

James Barr, Valentina Vivienne Belmonte, Julian Brewster-Form, Krista Carranza, Adelyn Rei Clark, Leo Clawson, Oliver Augustus Conway, Quinn Jasmine Crail, Norah Joy Crooks, Jackson DeWoody, Calvino Di Loreto, Quinn Thomas Dilbeck, Stella Jordan Doich, Nora Edelheit, Harrison Roy Edwards, Austin Eiler, Andreas Valentino Eppink, Eloise Farrell, Lucas Friedman, Beckham Hunter Funk, Stephen Gunnar Geremia, Clementine Adia Guerena, Carter John Hansen, Hunter Hartley, Maya Elizabeth Shiffman Hendel, Elle Lily Hermann, Hudson Davis Jay, Asher Elias Joenck, AJ Johansson, Haley Elizabeth Klan, Perrin Koch, Kaia June Lando, Harper Lee, Owen Lee, Celine Ley, Navi Marie Loya, Zephyr Flynn Miles, Elenora Marie Miller, Will Oswald, Wolf Monroe Prochnik, Emma Grace Saavedra, Oliver Lee Shiffman, Charlie Soderborg, Nika Banoo Sykes, Izzy Tahouri, Jake Tomasi, Genevieve Evelyn Voog, Taylor Walters, Charlotte Rose Wittman, Ali Yildirim, and Kanani Kay Zertuche.

Cold Spring School

The Cold Spring School 2026 Sixth Grade Graduation (“Go Dolphins!”) was held on Tuesday, June 9 at 8:30 am, inside the school’s auditorium. To open the ceremony, the graduating students sang the song, “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Descendants, with some of their own lyrics. Writing the song lyrics with them, and playing piano while they sang, was 2025 American Idol contestant Desmond Roberts, who works with the CSS Drama Teacher Shekinah Bryant.

CSS Superintendent and Principal Amy M. Alzina EdD, welcomed the attendees, and acknowledged the parents and families, along with her CSS Board, Michael Marino Esq., Trevor Pattison, Gabrielle Haas, Jennifer Miller, and Elke Kane Esq.,the faculty and staff. Her address to the students, “Congratulations, Cold Spring Sixth Grade Students! As I reflect on this year’s sixth-grade class, I am reminded of just how extraordinary this cohort truly is. These students began their educational journey in kindergarten during the Covid-19 pandemic; learning six feet apart, washing their hands constantly, and navigating a world where facial expressions, social cues, and the simple joys of childhood connection were often hidden behind masks. Those early years matter deeply. They are the years when children learn not only how to read and write, but how to connect, communicate, and understand one another. And yet, despite beginning school during such an unusual and challenging time, this group has grown into a class of thoughtful, resilient, and creative young people. It’s in their sixth-grade year that I have become especially close with this cohort. I have worked hard to understand what matters most to them, and what I have learned is something beautifully simple and universally true: they want to belong. They want their voices to be heard. They want to know they matter. Just like all children and adults, they thrive when they feel seen, accepted, and loved. My hope is that as they leave Cold Spring School and move on to junior high, high school, and beyond, they will carry with them the tools they have learned here. From the lessons in their classrooms to Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits, they have developed the skills to lead with kindness, listen with empathy, think creatively, and make a positive difference in the world.

More than anything, I hope they use those tools to help others feel what everyone deserves to feel: seen, accepted, valued, and loved unconditionally. To our sixth-grade students: I love you, I believe in you, and I am so proud of the young people you are becoming. Dream big! Do not be afraid of failure, because every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become even stronger. Congratulations, Cold Spring sixth graders. We cannot wait to see all the good you will bring to the world. Go Dolphins!”

Alzina introduced the Commencement Speech by graduating students Elsie Haines and Cora Bergakker. They recited a poem they wrote for each year at CSS, with the sixth-grade year section being read by each member of their class. The poem is titled, “We Are.” The sixth grade teacher Linda Edwards echoed their poem with her remarks saying “You Are.”

Here were the awards presented:

Alyssa Smelley Citizenship Award: Royer Saunders, Elsie Haines,
and Lauryn Massari
Principal’s Award: Royer Saunders and Elsie Haines
Grit Award: James Friedman
Outstanding Athlete: Royer Saunders, Cora Bergakker, Hezekiah Santos,
and Hunter Bryant 
Drama Award: Elsie Haines
Music Award: Stella Lerche
Triple Threat Award: Delaney Pierce
Art Award: Clementine Grube, Sovay Petta, and Theia Pretlow
STEAM: Cara Snodgrass, James Friedman, and Lauryn Massari
Kool Kat Award: Jaxson Workman-Hatsedakis and Holland Metcalfe 
Citizen Scholar: Logan Lueck and Laith Van Vechten

The Promotion Certificates were presented by Edwards with Alzina and the Faculty for the graduating class: Linda Edwards, 6th Grade teacher; in his 44^th year at CCS is Joel Orr, 6th Grade instructional aide; Ryan Francisco, STEAM specialist; Sara DiSalvo, music specialist; Amber O’Neill, art specialist; Jill Wolf, PE specialist; Christian Garfield, garden specialist; and Shekinah Bryant, drama coordinator.

Per tradition, the students write where they will be in ten years, with many portraying themselves as – among other things – going on to college, pro football, acting, designing, and becoming parents.

The 2026 CSS School graduates are: 

Cora Bergakker, Hunter Bryant, James Friedman, Clementine Grube, Elsie Haines, Stella Lerche, Logan Lueck, Lauryn Massari, Holland Metcalfe, Sovay Petta, Delaney Pierce, Theia Pretlow, Hezekiah Santos, Royer Saunders, Cara Snodgrass, Laith Van Vechten, and Jaxson Workman-Hatsedakis.

Laguna Blanca Lower School

The Laguna Blanca Lower School 2026 Fourth Grade Graduation (“Go Owls!”) was held on Friday, June 5, at 9 am, outside at the Lower Campus Pavilion. 

Meeting the grads on their arrival to the pavilion were Head of Laguna Blanca Lower School Brooke Green, Head of Laguna Blanca School Ron Cino, and Fourth Grade Instructor Susanne Richter, and Associate Instructor Alyssa Barker. Also attending was Assistant to the Head of Lower School Darla McDavid. 

After the welcoming addresses, Miss Green provided her remarks for the graduating class, “Laguna Blanca’s Fourth Grade Class of 2026 brought energy, compassion, and leadership to our campus this year. From honoring community leaders at the annual Citizenship Breakfast to serving on student council and organizing a drive for the Santa Barbara Humane Society, these students strengthened our school community in meaningful ways. They also led assemblies focused on Social Emotional Learning topics such as kindness and bullying awareness while embracing the power of a growth mindset through inspiring examples of perseverance. We are proud of their growth, community spirit, and the positive example they set for younger students, and we know they will continue to lead with kindness and confidence in Middle School.”

Students performed the songs “Unwritten” and “Memories.” Richter followed with her traditional candy bar vignettes about each student, thereby relating a quality they have with a candy bar, such as a “HUG” for a student who is supportive and gives great hugs, or gumballs to a student who is an exceptional athlete, a Twizzler for a student who is flexible and adaptable, and so on. Each student came forward to receive the Laguna Blanca Lower School Owl necklace, and their candy bar. 

The awarding of a Certificate of Promotion to the next grade was presented by Richter, Green and Chino. Each student was awarded and received a rose to present to their parents. The ceremony concluded with photo ops and a parachute dance with Coach Robitaille.

The 2026 Laguna Blanca Lower School graduates are: 

Charlotte Babcock, Mamie Craig, Hana Dukesherer, Vincent Elings, Chipper Foscue-Boyd, Ainsley Green, Sloane Green, Emi Katzenstein, Ari Kohn, Alton Mathern, Jack Milne, Sam Newman, Ethan Ortiz, Lilly Petersen, Scarlett Phillips, Chase Rifkin, Margaux Shacknai, and Marnie Steinhaus.

Crane Country Day School

The Crane Country Day School 2026 eighth grade graduation was held on Wednesday, June 10 at 10:30 am, outside in the school’s athletic field (“Go Coyotes!”). Head of Crane Country Day School Joel Weiss is currently on sabbatical, and Tamar Adegbile, acting as the Interim Head of School, led the graduation ceremony. Following the entrance of the graduates to the front of the staging area, Adegbile welcomed the parents and families and provided her remarks, “The Class of 2026 is a uniquely talented group of students who have accomplished so much during their time at Crane Country Day School. Their accomplishments are plentiful, and they have shown that they are ready to enter this next chapter in high school and beyond. As we celebrate their graduation from Crane and wish them well in their next adventure, I look forward to seeing all that they achieve in the months and years to come, and the positive impact they make on our world.”

The program included the annual awards followed by the reading of a vignette about each graduate from their faculty, who this year are: Shana Arthurs (‘84), Louis Caron (‘97), Traci Cope, Matt DeGroot (‘04), Sarah Eglin, Andrea Elias, Alexis Fischer, Arturo Flores, Kathryn Gray, Alexa Hughes, Gretel Huglin Ridge, Sarah Lopez, John Pagano, Sophie Rasura, Izabela Santos, Willie Sims, Kate Tannous, Elizabeth Teare, and Adam Yates.

Next, Adegbile presented the student with their diploma, and concluded the ceremony officially declaring the class as graduated.

The 2026 Crane Country Day School graduates are: 

Leah Colette Abundez Sanchez, Aaron Brooklyn Adegbile, Rohan Kritzer Bacon, Jones George Baffa, Natalie Claire Baker, Soliman Becker, Magaby Benitez-Jaramillo, Tario Leon Bonilla Zakosek, Tennyson Brine, Callum Carlin, Liam Oliver Christiansen, Avery Grace Crown Comfort, Milenka Harriet Doukas, Isabella R. Fishkin, Brody Gauthier, Graeme Alexander Ross Higgins, Lilja Ruth Hollems, Gianna Grace Leggio, Zoe Musson Lowenstein, Theodore Easter Marino, Louisa Bo Moller, Lucca Brando Montesano, Shay Murphy, Taylor Emma Nenow, Vincent Charles Oswald, Ryder Eugene Phillips, Nastya Piven, Adelaide Lee Polidori, Robin Jane Reitz, Kennedy Cruz Rodriguez, Malia Lydia Rodriguez Lau, Leni Lâl Şahin, Simone Coco Shields, Bee Sequoia Siegel, Jacob George Smith, Camila Vasquez Santay, and Lydia Rachel White.