On Saturday, June 6, 2026, The Storm King School celebrated its 158th Commencement, honoring 50 graduates representing 15 countries and five U.S. states. Families and friends from around the globe gathered on the lawn beneath the Stephen P. Duggan Bell Tower to celebrate this diverse and accomplished class as they completed their Storm King journey and officially joined the School’s alumni community.

The ceremony began with the traditional processional, led by Head of School Lisa Shambaugh, Associate Head of School Dr. Timothy Lance, Board of Trustees First Vice Chair Robert Docherty ’72, and this year’s Commencement Speaker, Dr. Isabel Ashton, Executive Director of Black Rock Forest. Members of the Class of 2026 then welcomed guests in 12 languages, reflecting the School’s global community. Senior Santiago Solis Orona followed with a moving rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The ceremony also featured moving performances by The Storm King School Choir, directed by Gabriela Mikova Johnson and accompanied by Music Director Paul Connors. The choir performed the traditional “An Irish Blessing” and later returned to perform “For Good.”

In her remarks, Ms. Shambaugh highlighted the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2026. As the second-largest graduating class in the School’s history, the group distinguished itself across academics, arts, athletics, leadership, and service. Thirty-four percent of graduates will pursue studies in business, economics, management, and related fields, while 26 percent plan to enter STEM disciplines, including engineering, biochemistry, marine biology, nursing, informatics, and aeronautical science. Another 14 percent will study creative arts and design, and 26 percent will continue their education in the humanities and social sciences.

The class also achieved notable success in the arts. Graduates earned nine Scholastic Gold Awards and five Silver Awards, exhibited work in 18 art exhibitions, participated in nine dance recitals, and contributed extensively to Storm King theater productions. Three students received recognition for their writing through the Poetry Festival and Scholastic Awards.

Athletics also played a significant role in the class’s legacy, with six graduates continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level—an achievement attained by only a small percentage of high school athletes nationwide.

Ms. Shambaugh also celebrated the class’s commitment to innovation and service. Students launched initiatives including the Student Managed Investment Fund and the EcoVision app, while participating in community-centered projects such as “Kisses for Conor.” Together, the graduates contributed an impressive 1,875 hours of community service through more than 80 organizations, causes, and activities, primarily serving Cornwall and neighboring communities.

Reflecting on the theme of legacy, Ms. Shambaugh connected the graduates’ achievements to the generations of students who have helped sustain and strengthen The Storm King School since its founding in 1867. She pointed to the construction of the new Irving and Muriel Fischer Academic Center as a powerful example of alumni, students, families, faculty, and trustees working together to invest in the School’s future. She praised the Class of 2026 for the positive leadership they demonstrated throughout the year, citing their commitment to environmental stewardship, mentorship of younger students, community engagement, and thoughtful efforts to strengthen the School community.

In introducing Dr. Ashton, Ms. Shambaugh reflected on one of the first relationships she formed after arriving at Storm King two years ago. She described Dr. Ashton as a dedicated environmental scientist and leader whose career has focused on conservation, climate science, public service, and building partnerships that advance environmental stewardship. As Executive Director of Black Rock Forest since 2022, Dr. Ashton has strengthened the longstanding relationship between the Forest and The Storm King School while continuing a career that has included leadership roles with the National Park Service and research on the impacts of climate change in the Rocky Mountains.

Dr. Ashton’s commencement address encouraged graduates to remain open to new experiences, embrace uncertainty, and pursue lives filled with purpose and service. Sharing stories from her own journey—from growing up in Brooklyn and discovering a love for nature in Prospect Park to conducting ecological research in tropical rainforests and national parks across the country—she emphasized that career paths are rarely linear. Many of the experiences that shaped her life, she noted, were opportunities she never could have predicted at the time of her own graduation.

Drawing on her varied experiences as a scientist, athlete, researcher, public servant, and nonprofit leader, Dr. Ashton encouraged graduates to explore widely, take risks, and remain curious. She reminded students that not every passion must become a career to have lasting value and that meaningful lives are often built through experimentation, adaptability, and a willingness to pursue new opportunities.

A central message of her speech was the importance of finding the intersection between personal passions, natural strengths, and service to others. Reflecting on her years with the National Park Service and her current leadership at Black Rock Forest, Dr. Ashton spoke about the fulfillment that comes from work that contributes to communities, future generations, and the environment.

In closing, Dr. Ashton shared a phrase she learned while working with Wabanaki communities in northern Maine: “leave a beautiful trace.” While the outdoor ethic of “leave no trace” remains important, she challenged graduates to leave the world better than they found it through their actions, relationships, and contributions. Pointing to the 2026 Class Tree planted behind the stage, she reminded graduates that even small acts can grow into lasting legacies. She encouraged the Class of 2026 to care for the environment, connect with the communities around them, seek meaningful work, and leave a positive impact wherever life takes them.

Commencement Awards

This year’s commencement awards recognized students and community members whose contributions exemplify the values of The Storm King School.

The Storm King Scholar Award: This award is presented each year to students who have consistently achieved at the highest academic levels while contributing significantly to campus life.

• Daira Garcia Lozano
• Antonio Martell
• Santiago Solis Orona
• Elizabeth Ukejianya

The Riley Cup: This award honors in perpetuity an outstanding student and a staff member who have contributed to the School’s community ethos in practical and creative ways.

• Keiyona Jolly
• Elizabeth Wilson, Director of Communications

The Spy Rock Cup: This coveted award is given annually to the senior whose performance and contributions have fostered the School’s best interests and traditions.

• Luis Gruesshaber

The Head’s Cup: Since 1938, the Head’s Cup has been awarded to the senior who best exemplifies “cheerfulness of spirit and enthusiasm” and whose love for the School is profound.

• Wu Yichen

The Storm King Cup: The Storm King Cup is the School’s highest commencement honor. Awarded since 1915 to a student distinguished by personal character, accomplishments, idealism, quiet courage, and vision, the recipient is selected by a vote of students, faculty, and staff.

• Emily Kirrane

Following the presentation of awards, each graduate crossed the outdoor stage to receive their diploma from Mr. Docherty, Ms. Shambaugh, Dr. Lance, Dean of Faculty Mr. Gillett, and Dr. Ashton. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the School Alma Mater before the graduates exited to the cheers of family, friends, faculty, and staff. As caps flew into the air and festivities continued across campus, the Class of 2026 marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—leaving behind a legacy of leadership, service, creativity, and community that will continue to shape The Storm King School for years to come.