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As another outstanding athletic year comes to a close, we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes, coaches, and teams. The Spring 2026 season was highlighted by championship performances, historic achievements, and widespread recognition across both the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA)  league and New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).

Marilyn Sommerville ’27 has earned an international Spotlight Prize in the 2026 ARTEFFECT competition, presented by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, for her artwork “The Heart of a Hero.” The international competition challenges students to bring the stories of overlooked changemakers to life through art and writing. Marilyn’s piece honors Dr. Helen Taussig, the pioneering pediatric cardiologist whose groundbreaking work transformed the treatment of congenital heart defects. Currently on display in the upper school mezzanine, the work explores Taussig’s legacy through a mixed-media portrait that symbolizes compassion, resilience, and hope.

After completing their College Board exam, students in Rachel Ackley’s AP U.S. History classes spent three weeks researching, analyzing, and producing original podcasts that reviewed historical films. Designed to combine historical inquiry with the arts, the project challenged students to investigate the historical events depicted in their chosen films, evaluate key scenes for accuracy, and consider how the era in which the film was produced influenced its historical interpretation. The extensive research and critical analysis were then used to write and record podcast scripts covering topics ranging from the Civil War to the War on Terror.

The Class of 2026 celebrated Commencement with reflections on community, growth, and the bonds that shaped their King experience. Speakers looked back on the challenges and experiences that defined the class while encouraging graduates to embrace what comes next with confidence. Commencement speaker Guilbert Francois KLHT’13 shared lessons from his own journey, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and taking ownership of one's future.

Could a double cup keep an iced drink colder? Is natural or manufactured fertilizer better for plants? Which toothpaste really removes stains best? Grade 7 students asked these and other real-world questions and shared their findings during their annual Science Fair on Friday, May 29. After months of research, experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving, students presented projects that transformed everyday curiosities into scientific investigations. Along the way, they learned that unexpected results can be just as valuable as successful experiments, demonstrating resilience, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of how science can be used to explore the world around them.

The King School community gathered on Wednesday, May 27, for Upper School Prize Day, a tradition celebrating student achievement across academics, athletics, the arts, leadership, service, and extracurricular life. Families, faculty, and students came together to recognize the dedication, character, and contributions of award recipients whose efforts have enriched the upper school community throughout the year. The ceremony highlighted the values that define King, including intellectual curiosity, creativity, perseverance, compassion, and leadership, while honoring the many ways students support and inspire one another inside and outside the classroom.

King Athletics is excited to welcome Thomas Newkirk as the next Head Coach of Football. Known for his energy, leadership, and commitment to building a positive team culture, we look forward to Coach Newkirk leading the Vikings football program into its next chapter. We also proudly celebrated our Class of 2026 college-bound athletes, recognizing ten Vikings who will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes for their dedication, accomplishments, and lasting impact on King Athletics.