Jazz drifted across campus as members of the Class of 2026 adjusted caps and gowns and families paused for photos and congratulations. By the time “Pomp and Circumstance” signaled the formal start of commencement, the tent was positively festive.
Head of School Carol Maoz opened the ceremony, highlighting “the class of extraordinary and varied talents” that had grown into a close-knit community over time.

“You have shown up for one another in classrooms, on fields and stages, and in moments that mattered most,” Maoz told graduates, drawing from the school year’s theme of “Vikings Show Up.” “You have shown up in service, in leadership, in friendship. That, in my view, is true excellence and character.”

Held on May 29, the event recognized the achievements of the senior class and marked their transition into King alumni. The evening included an invocation and benediction from Reverend Mark Lingle, a performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by the Vocal Arts Singers, remarks from school leaders, the presentation of Certificates of Distinction, and the awarding of diplomas.

Maoz recognized the King Lifers, seniors who have attended the school since PreK, Kindergarten, or Grade 1, and acknowledged graduates wearing King legacy shield pins honoring multigenerational family connections to the school.

That continuity was echoed in Chair of the Board of Trustees Mi-Sun Freeman’s P’22, ’29 confidence in the enduring value of a King education, confidence that she said comes from watching students develop the ability to meet new experiences with curiosity and resilience.

“You are prepared for what comes next, not because you have every answer but because you know how to continue learning, adapting, and growing,” said Freeman. “That understanding is part of the legacy of this school, and now it becomes part of yours.”  
Valedictorian Leon Wang turned to the shared challenges and opportunities that shaped his  King experience. Leon noted that, together, the class had navigated the disruptions of the COVID era and the emergence of artificial intelligence while continuing to excel as students, athletes, artists, and leaders.

Leon expressed gratitude for the support he received from teachers, mentors, friends, and family. “My years at King have shown me what it’s like to step out of your comfort zone and have a community there to catch you when you fall,” he said.

Encouraging classmates to pursue ambitious goals while embracing uncertainty, Leon reminded his peers that they would always have “a safety net of family, friends, and mentors at King.” He concluded by urging the Class of 2026 to continue dreaming boldly.

As if to demonstrate what comes of bold dreams, Commencement Speaker Guilbert Francois KLHT’13 shared his path from King to the National Basketball Association, Instagram, and eventually OpenAI. He spoke about the uncertainty he felt in his middle school days and the unexpected trajectory of a career spanning technology, media, and marketing.

He urged students to value community, remain curious, and make intentional choices about their futures. His own path reflected that same openness, moving from filmmaking to music production before he discovered a passion for storytelling in media.

“There isn’t a single thing I’ve accomplished in my life that isn’t the direct result of someone investing in me,” Francois said, emphasizing the mentors, friendships, teachers, and family who shared his journey.

Francois reflected on the lessons that have guided him throughout his life and career, encouraging graduates to carry those principles with them into the future.

He closed with three guiding lessons that have stayed with him throughout his life.

“First: Your community is your most valuable resource. Make sure you invest back into it,” Francois said. “Second: Sit in the driver’s seat of your own life. Don’t let the time pass without your input. Lastly,” he added, alluding to his love of sports, “always dive for the ball… It’s always worth it.”

Selected by his classmates as Senior Speaker, Student Council President, and King Lifer, Steven Blanco brought a perspective shaped by leadership across music, theater, service, and student life. Building on themes of community and connection, Steven acknowledged the evolution of the senior class and the sense of unity that emerged during its final year at King.

“Somewhere, along the way, we stopped worrying so much and started showing up,” Blanco said. He encouraged classmates to embrace authenticity as they move forward, adding, “Life is so much richer when we live in our truth.”

He ended with gratitude for the friendships and connections that shaped his time at King.

“I hope those kids that sat in the crowd at the pep rally saw a class that cared deeply for each other and for their school,” he said. “A class that learned to enjoy togetherness before having to say goodbye.”

Head of Upper School Marnie Sadlowsky presented Certificates of Distinction recognizing advanced achievement in STEM, Leadership, Performing Arts, Global Studies, Art and Design, and World Languages.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas, officially marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for students who, in many cases, had spent most of their lives growing up together at King.

As the Class of 2026 recessed together, they closed their King journey with the ringing of bells, marking the end of their time as King students and the commencement of what comes next.