The Courage to Be Bold: Class of 2026 Commencement

“During my time here at Bush, experience education is what drove every class curriculum and structured everything this school has to offer,” Mia Escalante ’26 shared in her opening remarks. “Whether it be Cascades, internships, or just our everyday classes, we have always been asked to challenge our thinking, to problem-solve, and to take what we have learned into our everyday lives, all while building community in the process.”

Mia expressed how Bush’s unique experiential learning environment and the Rainier Scholars program helped shape her as a student, leader, and person, preparing her to overcome the obstacles she anticipates facing in her next phase of life.

“As a Rainier Scholar, I’ve learned that challenge is a privilege and the opportunities that come along with hard work and perseverance are nothing to take for granted," Mia said. “This past semester in my History and Human Behavior class, we discussed what it meant to take action and how easily people are susceptible to ignoring issues they are too afraid to combat, for the sake of community. As we go on to a new environment, it is important that we maintain our voices with the willingness to create waves, hopefully inspiring others to do the same." 

Following a warm welcome from Karim, Sarah addressed the community, first reflecting on the transformative years of learning and growth the Bush Class of 2026 experienced and honoring their incredible academic journeys and contributions to the school’s history. The Class of 2026 will be remembered as a unique, creative, generous, and determined group of students who know how to lift their voices to incite positive change for their class and community. 

“Again and again, I was struck by your wisdom, thoughtfulness, humor, and willingness to engage deeply with the world around you and speak up for the issues and causes you care about … which I hope you will carry with you forever,” Sarah told the students. “As writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde reminded us: ‘there is only one thing more frightening than speaking your truth– and that is not speaking.’”  Sarah thanked the students for sharing their truths and for their ability to exercise empathy by listening to and respecting the voices of others.

Upper School student Meredith Chen ’26 spoke on behalf of the Class of 2026 about the memories and special moments that were curated every day at school, each of which strengthened students’ tenacity and readiness for college and beyond. She spoke about what it truly means to be bold—being comfortable with uncertainty and finding excitement in the unknown, because expecting the unexpected helps one evolve as an individual. 

“So Class of 2026, thank you,” Meredith said. “For the conversations. For the memories. For the uncertainty. For growing up alongside me. And as we step into whatever comes next, I hope we welcome the unknown. Not because it’s comfortable, but because some of the most meaningful chapters of our lives begin exactly where the plan ends.” 

Dylan Shingler ’26  spoke to the crowd about the powerful and lasting influence of the Bush faculty who supported students during this momentous time in their lives. He introduced Upper School Math faculty Morgan Root, the student-elected speaker, and raved about his sphere of influence as a Bush instructor and leader.

“When it comes to him as a teacher,” Dylan said, “He stands out as one of the most unique and charismatic math teachers I’ve had. Be it through the two-minute meditations he had us do at the beginning of class that clear your mind of the day and get you focused, or the way he makes individual connections with each and every one of his students, he makes sure everyone is engaged and interested.” 

Dylan acknowledged the lasting impact of the Bush faculty, such as Morgan, who taught students to lead with courage and empathy. Morgan served not only as a wonderful instructor but also as a source of comfort for the students, providing them with a space to regulate their emotions and a nurturing environment full of support and baked goods. In Morgan's final words to the graduating class, he stresses the importance of maintaining confidence in the face of fear and, rather than blaming others, looking inward to improve.

 "That is not what this world needs," Morgan said. "It needs you to be bold. It needs you to be kind. It needs you to acknowledge your fear and not let it drive you. I am confident you can do this. I have been working with many of you, and I am struck by your openness and willingness to confront the struggles of the world head-on. I am so proud to have been a part of your journey, and I will be looking for your great and small actions of kindness that this world that so desperately needs." 

Before receiving their diplomas, students heard advice from Upper School Director Ingrid Gustavson about navigating transitions after high school. 

“I see who you are as you head into one of the biggest transitions of your life—higher education and adulthood,” Ingrid said. “I see the ways in which Bush has helped to empower you for this major step with a voice, with confidence, critical skills, knowledge, and key mindsets so that you can continue to embrace growth and opportunity wherever you go.” 

Once diplomas were received with bright smiles and handshakes, Nyomi Bennett '26 took the podium to deliver her impactful closing remarks, leaving her peers with immense hope, courage, and excitement for the next step in their educational careers. 

“What I find most admirable about this class is their ambition,” Nyomi said. “As class officer, I quickly learned that the class loves to dream big. I remember countless times when I would ask simple questions, and the conversations would go in so many different directions. Though it could be challenging at times, I grew to appreciate their passion to execute and pursue their ideas. Having the chance to lead and witness the Class of 2026’s optimism has been an amazing opportunity and has inspired me to dream bigger than big, even if it seems impossible.”