Commencement 2025 | News | Worcester Academy

Worcester Academy held its 192nd Commencement on Friday, June 5, celebrating the achievements, growth, and promise of the Class of 2026. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff on the historic Quad, 138 graduates received their diplomas, marking the culmination of their Worcester Academy journeys and the beginning of the next chapter.

Head of School Kevin Breen opened the ceremony by welcoming families, faculty, trustees, alumni, and honored guests. He recognized the many individuals who supported the graduates throughout their time on the Hilltop and offered special thanks to retiring faculty member Yuming Lu for 18 years of dedicated service to the Academy. Breen also reflected on the enduring impact of Worcester Academy's faculty, whose collective experience and commitment have helped shape generations of students.

The Class of 2026 heard from Salutatorian Noah Schenenga, who reflected on the unique experience of a class brought together from different backgrounds, countries, and life experiences. Schenenga celebrated the friendships and connections formed during their time at Worcester Academy and encouraged his classmates to appreciate both life's milestone moments and its everyday joys. This fall, he will attend Babson College as a Blank Leadership Scholar, where he plans to study finance.

“Be present,” he said. “Not just now, but beyond today. Beyond this campus where we've built memories, beyond the big moments of caps and gowns, down to the little things that you won't even realize will become your best memories.”

Commencement speaker Lawrence A. Gordon '72, Worcester Academy trustee, entrepreneur, and longtime supporter of the Academy, shared lessons from a career that spanned engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, and global business leadership. Reflecting on the twists and turns of his professional journey, Gordon encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty, adapt to change, and focus on the opportunities directly in front of them.

“You do not need to have your whole life figured out today,” Gordon told graduates. “You don't need a master plan. You just need the next step.”

Valedictorian Aekem Singh reflected on the people who shaped his journey and encouraged his classmates to embrace authenticity, celebrate what makes them unique, and remain committed to supporting others. Drawing on his own experiences and identity, Singh challenged graduates to build communities rooted in empathy, understanding, and service. This fall, he will attend Brown University to study film and business.

“Do not let the world convince you that being perfect is the goal,” he said. “Do not let society dictate who you are supposed to become. Step into the world, honest about your struggles and proud of what makes you different.”

Two major honors were awarded during the ceremony. The Bucknell Scholarship, which recognizes excellence in scholarship and character, was presented to Jacob Jiang. Jiang, who will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study computer science, was recognized for his exceptional academic achievements, leadership in computer science, and contributions to the Worcester Academy community.

The Sigma Zeta Kappa Cup, awarded by vote of the senior class to the student who best exemplifies the spirit of Worcester Academy's motto, Achieve the Honorable, was presented to Bryan Herlihy. A Worcester Academy Lifer who joined the school in sixth grade, Herlihy was recognized for his leadership, kindness, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to building an inclusive community. This fall, he will attend Stevens Institute of Technology, where he will study business and technology and play baseball.

The ceremony concluded with the conferring of diplomas by Board of Trustees President Meg O'Leary, Head of School Kevin Breen, and Head of the Upper School James Young. With tassels turned and cheers filling the Quad, the Class of 2026 officially joined the ranks of Worcester Academy alumni. Following a longstanding Academy tradition, faculty members formed a reception line across the Quad to personally congratulate each graduate as they recessed for the final time as students.