Carolina Day School

In Part II of her Commencement remarks to the Class of 2026, Joanne Bartsch turns to the world’s deep hunger. Of all the things the world needs, she has come to believe the deepest hunger is for belonging—to be accepted, valued, and known in a community.

She reminds graduates that they have already experienced and helped create that kind of community together. And as they begin their next chapter, the work ahead is not just what they will achieve, but the gift of belonging they will create for others.

Watch Part I to hear Ms. Bartsch’s reflections on vocation and deep gladness.

Three questions. One lifetime of answers.

In her Commencement address to the class of 2026, Joanne Bartsch challenged graduates to consider:
• Who are you?
• Why have you been sent?
• How do you come among this gathering, and with what confidence?

Drawing on Frederick Buechner‘s idea of vocation, she reflected on the place where our deepest gladness meets the world’s deep hunger, and on the many gifts, talents, and strength she already sees in this remarkable class.

After 45 years in education, Ms. Bartsch still finds inspiration in her students.

Watch part two to hear more of her message to the Class of 2026.

“What makes Carolina Day School special are the things that I don’t remember.”

As the student speaker delivering the Graduate Address at Carolina Day School’s 2026 Commencement, Joaquin Tordoya-Urdiales reflected on the experiences he didn’t have at CDS: exclusion, judgment, and bullying—and what that meant for his growth as a student, artist, and person.

His words are a powerful reminder that a school’s culture is often defined not only by what happens within its walls, but by what doesn’t.

Congratulations, Joaquin, and congratulations to the Carolina Day School Class of 2026.

At Carolina Day’s Middle School Moving Up Ceremony, Principal Lauren Evans challenged the Class of 2030 (our rising 9th graders) to think bigger—beyond labels, divisions, and the invisible walls we build around ourselves.

Drawing on the “Overview Effect” experienced by astronauts looking back at Earth from space, she reminded students that the lines separating us are often imagined, and that leadership begins by widening our circle of compassion.

This moment from her remarks asks a simple but lifelong question: “Who is outside my circle, and what would it cost me to invite them in?”

At today’s Upper School Academic Awards, Inductions and Honors Ceremony, Joanne Bartsch invited longtime educator Gail Wallace to the podium for what seemed like a routine award presentation—but the real surprise was for Señora Wallace herself.

In honor of her remarkable 30-year teaching career and profound impact on generations of students, the Upper School unveiled a new honor: the “Gail Wallace Make A Difference Award.”

As Señora Wallace prepares to retire at the end of this school year, we celebrate the lasting difference she has made in our community for three decades. ❤️