Cannon School Alumni

We were honored to welcome back Distinguished Alumna Jess Ekstrom ’09 as the keynote speaker for Cannon School’s 28th Commencement Ceremony celebrating the Class of 2026.

Jess shared memories of first stepping onto Cannon’s campus and meeting beloved teacher Mark Dunn, reminding graduates how formative these years truly are. Her message left us inspired and hopeful, especially her reminder that “becoming yourself is way more interesting than becoming your plan.”

A Cannon graduate, bestselling author, entrepreneur, founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, and nationally recognized speaker, Jess encouraged our graduates to pause and celebrate how far they’ve come before stepping into their next chapter.

Thank you, Jess, for sharing your story, wisdom, and heart with our community. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

DC Cannon alums, want to hang?

We’re taking Cannon “On the Road” this summer with a happy hour in Dupont Circle before heading to see fellow alum Justin Weaks ’08 star in A Fine Madness!

📍 Dupont Circle (location TBD)
🗓 Thursday, June 25
⏰ Happy Hour 4:30–6:30 PM
🎭 A Fine Madness at 8 PM

Come for:
✔️ catching up with classmates
✔️ networking
✔️ a reason to go out on a Thursday
✔️ supporting one of our own on stage

DM us or email [email protected] to RSVP. Come through.

Tickets to the show: https://www.woollymammoth.net/productions/a-fine-madness-2/

ALUMNI! 📣Cookie deliveries are underway 🍪🤍
Make a gift of any size to the Cannon Fund in honor of a favorite teacher or staff member, and we’ll deliver a cookie + your note today. Link in our bio!

Just got our hands on Jess Ekstrom’s ‘09 latest book and we’re ready to dive in!

Only nine days until returns to campus to deliver this year’s Commencement keynote. We can’t wait to welcome her back to campus and celebrate the Class of 2026 together! 🎓

It’s almost time!

Some Cannon memories live in the everyday moments, like the spiral staircase in the Gossage Building.

Before Upper School renovations begin this summer, we’re inviting alumni back t campus for Stairwell Farewell on May 21, 8:00-10:00 a.m. Stop by for a waffle bar, photos with the staircase, and a chance to reconnect while wishing the Class of 2026 well!

RSVP: https://events.veracross.com/cannonschool/52-Stairwell-Farewell

Cookie deliveries are in full swing this week! 🍪

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, some of our amazing educators are receiving cookies and appreciation.

Want to surprise a favorite teacher? Make a gift to the Cannon Fund and we'll deliver the treats!

Link to donate: https://www.boostmyschool.com/orgs/cannonschool/campaigns/alumni-campaign-cannon-fund

For Helen Craft ’23 (back row, 4th from right), a passion for building and problem-solving that began in Cannon’s makerspace has grown into meaningful, real-world work. Now a biomedical engineering major at Tulane University, she’s applying her skills through service-based projects, including designing and fitting prosthetic arms for individuals in Sierra Leone.

From early 3D printing projects to hands-on innovation across the globe, Helen’s journey reflects the power of curiosity, persistence, and purpose-driven learning.

Read more about her story: https://www.cannonschool.org/news-and-stories/in-the-news-details/~board/cannon-news-cougar-news-internal-sources/post/alumni-spotlight-helen-craft-23

Congratulations to Dana Norton ‘13 on her recent marriage to Jabari Dawkins! Dana, a marine toxicologist whose work focuses on microplastic pollution, celebrated this special occasion at the South Carolina Aquarium in support of her favorite nonprofit.

We were also thrilled to see Cannon alumni in attendance, including Lizzie Lovett ‘13 (along with her parents), as well as Dana’s sister Erin Edmondson ’15 and her husband Noah ‘15, both proud Cannon alumni.

Wishing Dana and Jabari all the best in this exciting new chapter!