Collegiate School

This morning at our All-School Meeting, we had the privilege of recognizing colleagues celebrating 10, 20, and even 30 years of service to Collegiate. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment have helped shape our community in countless ways, and we are grateful for the impact they continue to make each day.

We also proudly presented the Debbie Miller Heart Award to Jill Aveson in recognition of her compassionate leadership, steadfast support of others, and the countless ways she strengthens the Collegiate community behind the scenes.

Congratulations again to the following employees celebrating service anniversaries:

30 years:
Karen Albright
Dana DuMont
Brian Justice
Mark Palyo
Andrew Stanley

20 years:
Kim Adamik
Tyler Boyd
Nicola Byford
Frances Coleman
Emily Randolph
Mironda Starke

10 years:
Leah Angell
Jana Barnes
Shirley Bogaev
Trina Clemans
Catherine Clements
Will Dunlap
Meg Evans
Louis Fierro
Cheryl Gahagan
Melanie Gregory
Brent Miller
Leigh Thompson
Kristen Williams

Today, Collegiate’s 8th Graders gathered in Seal Athletic Center for their Final Exercises, celebrating the completion of an important chapter and looking ahead to all that awaits in Upper School. The Class of 2030 has left its mark on the Middle School through leadership, character, and a commitment to their community. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to watching them continue to grow in the years ahead!

Today marked an exciting milestone for the Class of 2034 as they celebrated their Moving Up Ceremony and the close of their Lower School journey. Throughout their time in the Lower School, these students have grown into curious learners, thoughtful leaders, and caring members of the Collegiate community.

Congratulations, Class of 2034. We cannot wait to see all you accomplish in Middle School!

A forecast of rain was no match for the Class of 2026’s desire for an outdoor Commencement ceremony. “Collegiate always finds a way,” said Head of School Jeff Mancabelli. The misty air and cool temps on the Flippen Hall lawn did little to dampen enthusiasm for the celebration of the Seniors, who earned over $20 million in college scholarships and received 756 acceptances into 190 colleges and universities. The Class also tied the highest overall acceptance rate in Collegiate’s history. Whatever is next for these graduates, they will have the Collegiate community behind them. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Click below to read about this morning's Commencement:

https://www.collegiate-va.org/news-detail?pk=1628322&nc=260&fromId=191527

The Class of 2026 spent Senior Transition Week hearing from faculty, staff, and alumni who shared advice and real-world insight to help prepare them for the exciting road ahead.

To close out the week, Seniors also got to see their Kindergarten buddies one last time. It was a full-circle moment that made this special week even more memorable!

Congratulations to our Middle School award winners recognized for their excellence in assembly!

Cox Music Award for Piano and Band - Annie Fierro
Cox Music Award for Strings - Zubin Mate
Middle School Choral Award - Eleanor Badgett
Middle School Dance Award - Victoria Flynn
Middle School Visual Arts Award - Meriwether Wright
Middle School Drama Award - Forrest Dunlap
Middle School Math Award - Avery Wiltshire & Daniel Murado
Middle School Science Award - Caroline Tanner & Ravi Shah
Middle School History Award - Ginny Russell & Scott Burnett
Ferneyhough English Award - Kinsey Taylor
Coates English Award - Riggs Riva
Middle School Chinese Award - Annie Thalhimer & Nicholas Bradley
Middle School French Award - Annie Fierro & Daniel Murado
Middle School Latin Award - Kinsey Taylor & Scott Burnett
Middle School Spanish Award - Lila Strickler & Luke Orski
Middle School Physical Education Award - Caroline Tanner & Nicholas Bradley
Middle School STEM Award - Riggs Riva