The Branson School Class of 2026
Under the trees of Prize Day Field, the Branson School community gathered to celebrate more than 100 graduates in the Class of 2026. Friends, family members, faculty, staff, and members of the junior class filled the audience to honor the seniors as they marked the culmination of their time at Branson.
The ceremony opened with a faculty and staff procession accompanied by a live performance of Hermann Beeftink's Spring, featuring Emmett G. ’26 on flute, Sadie W. ’26 on piano, and Daaniya Z. ’27 on clarinet, before seniors entered to the traditional strains of Pomp and Circumstance. Welcoming the community, Head of School Chris Mazzola thanked the families, faculty, and staff who supported the graduates throughout their Branson journeys and reflected on the lasting impact of the senior class, noting that they had truly "left it better than they found it."
Emmett G. ’26 on flute, Sadie W. ’26 on piano, and Daaniya Z. ’27 (from left to right) on clarinet perform Hermann Beeftink's Spring
Throughout the ceremony, student speakers reflected on the experiences and values that defined the Class of 2026. In his address, senior speaker Christopher M. challenged his classmates to resist the pressure to constantly optimize their lives and instead appreciate the moments that make us "more than just students" and "more human." Drawing on experiences ranging from pottery to backpacking, he encouraged his peers to embrace life's imperfections and remember that some of the most meaningful moments are the ones that cannot be planned.
Xandra S. '26 speaks about her experience embracing mistakes and turning them into growth.
Senior speaker Xandra S. echoed a similar message through stories of her famously frequent spills and mishaps. Reflecting on the lessons she learned during her time at Branson, she encouraged classmates to "lean into the spills" and embrace the mistakes, awkward moments, and unexpected turns that shape a life. Her speech celebrated the friendships, conversations, and everyday experiences that often become the memories that matter most.
Olivia R. '26 and Luke V. '26 (from left to right) recite readings of their choosing.
Student Body Presidents Olivia R. and Luke V. shared readings that reinforced the themes of authenticity, growth, and self-discovery. Olivia read excerpts from The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, a reflection on living courageously and remaining true to oneself, while Luke shared Stanley Kunitz's poem The Layers, which encourages readers to "live in the layers, not on the litter" and embrace life's ongoing transformations. Senior Class Representative Kyle P. then presented the Mount Tamalpais School Award to Senior Dean Maura Vaughn, recognizing her unwavering support of students and her lasting impact on the senior class.
Maura Vaughn receives applause as she approaches the stage to accept her award.
In her address to the graduates, Chris Mazzola challenged students to approach the future with optimism. Centering her remarks on the values of courage, kindness, purpose, and honor, he reminded graduates that happiness is often found not through achievement alone but through meaningful relationships and hope. Quoting philosopher Immanuel Kant, Mazzola offered a simple recipe for a fulfilling life: "something to do, someone to love, something to hope for." She encouraged graduates to carry that wisdom with them as they enter their next chapter. Read Chris's full Graduation Speech.
Students Kyle P. '26, Yasmin C. '26, and Sadie B. '26 (from left to right) perform a song with classmates Maddie J. '26, Olivia R. '26, and Sadie S. '26 (not pictured).
Before seniors received their diplomas, they were honored with a performance by a group of their fellow classmates of Noah Kahan's "You're Gonna Go Far." The song's message of growth, change, and connection resonated with the graduates as they prepared to leave Branson while carrying its lessons and friendships into the future. Following the presentation of diplomas and closing remarks, the Class of 2026 officially joined Branson's alumni community.
The Class of 2026 tosses their decorated caps into the air.
The celebration concluded with a joyful toss of their caps into the air. Students, families, and faculty then came together for a reception in the Commons where the Class of 2026 and their friends & families celebrated this milestone and the beginning of their next chapter.