Class of 2026 Makes History at Albany Academy Commencements

One hundred and three graduates took their place in Albany Academy history on June 8 and 9, 2026, crossing the stage as members of the 212th graduating class of young women and the 213th graduating class of young men, including six seniors who had spent their entire educational journey at the school.

Before a single diploma was awarded, the Class of 2026 had already secured its place in Academy history. For the first time ever, 100% of the senior class participated in the class gift campaign prior to commencement. Their collective generosity was directed toward two lasting investments in the school: enhancing student lounge spaces in the Upper School and creating The Class of 2026 Scholarship Fund, a permanently endowed fund that will help future students access the same transformative opportunities that shaped their own Academy experience.

Head of School Chris Lauricella P’20, ‘22, sent the graduates off with words intended for a class that has already shown a willingness to reach beyond the expected: "Some of life's greatest rewards may be found not by following a carefully constructed plan, but by having the courage to move towards something that scares you just enough to make you wonder whether you're capable of more than you imagined."

That same spirit of ambition and determination was equally evident in the class's athletic accomplishments. Twenty-five students earned opportunities to continue their athletic careers as recruited student-athletes at NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions. Together, they represent nearly 25% of the graduating class – more than three times the national average of high school seniors who go on to compete in collegiate athletics.

At the girls' ceremony, Sara Strope, Class of 1996, took the podium to deliver her keynote address. A marketing executive, seven-time Ironman

triathlete, and current member of the Board of Trustees, Strope built her address around a theme she knows well: leaning into fear. 

"The things that scare you a little, they challenge you, maybe even motivate you," she told the graduates. Her message combined encouragement with reassurance. "As Academy graduates, you have the foundation to do this. You are confident and competent women, and generations of alumnae like me will be there to support you every step of the way."

At the boys' ceremony, the stage belonged to Armen Garo, Class of 1973, an accomplished actor whose credits include The Sopranos, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, and American Hustle, as well as a former officer with the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island. Drawing on a life shaped by both public service and the performing arts, Garo spoke about legacy, integrity, and the responsibility of representing something larger than oneself.
 

"You are the very embodiment, the very manifestation of the intentions, the hopes, the dreams of the founders of Albany Academy," he told the graduates. He challenged them to carry the values they learned at the Academy into every stage of life: "Remember your guideposts, remember what you learned here, remember what you observed here ... do the right thing no matter what the consequences."

Garo concluded with a powerful reminder that lasting impact is often measured one life at a time: "All you have to do is influence one in your entire lifetime. If you just influence one individual, that can make all the difference in the world."
 

Videos of the days can be found here:

2026 Girls' Commencement Video
2026 Boys' Commencement Video 

Photos for purchase can be found here:

Login link
Boys Access Code: ACADEMYBOYSGRAD26
Girls Access Code: ACADEMYGIRLSGRAD26

Curious about the coeducational commencement plan? 
The first coeducational commencement in Albany Academy's history is planned for the Class of 2028, marking the first class to have completed a fully coeducational Upper School experience from grades 9 through 12.