Congratulations, Class of 2026!

In 1926, La Jolla Country Day School welcomed its first four students. A century later, members of the class of 2026 gathered to celebrate their own milestone, graduating during the school’s centennial year. For the first time since 2019, commencement returned to campus, with 108 graduates honored during the 63rd LJCDS commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, in Smith Gymnasium.

The class of 2026 received over 650 college acceptances, with 99% of students admitted to one of their top three colleges. Graduates will attend 68 colleges and universities across the United States, with three enrolling at universities abroad. One graduate will spend a gap year playing soccer for a football club in Croatia. Among the graduates were 20 lifers, students who have called La Jolla Country Day School home for 13 years or more.

In his commencement address, Head of School Jeff Terwin, Ph.D., encouraged graduates to rely on their grit, creativity, optimism, and kindness as they enter new communities and face future challenges. In a touching moment, students discovered personalized letters from members of the school community and commemorative keychains featuring photos from their first and senior years at LJCDS, serving as reminders of how far they had come and the support that will remain with them long after graduation. Dr. Terwin shared Jane Goodall’s quote, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make,” then challenged the graduates to consider the difference they will make in the world. In conclusion, he reminded them that they will always be Torreys and this will always be their home.

Upper School History Department Chair Corbin Prychun reflected on the challenges facing the world today while expressing optimism about the future, citing the example set by the class of 2026. Drawing comparisons to the resilience of previous generations, he acknowledged the uncertainty, conflict, and rapid change graduates will encounter, but said his confidence comes from the students themselves. Highlighting members of his psychology class, advisory group, and soccer team, Mr. Prychun praised their authenticity, curiosity, resilience, and ability to work together despite imperfections and setbacks. Rather than offering traditional advice, he thanked the graduates for reminding him that meaningful collaboration, personal growth, and genuine human connection remain powerful forces for good. Mr. Prychun concluded by expressing hope that they will help make the next century even better than the last.

Student speaker James “Jamie” Onaitis ’26 reflected on graduating in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and argued that the qualities that make people human will remain more important than ever. Blending humor with thoughtful insight, he acknowledged the uncertainty many graduates feel about the future while encouraging his classmates to “keep the humanity” as they move forward. Framing his message around three principles, Affectionately Involved, Assertively Incorrect, and All In, Jamie urged graduates to care deeply for others, embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth, and fully commit themselves to their relationships, passions, and goals. While recognizing the transformative power of AI, he emphasized that empathy, resilience, vulnerability, and human connection are qualities technology cannot replace. Jamie concluded by challenging the class of 2026 to stay true to those values by caring for one another, believing in themselves, and pursuing greatness with purpose and conviction.

The following three awards were presented during the commencement ceremony. 

Presented by Board of Trustees President Jennifer O’Brien, this award recognizes a student who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average over the last four years at LJCDS.

Rehaan Hassan ’26 

Presented by Dr. Terwin, this award recognizes a student who has achieved the second-highest cumulative grade point average over the last four years at LJCDS. 

Presented by Head of Upper School James Joseph. This prize is awarded to two seniors who, through their efforts, character, scholarship, and participation in the arts and athletics, have best demonstrated the ideals and spirit of La Jolla Country Day School.

Congratulations, class of 2026!