Collegiate School

Splashing into summer! Our first two weeks of Summer Quest Camps have been packed with fun and adventure. We can’t wait for the weeks ahead!

Yesterday, we celebrated the remarkable careers of our retiring faculty and staff, whose combined service to Collegiate spans more than 320 years. Following their recognition at our All-School Meeting, we welcomed our retirees and their loved ones to a special lunch reception to honor their dedication, lasting impact, and countless contributions to our community. We are deeply grateful for all they have given to Collegiate and wish them the very best in retirement and the next chapter ahead.

Wilbur Athey - 43 years
Jackie Johnson - 40 years
Mary Arzt - 38 years
Mil Norman-Risch - 38 years
Dana DuMont - 30 years
Holly Fairlamb - 27 years
Debra McKercher - 24 years
Heather Garnett - 24 years
Taylor Dabney - 22 years
Glenn LaFerriere - 13 years
Shirley Bogaev - 10 years
Barb Peco - 4 years
Tara Burgess - 4 years
Heidi Benson - 3 years

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!