Forty-eight students -- the self-named "Great 48" -- joined the ranks of hundreds of Bright School alumni during the 113th graduation ceremony held on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Several students performed solos as guests found their seats. Jim Cofield, Th.M., grandfather of graduate Hayden Cofield, opened the ceremony with an invocation.

Head of School Kristin Watts opened the ceremony with some words of wisdom for the graduates.

The fifth grade handbell ensembles played two pieces followed by the traditional “Country Gardens,” performed on recorders by the fifth grade class.

Fifth grade teacher Mrs. Ann O’Brien spoke about the profound impact of Bright school, saying, “How lucky we are to have shared these years together.”

A class gift of a display for academic and athletic achievements was presented by Hudson Fuller, Molly Gray and Yousef Alani.

Before diplomas were presented, Bright School alumna and mother of Pate '26 and Steel '30, Taylor Lee Vinson '98 spoke to graduates about navigating the uncertainty of COVID and building a class community that lifts each other up. "Real heroes," she said, "are not born, they are nurtured. They are curious, critical, and even uncertain in the face of adversity... and most importantly, they are supported by and embedded in a community."

Mrs. Vinson also told students, "You don't need a massive stage to transform the world. You just need to take the foundation you learned here and recreate it wherever you go."

Diplomas were presented to each graduate and the ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater and a poem read by Emmy Kirby, Walker Cyrus and Eliza Osborne.