![Canterbury Celebrates 87 Graduates at Class of 2026 Commencement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779997493/canterburyfortmyersorg/a69oclm48cl67rui9itg/CommencementClassof2026-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779997493/canterburyfortmyersorg/a69oclm48cl67rui9itg/CommencementClassof2026-6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779997493/canterburyfortmyersorg/a69oclm48cl67rui9itg/CommencementClassof2026-6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1779997493/canterburyfortmyersorg/a69oclm48cl67rui9itg/CommencementClassof2026-6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1779997493/canterburyfortmyersorg/a69oclm48cl67rui9itg/CommencementClassof2026-6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1779997493/canterburyfortmyersorg/a69oclm48cl67rui9itg/CommencementClassof2026-6.jpg","width":2200}])
Canterbury School proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, trustees, and members of the Canterbury community, 87 graduates crossed the stage and officially became Canterbury alumni. The Class of 2026 is tied with the largest senior class ever to graduate from Canterbury School, marking a meaningful milestone in the school’s history.
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The ceremony opened with remarks from Head of School Rick Kirschner, who congratulated the graduates and welcomed families to this special celebration. Head of Upper School Len Armstrong also addressed the Class of 2026, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of the graduating class. Together, the seniors completed more than 26,000 community service hours over their four years of high school and earned more than $2 million in scholarships.
Mr. Armstrong spoke about the importance of purpose, truth, and character as graduates prepare for life beyond Canterbury.
“Class of 2026, you have already proven that you can achieve,” he said. “Now go prove that you can live with purpose. Go prove that you can lead with character. Go prove that you can stand on truth, again and again, no matter how quickly the world around you moves.”
The ceremony also included the presentation of special senior awards, recognizing graduates for academic excellence, leadership, service, school spirit, citizenship, character, and their many contributions to Canterbury. Families may view the digital senior awards booklet to learn more about this year’s honorees.
📖 View the senior awards digital booklet!
As each graduate received a diploma and stood on stage for their individual moment, Mr. Armstrong and Assistant Head of School for Educator Growth and Leadership, Sharon Laconi, read personal bios celebrating each student’s Canterbury journey and plans for the future. This meaningful Canterbury tradition gave families and guests a chance to recognize the individuality of each member of the Class of 2026.
After the diplomas were conferred and the Class of 2026 officially became Canterbury alumni, Mr. Kirschner offered a final charge to the graduates. He reminded them that Canterbury will always remain a part of their story and that the school community will continue to be there for them beyond graduation.
“You will always be alumni of this great school, and we hope to serve you well even beyond graduation,” he shared. “We wish you all the best and Godspeed on your journeys, as well as offer our deepest congratulations!”
The day was filled with proud moments nd heartfelt gratitude as the Class of 2026 marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Canterbury is proud of all you have accomplished and looks forward to seeing the many ways you will continue to thrive.
🎥 Watch the full ceremony recording!
Special thanks to our Cougar Vision team for capturing video of the ceremony!