It was a beautiful, bright, breezy, sun-filled Alumni Weekend 2026. The energy was palpable throughout campus as we welcomed over 550 alumni and friends; smiles were everywhere as guests relived cherished memories and shared stories from their time at George School. While we could never completely cover every moment from the weekend, here are some of the highlights. 

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FRIDAY 

Celebrating 40 Years of the International Baccalaureate Program

The weekend started with a celebration of the George School IB Program, recognizing the excellence and lasting impact of the program over its 40 years. Current IB students, IB faculty members, alumni and parents of IB students gathered in the meetinghouse to honor the hard work and dedication of the multiple generations of diploma candidates, and reflected on the impact it made to their educational experience at George School and beyond. 

In a panel of IB students and parents hosted by Harry Degnan ’26, Sydney Lewis (parent of Halaylah Lewis-McGlothan ’25) shared, “The IB Program allowed me to see she could handle hard things, so when she went to Princeton University, she was used to not being the smartest person in the room and was comfortable dealing with that struggle.”

The IB celebration continued with a keynote speech given by 2007 Nobel Prize Winner Mario Capecchi ’56. It inspired students and guests to engage in the spirit of lifelong learning, a core value of not only the George School experience, but his successful career in science. He reminded guests to always “be a student,” and ensured that anyone can find success as long as they “have the will to say ‘I can.’” Learn more about the IB Program at GS.

Walton Center Groundbreaking

Shortly after, just up the hill from the meetinghouse, the community gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the lobby expansion and renovation project at the Walton Performing Arts Center. Representatives from George School, as well as the design and construction teams Warfel Construction, GKO Architects and Castle & Associates, were there to kick off construction of the exciting renovated community space after thoughtful planning. Learn more about the project.

Welcome Reception and Showtime for “Chicago”

Friends old and new were reunited at the welcome reception, and many attended opening night of “Chicago,” long-tenured theater teacher and director Mo West’s last production at George School. It was a beautiful night for community gathering, showstopping performances and a little razzle dazzle! Check out the highlights of the performance.

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SATURDAY 

All-Alumni Gathering

The community gathered in the meetinghouse to start the day. Head of School Justin Brandon began with a welcome, then presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Ashley Garrett ’76. Among Ashley’s many career and volunteer accomplishments, her work as an artist, educator and philanthropist led the committee to select her for this year’s award. Learn more about her accomplishments and career.

 

It was also a time to share tributes to departing faculty members Valerie Greaud, Tom Hoopes ’83, Chéri Mellor, Terry Tuttle and Mo West. Read more about our departing faculty and staff members in this issue. 

Notable Reunions

Classes ending in 1s and 6s celebrated their milestone reunions this year. The Class of 1976 hosted a lively 50th reunion in the dining room, while the Classes of 1975 and older met for the Senior Alumni lunch on the MDA Library Patio, and the Class of 1981 met for an intimate lunch by the Class of 1981 Generations Gazebo. Classmates also had the opportunity to reconnect at their individual reunion class gatherings in the evening.

A Sunny Afternoon on South Lawn

South Lawn was lively with events all afternoon. A barbecue lunch, live music from the Big Band (with special musical performances from English teacher Shantel Hubert and current students like Zoe Ahaghotu ’27 and young alumna Jada Johnson ’24), and a packed family fun zone kept alumni (and future Cougars!) of all ages entertained. Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rachel Williams co-hosted the Cyd Carpenter ’47 Alumni of Color Network Event with Justin at Sunnybanke, and folks were invited to join many impromptu four square and spikeball games on red square. 

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SUNDAY 

Community Meeting for Worship, Brunch and Let your Art Speak Gallery Walk

After the packed festivities of Saturday, Sunday activities were easygoing, but no less meaningful. After a touching Community Meeting for Worship, alumni were welcomed to explore student artwork displayed across campus, in addition to brunch in the dining room. Learn more about the visual arts program at GS.

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A heartfelt thank-you to the alumni and volunteers who helped make this a truly memorable weekend.

Looking for more? Check out our Smug Mug for all photos from the weekend!

Save the date for Alumni Weekend 2027, April 30 – May 2, 2027!