Invigorating commencement speeches energize graduating seniors, friends and family.

During the 76th commencement ceremony held in the St. Stephen’s Chapel, Head of School Chris Gunnin, family, friends and the St. Stephen's community celebrated the accomplishments of the 127 members of the Class of 2026 while reflecting on the resilience they demonstrated throughout their years on The Hill.

Acknowledging the significant challenges the class faced — including beginning Middle School during the COVID-19 pandemic and enduring last summer’s Hill Country floods — Gunnin praised graduates for meeting adversity with strength, compassion and perseverance.

“Beyond what you’ve achieved, we celebrate who you’ve become,” Gunnin said, commending the class for developing “sharp minds, fierce spirits and compassionate hearts” in the St. Stephen’s tradition.

He described the seniors as caring, committed and service-minded young people who remained undeterred by obstacles and dedicated to making a difference in the world. 

Ben Hines ’91 Encourages Graduates to Embrace Courage, Connection and Discomfort

Each year, by popular vote, seniors choose a faculty commencement speaker and a classmate speaker who they believe will honor and best encapsulate their years at St. Stephen's. Upper School English instructor Ben Hines ’91 and Annie Ehrlich ’26 delivered riveting commencement speeches.

In a heartfelt address, Hines injected humor as he reflected on the power of relationships, resilience and making bold choices. Drawing from films, family stories and lessons from beloved St. Stephen’s teachers, he encouraged graduates to “make bold and courageous choices,” embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth and remain open to others.

“You are an extraordinary group of young people,” said Hines. “You should believe in yourselves completely. Don't just tell people who you are — show them. Make them believe in themselves as well. I would say: be prepared to be uncomfortable at times. Uncomfortable does not mean bad. In fact, often it is the wellspring of change.”

This is Hines’ third time as graduation speaker in his 15-year St. Stephen’s tenure. He traced the evolution of student slang from 2013 ("YOLO," "salty") to 2021 ("no cap," "sus") and finally to 2026 ("cringe," "goated," "it's time to cook"). He also reflected on lessons from his grandfather, Bishop John Hines — the 22nd Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church who co-founded St. Stephen’s 75 years ago.

Seeking monumental words of wisdom at age 20, Hines told graduates he asked his grandfather the "meaning of life." Instead of a grand philosophical statement, the Bishop simply shook his hand and said, "Now, that's better. Don't you think?" He paired this memory with practical lessons learned from legendary St. Stephen's faculty about taking accountability and fixing mistakes, and building relationships with people beyond their friend circle Hines challenged graduates to recognize that "the cost of living is not the same as the value of life." 

In summary, Hines told graduates, years later, he finally understood his grandfather’s simple response: life's meaning is found in human connection and togetherness. 

“We are not alone in this world, so get comfortable, because it's time to really get to know each other,” said Hines. “We sit here together at this moment, but in the next, we bloom. Congratulations, Class of 2026. This world is waiting for you. It is time to cook.”

Annie Ehrlich ’26 Reflects on Resilience Through Art

Annie Ehrlich ’26 used tie-dyeing as a metaphor for the Class of 2026’s journey, emphasizing resilience, connection, creativity and growth.

Like folding fabric, she reflected on how the class began “folding together” in 6th grade before the pandemic disrupted their early years. Yet through changing traditions, uncertainty and challenge, the class rebuilt itself, growing stronger and more connected. Ehrlich celebrated the individuality of her classmates — from athletes and artists to academic standouts — while emphasizing the bonds formed through shared experiences on The Hill. Comparing teachers, parents and mentors to the rubber bands used on fabric while tie dyeing: Ehrlich said, it was this collective group of strength that held students together and helped shape who they became.

Ultimately, Ehrlich said the tie-dye process revealed that growth is less about the final product and more about the experience of creating something meaningful together.

“As we move from The Hill to the world,” Ehrlich said, “let’s keep being uniquely us, connecting with one another, giving our all to each endeavor, pushing the boundaries of what is known and, above all, making awesome tie dye.”

Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony Recording

Read the full recap of the 76th Commencement Ceremony and awards in the upcoming summer 2026 issue of “Spartan Magazine.”