On Saturday, May 16, Montverde Academy graduated 189 students during its 113th Commencement Ceremony, with Dr. Akshay Naraine (MVA alum ’13) serving as the keynote speaker. The Class of 2026 earned $4.6 million in academic scholarships and included 42 Distinguished Scholars and 37 Cum Laude Society inductees, including the valedictorian and salutatorian.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Mr. Jon Hopman, Head of School, welcomed those in attendance and invited Mr. David Bernatavitz, Assistant Head of School for Upper School and Student Affairs, to introduce salutatorian Cobi Wu, who delivered the welcome address to the Class of 2026.

Cobi has been a student at Montverde Academy since eighth grade. During his time in the Upper School, he completed 12 Advanced Placement courses, earned recognition as a Distinguished Scholar, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

A student-athlete on the successful MVA swim team, Cobi holds multiple school records and national-level qualifications and is a former age-group state record holder. He also served as head of the Disciplinary Committee, a Prefect, and a member of the Head of School Student Advisory Committee, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, and Cum Laude Society.

Cobi will attend the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, this fall, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering while competing on the university’s varsity swim team. In his address, he encouraged the Class of 2026 to enjoy the moment and appreciate not only life’s major milestones but also the ordinary moments.

“So the next time you spill a cup of water at lunch,” he told his classmates, “I hope you see more than just a mess. I hope you see a moment—a moment of goofiness that one day you look back upon and smile.”

Mr. Hopman then presented the H.P. Carpenter Award to Adam Townsend. Named in honor of Mr. H.P. Carpenter, who, along with his wife, founded Montverde Academy in 1912, the award recognizes the senior whose contributions and performance have had a significant impact on the life of the school.

Mr. Hopman also presented the Dalton P. Monroe Award to Addyson Thomas. Dalton Monroe served as a houseparent and mentor to many students during his tenure at the Academy. The award is presented to a senior who maintains a positive outlook and sense of humor despite adversity and who has overcome challenges to achieve success at MVA.

Valedictorian Michelle Su then addressed the Class of 2026.

Michelle has attended Montverde Academy for the past six years. A Distinguished Scholar, she completed 12 AP courses, earned National Merit status, was named an AP Scholar with Distinction, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society. She maintained a 4.54 GPA and earned an A+ in all of her courses at MVA.

Michelle also served as captain of the varsity golf team that won the 2024 Florida Class 1A State Championship. In addition, she is an athlete at the International Junior Golf Academy, a member of the Chinese Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served on both the Head of School Student Advisory Committee and the Arts and Athletics Leadership Committee.

This fall, Michelle will attend Wellesley College, where she plans to double major in economics and psychology while competing in Division III golf. In her address, she thanked last year’s valedictorian, Madeline Xie, whom she described as her greatest role model and mentor.

“What I want to encourage you all to do is to seek out mentors,” she told the class. “As Mr. B once said in a character session at IJGA about the importance of mentorship, ‘Surround yourself with the people that can bring out the best of you.’”

Following her remarks, Mr. Hopman presented the Roger R. Ross Head of School Award to Jacob Novis. Named in honor of Roger R. Ross, who served as Dean of the Upper School from 2000 until his passing in 2014, the award is presented on behalf of the nine Heads of School who have served Montverde Academy since its founding in 1912. It recognizes the student who has achieved exceptional excellence in academics and extracurricular activities while maintaining the highest standards of character.

Mrs. Renee Stephens Lundy, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, then presented the Trustee’s Leadership Award to Lyder Reksten. The award honors a student who has attended Montverde Academy for at least two years, demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, served the school community with distinction, and exemplified integrity, loyalty, and character.

Dr. Akshay Naraine ’13 then delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2026. During his time at MVA, Dr. Naraine distinguished himself not only as an exceptional student but also as a leader among his peers. At age 29, he became one of the youngest professors appointed in the 60-year history of Nova Southeastern University.

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Naraine completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropharmacology at the renowned Karolinska Institute in Sweden. He has received numerous honors, including the Nicholson Exchange Scholar Award from the Karolinska Institute and Rockefeller University, the Wenner-Gren Postdoctoral Fellowship, and Nova Southeastern University’s President’s Research Grant. Whether working with university students, engaging with the community, or mentoring young researchers, he embodies the spirit of leadership through service and discovery.

Following the keynote address, Mr. Hopman presented the Old, Vintage, and Ancient Guard Awards to students who have attended Montverde Academy for many years.

Old Guard recipients, recognized for seven years at MVA, included Oliver Anderson, John Drawdy, Daniel Garcia, Thalia Paris, Michelle Su, and Addyson Thomas.

Vintage Guard recipients, recognized for eight to 10 years at MVA, included Ryan Sapp (eight years), Jess Barnhill (nine years), and Nishchay Bhattarai (10 years).

Ancient Guard recipients, recognized for 11 to 15 years at MVA, included Nybia Rivera-Alvarez (11 years); Ashlyn Anderson, Charlotte Newton, and Aria Sallin (12 years); Paolo de Fabrique Saint Tours, Sara Maria Echavarria, and Aaron Kaufman (13 years); and Tatriana Hinds, Dhani Miller, Raymon Ozols-Szoke, Koryn Scott, and Christopher Wathington (14 years).

Mrs. Meristell Shackelford, Dean of the Lower School, presented the final Ancient Guard Awards to students who have attended Montverde Academy since Pre-K3 — a remarkable 15 years. Those recipients included Titus DeClercq, Carington Helms, Brayden Long, Brooke Pacheco, Lucas Paez, Isabella Castro, Christopher Russo, and Audrey Schmiechen-Patterson.

The Music Conservatory Senior Ensemble then performed “A Million Dreams” before Mr. Hopman presented diplomas to the Class of 2026. Senior Class President Lyder Reksten led the graduates in the traditional tassel ceremony, and the Concert Choir Ensemble joined MVA alumni on stage to lead the singing of the school’s alma mater.

The ceremony concluded with Montverde Academy’s traditional benediction from around the world. This year, the phrase “May blessings follow us as we depart one from another” was spoken in 33 different languages. Lyder Reksten then led the graduates in the ceremonial tossing of caps, while Mrs. Mary Mincy, piano instructor, performed “Prelude to the Dance” by David Lanz for the recessional.

Congratulations to the 113th graduating class and Montverde Academy’s newest alumni.