In keeping with tradition, the 2026 Spring Convocation brought the Middle School and Upper School community together one last time before the end of the school year. In her opening remarks, Head of School Bodie Brizendine, noted that Convocation, “[is] more than just coming together—it is a statement of community,” before welcoming Sebastian F. ’30 to perform Franz Liszt’s Concert Etude No. 3 in D-flat major, “Un Sospiro” on the piano.

The program then moved on to Director of the Arts Sidney Child introducing the year’s Senior Speaker, Noah C. ’26. In Mr. Child’s introduction about Noah, he shared: 

“It seems to me that Noah represents one of the best versions of ourselves at the School, as a student, as a senior, as a member of the community—and today he has something to say. So Noah, up you come.” 

Taking the podium, Noah C. ’26 reflected on his personal growth and journey at Collegiate. He delivered a memorable moment of his speech when he shared:

“Dr. Boynton’s framework not only upended the way I approached reading, but proved to be a philosophy for finding meaning as a Collegiate student, dressed as a literary approach...None of us, not even my fellow seniors, can yet fathom our meaning on a global scale. We all have the potential to apply ourselves past our immediate community. Further, I hope we are all lucky enough not to be able to resolve or definitively answer that question any time soon.”

In true Collegiate tradition, echoing in brotherhood and generational full circles, Kavi T. ’27 came to the podium to introduce his father and this year’s guest Alumni Speaker of the event, Vivek Tiwary ’91. Vivek’s works range from producing Broadway musicals to experimental and immersive music-driven experiences. He shared some profound advice and insights with Collegiate students that day:

“I wish for you a life full of hits. And to go back in summary, what I think you should do to get there is to define your passions, but do it with your friends, your teachers, and your mentors. Follow those passions with persistence, with your friends, your teachers and your mentors. And don’t be afraid to be a little bit stupid, and do that with your friends, your teachers, and your mentors. Because those are the people who will always have your back. Collegiate will always have your back.”