Honoring the Class of 2026 and the Spirit of Community

5/15/2026

Last Night Chapel

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Chatham Hall community gathered in St. Mary’s Chapel for one of the School’s most treasured traditions: Last Night Chapel. Rooted in decades of history, this beloved annual service marks the closing of one school year and the beginning of a new chapter, especially for the graduating senior class.

More than a ceremony, Last Night Chapel is a sacred moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. It is a time when the community pauses together to honor the spiritual gifts, unique contributions, and lasting impact of each member of the senior class.

As Chaplain Beth Barksdale shared in her opening welcome, the evening serves as a reminder “that living into the oneness of community, we are forever connected to one another, and to this time and place,” and “that the gifts we name for each Senior illustrate the many ways we have been molded and shaped by the Class of 2026.”

Throughout the service, students, faculty, and staff reflected on the many ways the Class of 2026 has shaped Chatham Hall through leadership, compassion, courage, creativity, and friendship. The evening featured beautiful traditions that reflect the heart of Chatham Hall’s Episcopal identity and inclusive spiritual life. For the first time in more than a decade, St. Mary’s Choir wore the School’s historic blue cassocks while leading the congregation in music and anthem. Students in World Religions classes baked the communion bread by hand, transforming an ordinary act into what Chaplain Barksdale described as “a personal and sacred offering for our community.”

The service also included the transition of chapel leadership roles, as the current Crucifer and Sacristan passed their symbols of leadership to rising seniors who will help guide chapel life in the coming year. Thank you to Naima P. ’26 and Jane W. ’26 for fostering the spiritual life of our community and to Kennissa B. ’27 and Mallory S ’27 for their leadership in the year to come.

At the center of the evening was the presentation of Spiritual Gifts to each senior. Drawing from scripture in 1 Corinthians 12, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit,” Dr. Melissa Mitchem and Mrs. Gray-Williams recognized each senior with a uniquely chosen spiritual gift that reflected the ways they have contributed to the life of the School and the broader community.

Each presentation was deeply personal, honoring the individuality, growth, and spirit of every member of the Class of 2026.

Yoyo B. ’26 was honored with the gift of Imagination for her ability to bring characters to life through theater and performance, captivating audiences both on stage and beyond.
Ivy B. ’26 received the gift of Creativity for her boundless originality and artistic talent across acting, singing, and the fine arts.
Ala B. ’26 was recognized with the gift of Strength for her resilience through change, transitions, and challenges both on and off the basketball court.
Maryn C. ’26 received the gift of Thought for the depth of insight and reflection she brings to conversations, writing, and leadership.
River C. ’26 was honored with the gift of Courage for authentically using their voice, advocating for others, and standing firm in their convictions.
Lucy Paige E. ’26 received the gift of Hospitality for the warmth and kindness that make others feel welcomed, valued, and seen.
Aniah G.C. ’26 was recognized with the gift of Light for the joy, talent, and positivity she consistently shared with the community.
Olivia G. ’26 received the gift of Harmony for the way she creates connection through both music and her deep love of family.
Daisy H. ’26 was honored with the gift of Justice for her passion for educational equity, public policy, and advocacy for underserved communities.
Tallulah H. ’26 received the gift of Depth for her relentless pursuit of knowledge and commitment to meaningful research and discovery.
Emalyn H. ’26 was recognized with the gift of Adventure for her love of travel, cultural exploration, and curiosity about the world.
Avery H. ’26 received the gift of Dedication for wholeheartedly committing herself to family, friendships, athletics, and every endeavor she pursues.
Autumn J. ’26 was honored with the gift of Friendship for the loyalty, encouragement, and support she continually offers to others.
Chrisette J. ’26 received the gift of Impact for her commitment to serving marginalized communities and using her talents to make a meaningful difference.
Toni was recognized with the gift of Adaptability for embracing change, taking on new challenges, and navigating transitions with grace and determination.
Marilyn M. ’26 received the gift of Truth for consistently showing up authentically and encouraging others to do the same.
Saki O. ’26 was honored with the gift of Unity for her ability to bring people together from diverse backgrounds and foster a strong sense of belonging within the community.
Grace O. ’26 received the gift of Influence for leading by example and inspiring others to become their best selves.
Naima P. ’26 received the gift of Tenacity for her perseverance, courage, and determination in the face of every challenge she has faced.
Lainey R. ’26 was recognized with the gift of Enthusiasm for the contagious joy and energy she brings into every room and every relationship.
Laine S. ’26 received the gift of Fortitude for her quiet resilience, steadfast courage, and unwavering inner strength.
Maddie W. ’26 was honored with the gift of Discernment for her wisdom, thoughtful care, and ability to understand and support others deeply.
Alice W. ’26 received the gift of Focus for the discipline and determination that have allowed her to excel both academically and athletically.
Lexi W. ’26 was recognized with the gift of Empathy for her resilience and compassionate desire to support others through difficult experiences.
Ashley W. ’26 received the gift of Perceptive for her thoughtful reflection, quiet awareness, and ability to observe deeply and meaningfully.
Kate W. ’26 was honored with the gift of Brightness for the optimism, joy, and positive spirit she brings to every opportunity and relationship.
Jane W. ’26 received the gift of Curiosity in recognition of her lifelong love of learning and her constant desire to better understand the world around her.

Each senior also received a carefully selected book to guide and inspire her future spiritual journey, reinforcing Chatham Hall’s commitment to intellectual curiosity, reflection, and lifelong learning.

The evening’s readings, prayers, music, and Holy Eucharist emphasized themes of unity, hope, justice, and love. Students led throughout the service as readers, choir members, acolytes, sacristans, and chapel leaders, reflecting the deep sense of shared responsibility and belonging that defines life at Chatham Hall. One especially moving moment came during the Passing of the Peace, when seniors and community members exchanged hugs and handshakes while offering grace and encouragement for the journeys ahead.

In the blessing to the senior class, the community was reminded that “we travel together on a search for meaning, having come from many different places and bringing many different gifts to share for the journey.”

As the final hymns echoed through St. Mary’s Chapel and the Class of 2026 recessed together one final time before Bacclaurette, Last Night Chapel served as both an ending and a beginning, a celebration of the gifts these students have shared with Chatham Hall and a blessing for the lives of impact they are preparing to lead beyond its doors.

At Chatham Hall, traditions like Last Night Chapel remind us that education is not only about academic achievement, but also about cultivating character, purpose, community, and spirit. The Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, compassion, creativity, and connection that will continue to shape the School for years to come.

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