Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School celebrates class of 2026

Rain fell steadily over Morgan Lawn during Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School’s 198th commencement, but graduates, families and faculty maintained a celebratory spirit.

Head of School Lance Conrad welcomed attendees, including Board Chair Charlotte Merrell and commencement speaker Jackie Herrera, program coordinator at the Waltham Family School.

Herrera, an immigrant from El Salvador and a first-generation high school and college graduate, spoke about the power of listening to others’ stories. Drawing on her work with immigrant families, she urged graduates to practice empathy and elevate voices that are often unheard.

“When we take the time to truly listen to another person’s story … we allow ourselves to be changed by their truth,” Herrera said.

She encouraged graduates to use their education to advocate for others. “Never underestimate the power of asking someone, ‘What is your story?’ and then giving them the space to tell it,” she said.

Salutatorian Carlos Mario Botero Muñoz, who joined CH-CH from Colombia as a junior, reflected on community and authenticity. Active in Model United Nations, soccer and as founder of the Entrepreneurs Club, he urged classmates to focus on purpose over appearance.

“Do not live only to look successful,” he said. “Live conscientiously. Build real communities.”

Valedictorian Jiayue “Iris” Wang spoke about identity and resisting stereotypes. A writer, mathematician and performer, Wang shared personal stories to illustrate growth through uncertainty and failure.

“Growth happens in the friction … when you’re not sure you can do this, and you do it anyway,” she said.

Wang encouraged graduates to embrace all parts of themselves. “It doesn’t mean anything except that you are more,” she said.

Conrad returned to award diplomas and recognized Brooke Fincke with the Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall Society Prize for service to students. He also noted that 28 seniors were members of the National Honor Society.

In closing, Conrad quoted journalist Hodding Carter: “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings.”

About Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School

Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, at 785 Beaver St. in Waltham, is a college preparatory day and boarding school for grades 8-12/PG. The school emphasizes intellectual courage, creativity and empathy. More information is available at www.chch.org.