On May 29, Wilmington Montessori School celebrated the Class of 2026 with an outdoor graduation ceremony honoring five eighth-grade students: Quinn Bukowski, Zoe Long, Lana Segall, Morgan Josey and Lilah Heiger.
Surrounded by family, friends, teachers and staff, the graduates reflected on their time at WMS, sharing memories of friendships, challenges, growth and the teachers who supported them along the way.
Head of School Sarah Williams opened the ceremony by reflecting on the experience of growing up in a close-knit school community where every student is truly known.
“In a small class, your presence matters. Your effort matters, your attitude matters, and the way you treat people matters,” she told the graduates. “And, perhaps most importantly, you learn what it feels like to be truly known.”
Commencement speaker and WMS Pre-Primary teacher Alyssa Ross encouraged the graduates to carry their own light into the world by celebrating themselves, taking accountability, practicing self-compassion and remembering the many people who love and support them.
The graduates also heard reflections from seventh-grade classmates and Lead Middle School Teacher Emma Mulrine before taking the stage themselves to share what WMS has meant to them.
Their reflections captured many different journeys through WMS—from Morgan Josey, who began at WMS as a 1-year-old and described the school as a “second home,” to students who joined or returned to the community more recently. Across their stories was a common theme: the relationships, experiences and opportunities for personal growth they found at WMS will stay with them long after graduation.
The Class of 2026 will continue their educational journeys at Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Charter School of Wilmington, Wilmington Friends School and Delaware Military Academy. As they move on to new schools and new communities, they take with them the independence, confidence, curiosity and sense of responsibility they have developed throughout their Montessori education.
Congratulations to the WMS Class of 2026. We look forward to seeing how each of you continues to learn, grow and make your mark on the world.