USN graduates 98 plus 1 during Commencement

Seniors turned their tassels and graduated from University School of Nashville on Sunday, May 17, on the Back Lawn. Visit usn.org/classof2026 for more highlights from their last year on Edgehill and to learn what they will do next.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications

On Sunday, May 17, University School of Nashville conferred diplomas upon 98 seniors, celebrating the 50th graduating class of USN (previous diplomas were conferred under Peabody Demonstration School). These graduates will head to 66 different colleges and universities. At least three of them plan to play a sport at the collegiate level (baseball, golf, or volleyball), and five seniors were also named National Merit Semifinalists.

Following opening remarks from Interim Director Juliet Douglas, Uma Ehrig ’26, Breckyn Forcey ’26, Addi King ’26, Libin Abdulle ’26, and Maddie Womack ’26 performed a heartwarming rendition of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac that captivated the crowd under the graduation tent.

Henry Knowles ’26 was selected by his classmates to give the Commencement address, and after being introduced by Senior Class President Paulo Saoud ’26, Henry reflected on his time at USN by harkening back to lyrics from “Landslide.” 

“‘Well, I've been 'fraid of changin', 'Cause I've built my life around you, But time makes you bolder’ are lyrics from the song that really say a lot about the Class of 2026,” Henry said. 

Henry spent time looking back at some of the changes that this class has experienced over the course of their time at USN, making a joke about USN’s new playground and soon-to-be-turfed Back Lawn, while reminding the audience that they can give to the school’s upgrades at usn.org/giving.

“For all the changes that we’ve experienced, USN has kept its promise to challenge us, help us grow, and stand beside us,” Henry said. “In return, we promise to take the gifts we’ve been given at USN and share them with the rest of the world.”

After Henry’s address, Head of High School Chai Reddy welcomed the Class of 2026 as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas and transition from students to alumni of University School of Nashville.


While each graduate received a big ovation as their name was called, the loudest applause may have been reserved for Interim Director Juliet Douglas, who was given an honorary diploma and surprised on stage by her family, retired Lower School Art Teacher Stephen Douglas, sons Sam ’12 and James ’14, and grandson Oliver. The conferral of her diploma, signed by 10th PDS/USN Director Vince Durnan and Board of Trustees President Alex Jahangir, was accompanied by a standing ovation, waving face cutouts, and truly the highlight of the celebration.

Retiring Lower School Spanish Teacher Arcelia Vazquez ended the ceremony with a farewell address, urging students to carry the culture of USN with them as they make their way to college and beyond.

Graduates recessed to an audience of cheers, tossed graduation caps, said final farewells and thank yous to beloved faculty, and enjoyed a reception with families in Durnan Auditorium after Commencement. 

The Class of 2026's year of senior celebrations began with the senior class retreat in Ocoee Ridge, Tennessee. As the year progressed, students enjoyed many memory-making moments, such as Prom and their final field day at the River Campus, culminating in an unforgettable final year as students at 2000 Edgehill. The week of celebration was kicked off at Convocation, where the class was inducted into the PDS/USN Alumni Association and heard from 2026 Distinguished Alumna Cheryl McKissack Daniel '79. 
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.