It is graduation season, and the countdown continues for University Academy’s Class of 2026. As the school year begins to wrap up, it is the perfect time for a trip down memory lane.
Aug. 27 marked the start of senior bonding this year through Senior Sunrise. This annual tradition allowed for the seniors to share moments of personal growth and place the spotlight on those who made them proud.
In late September, the seniors traveled through Columbia, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee, to tour many types of colleges. During the tours, students heard from UA alumni who are currently in college about how to prepare for life after high school. This trip also gave the seniors a chance to bond with their peers and staff.
Throughout the year, the seniors hit many fun milestones, such as Homecoming, athletic senior nights, competitions in clubs and organizations, Trunk or Treat and senior Halloween movie night.
Upper School English teacher Dr. Leah Edens’ favorite senior memory was the Halloween movie night because she said she enjoyed seeing the seniors relaxed and building a connection together.
Next up: pictures and smiles! The seniors took their READ and cap and gown pictures on Feb. 9, another big step toward graduation.
Fast forward to the present, on a more serious side, the seniors accomplished their senior theses and corresponding slideshow projects in senior seminar.
The seniors are also currently on the nerve-wracking journey of preparing for college. Along with many of their peers, UA seniors Mariah Bennett, Taleah Eubanks and Kelvin Hill have made their college choices and will announce them today during Decision Day at 2 p.m. in the big gym.
Hill and Bennett plan to attend Metropolitan Community College in the fall because they both want to save some money and further prepare before transferring to a bigger institution.
Eubanks is not fully committed, but she thinks she will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia because “it encapsulates all the elements that could benefit me as I move forward into young adulthood.” She is also excited for her independence.
While Bennett and Hill intend to spend the summer building up their savings, Eubanks plans to enjoy time with family and friends while gathering her college essentials.
“This summer before college will definitely be one filled with memories, especially since there’s a chance I won’t see the friends I’ve grown up around for a while,” Eubanks said.
Through all of these senior events and projects, memories have been made for the Class of 2026.
University Academy’s college counselor, Mr. Joshua Burdette, Bennett and Hill all said their favorite memory from the 2025-26 school year was the senior trip. Bennett enjoyed having a miniature sleepover with her closest friends, and Mr. Burdette found it to be a helpful development in students’ college selection process.
Hill said, “We learned about how to spend our four years of college, things like getting into clubs, fraternities and overall just putting yourself out there.”
But the fun is not over yet. After the seniors take on finals and their last days of school next week, the memories continue. Eubanks is excited for moments of bonding.
“I’m excited for Senior Sunset. The Class of 2026 is like a family, and I’m glad we have the opportunity to spend time together before we all head off to different parts of the world. Senior Sunset will be a way to commemorate our achievements and share laughs as we do so,” Eubanks said.
Throughout all the fun, the seniors have grown as a class. Both Mr. Burdette and Dr. Edens noted how the class has bonded and maintained a sense of humor and strong school spirit while also staying serious about academics.
One big year-end event that several seniors attended was University Academy Foundation’s annual fundraising gala on April 10. This provided a perfect chance for students who took advantage of study abroad experiences to reflect on one of the opportunities UA provided during their time as Gryphons.
Dr. Edens said she was “genuinely so moved” by Alisa Garrett, Leilani Tauheed, London Lona and Ricky Barnes’ work at the gala.
“The four of them got on stage in front of hundreds of adults, the vast majority of whom they did not know, and spoke incredibly endearingly and eloquently about their experiences at and through UA,” Dr. Edens said.
The senior year has been eventful for many and involved plenty of growth. Overall, the Class of 2026 is close to the finish line, and UA has prepared students for life after graduation.
“You’ve been in a very small pond for a very long time where you have been loved and nurtured. When you go out into the world, be confident in who you are, and stay true to yourself and your values,” Dr. Edens said.
And a heads up to seniors from Mr. Burdette: Make sure to check your emails frequently, especially from UA Foundation, and follow your life plan. Do not get distracted.
University Academy wishes the best of luck to the Class of 2026! Graduation will be on May 14 in UA’s big gym at 7 p.m.
