The Courage to Create Change: CDS Celebrates the Class of 2026
There are some graduating classes that leave behind memories, and then there are classes that leave behind change. The Carrollwood Day School Class of 2026 did both.
The Class of 2026 leaves Carrollwood Day School with a legacy defined by leadership, service, and impact. This year’s class of 99 students continued CDS’s tradition of 100% admission to four-year colleges and universities. Collectively, they submitted 902 applications across 198 colleges and universities, with an overall acceptance rate of 76%. Early decision remained a meaningful pathway, with 30% of students applying through Early Decision I or II and earning a 63% acceptance rate. Nearly all students, 95%, were admitted to at least one Phi Beta Kappa institution, reflecting both the strength and breadth of their academic reach. But beyond the numbers, this class will be remembered for what they built together.
Throughout their time at CDS, this class distinguished itself not only through achievement, but through action. They brought initiatives to life, created businesses, launched a boys’ volleyball program, helped host CDS’s first-ever Round Square Conference with students and educators from five continents and seven countries, and built a culture of leadership grounded in both ambition and empathy. Whether competing in events, leading organizations, performing on stage, or supporting one another through every challenge and celebration, the Class of 2026 showed what it means to lead with purpose and choose to be courageous.
A Message from Sara Rubinstein, Head of School
Head of School Sara Rubinstein reflected on that legacy during her commencement address, celebrating the class for the example they set across campus. “You showed the entire school how a class comes together with drive and creativity, with intellectual ambition and empathy to make things happen, not just for yourselves individually, but for everyone."
But rather than encouraging graduates to simply say yes to every opportunity ahead of them, Ms. Rubinstein challenged students to think differently about success. In a speech centered on intentionality and self-awareness, she spoke about the importance of making thoughtful choices in a world full of endless possibilities.
Drawing inspiration from Michael Chabon’s Wonder Boys, Rubinstein reflected on the idea that “writers make choices,” reminding graduates that adulthood is not defined by doing everything, but by understanding what truly matters. “Strategy is about subtraction with conviction. Every time you say yes to something, you are silently saying no to something else.”
It was a message that resonated deeply with a class standing on the edge of enormous possibility. For years, students have been encouraged to add more. More clubs. More leadership roles. More accomplishments. But Ms. Rubinstein urged them to recognize that growth also requires discernment, boundaries, and the courage to protect what matters most. “No isn’t a rejection. No is a shield. It’s a boundary that protects your time, your mental health, and your core values.” That spirit of meaningful impact could already be seen reflected in the student leaders honored throughout the ceremony.
A Legacy of Leadership: Avery Wallace Receives the Patriot Award
This year’s Patriot Award, presented by Class of 2025 recipient Jago Stokes, was awarded to environmental advocate, speech and debate leader, cheer captain, and aspiring astrophysicist Avery Wallace. The Patriot Award recognizes the graduating senior who best embodies the values and spirit of CDS through scholarship, leadership, moral character, and service.
In presenting the award, Stokes reflected not only on Avery’s remarkable accomplishments, but on the lasting influence she leaves behind. “A sign of a leader, a true leader, isn’t actually what they do, it’s what they create. It’s the seeds that they leave behind to flourish when they leave.”
Through initiatives like the Going Green Club, the Giving Tree Project, and advocacy for Crohn’s disease research, Avery helped shape a more compassionate and environmentally conscious school community. Yet, as Jago emphasized, it was her kindness and authenticity that defined her most. “I’ve seen how Avery lifts other people up. I’ve seen how she lives her life with passion and energy. This is what actually matters.”
Salutatorian Isha Dham Celebrates the Moments That Shaped the Class of 2026
The ceremony also featured remarks from salutatorian Isha Dham, whose speech blended humor, gratitude, and heartfelt reflection in a way that perfectly captured the spirit of the Class of 2026. Since joining CDS in ninth grade, Isha has distinguished herself both academically and personally. A talented young scientist and leader, she excelled in HOSA competitions, placing first in pharmacy science at both the regional and state levels and ranking among the top 30 internationally. Her passion for research led her to conduct independent bioinformatics work focused on DNA methylation and cancer detection, while her leadership extended across organizations including Duke of Edinburgh, DECA, Indian Cultural Club, and varsity tennis. This fall, she will attend the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida to study biology with a concentration in medical biology.
During her speech, Isha reflected on the shared memories that defined the Class of 2026, from PE dance routines and silent discos to prom, Grad Bash, and the inside jokes that carried classmates through stressful moments together. Beneath the humor was a thoughtful message about embracing uncertainty, as she shared how her experience with her first grade Patriot Buddy reminded her that growing up does not mean having everything figured out. “I think somewhere along the way, a lot of us started feeling pressured to have our entire futures figured out already. But through our Patriot Buddies, we can all be reminded that feeling like a kid, even at the very grown-up age of 18, is nowhere near a bad thing. Holding onto your inner child isn’t a weakness, it’s a gift.”
She closed her speech with a piece of advice from her mother that resonated deeply across the audience and perfectly captured the heart of the evening: “Don’t do something just because it’s something to talk about. Do it because it makes your hearts happy.”
Valedictorian Anika Iyer Shares a Message of Perspective and Purpose
The ceremony also featured a moving address from Valedictorian Anika Iyer, whose academic excellence, leadership, and advocacy have already earned recognition on both local and national stages. From founding the Psychology Club and a nonprofit, Arts for Care, to delivering a TEDx talk on neurodiversity and earning acceptance to Yale University to study neuroscience, Anika has spent her high school years combining intellectual curiosity with meaningful service.
Yet her speech focused less on achievement and more on perspective. Reflecting on the statistical improbability of existence itself, Iyer encouraged her classmates to appreciate the extraordinary gift of simply being alive and present in this moment together. “We spend so much of our time focused on the next thing, the next achievement, the next version of ourselves, that we forget to actually notice our lives while we’re living in them.”
Her words served as a reminder that success is not measured only by accolades or carefully curated accomplishments, but by the impact we have on the people around us. “What the world actually needs is people who stay curious, people who care, people who make other people feel seen.”
As the Class of 2026 crossed the stage and rang the CDS Victory Bell, there was a clear sense that this class leaves behind more than accomplishments. They leave behind programs, traditions, friendships, leadership, and a culture of service that will continue to shape the CDS community long after they are gone. They leave understanding something many spend years trying to learn: that a meaningful life is not built by saying yes to everything, but by choosing with intention what deserves your energy, your time, and your heart. The Class of 2026 leaves CDS not only prepared for the future, but prepared to shape it thoughtfully. Their story is only beginning, and their CDS community cannot wait to see where it leads next.
Click HERE to view a recording of the ceremony, and HERE for the photo gallery.