Fountain Valley School of Colorado held its 96th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 23, 2026, gathering graduates, families, faculty, and friends on the Prairie to honor the Class of 2026.

Head of School Megan Harlan opened the ceremony by welcoming the 48 graduating seniors and expressing gratitude to the families, faculty, and staff whose dedication made their journeys possible. 

Board of Trustees President Greg Osborne, Class of 1981, offered remarks that challenged graduates to carry FVS's core values — courage, compassion, curiosity, open-mindedness, and self-reliance — into a rapidly changing world. "Technology is wonderful and useful as a tool," he said. "However, it does not have a heart nor free will, and it damn sure does not have a soul. But you do."

Student speakers Adeline B. and Wayne O. delivered a warm and witty address on behalf of their class, weaving together memories of Mountain Campus, late-night dorm conversations, Heads Holidays, and the friendships that defined their four years on the Prairie.

Alumni comedian and writer Steve Lemme, Class of 1987 and member of the Fountain Valley Arts Guild, delivered the keynote address. Known for his work with the Broken Lizard Comedy Troupe — including Super Troopers and Beerfest — and for Tacoma FD, currently streaming on Netflix, Lemme spoke to the lessons he carried from the Prairie.

Awards

Six members of the Class of 2026 earned the Global Scholar Diploma for completing rigorous independent research projects: Tejin M. (Promises versus Progress: Analyzing the Effectiveness of the Paris Climate Agreement's NDC System), Wayne O. (Beyond the Resource Curse: Reclaiming the Global Battery), Sofía D. (Noise or Focus? The Influence of Music on Learning), Aayana L. (After the Storm: The Hidden Costs of Hurricanes in the Caribbean), Marda B. (The Real Price Tag of Labor Exploitation), and Charlotte N. (Bodies Without Borders: Crossing Cultural Lines in Teen Reproductive Choice).

The Hunter Frost Drama Award for excellence in acting went to Katherine B. praised for her generosity, leadership, and commitment to building community within the theater program.

The Henry "Heb" L. Newman Award, honoring athletic ideals of competitive desire, confidence, and sportsmanship, was presented to Brianna M. a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and soccer.

The J. Philo Nelson Award, recognizing exceptional teaching commitment, was awarded to faculty member Torey Davie, honored for two decades of service as a dorm head and her wholehearted dedication to students inside and outside the classroom.

The Cyrus R. Lewis Award for uncommon courage and perseverance was given to Jackson S., recognized for his growth in confidence and connection across four years at FVS.

The Samuel Colgate Memorial Award, honoring sportsmanship, loyalty, and character, was presented to Wayne O.

The Bunting Award, recognizing scholarship, intellect, and culture, went to Kelly F.  who has published Alzheimer's research in a peer-reviewed journal, founded the Red Cross Club, and led the peer tutoring program.

The Eleanor W. Emery Award, given to the student whose contributions reflect integrity, sensitivity, and warmth, was presented to Katherine B.

The Froelicher Award, the school's highest honor — awarded by faculty vote to the senior who best represents the values and character for which FVS aspires to be known — was given to Tejin M. Harlan described him s a young man of remarkable depth, curiosity, and humility whose leadership in Community Council and the Environmental Protection Club continued to the final days of his senior year.

Assistant Head of School Charles Greene read the names of all 48 graduates as they received their diplomas. Harlan closed the ceremony by inviting graduates to return to the Prairie whenever they need to be replenished. "There is indeed power in this Prairie," she said, "and I hope you will come back and visit often, to find peace, and to be at home."

Download Commencement Photos HERE.