Our Lady of the Elms School Celebrates 100th Commencement Ceremony

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Our Lady of the Elms School proudly celebrated the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 at St. Bernard Parish in Akron. This year’s ceremony held special significance as the Elms marked 100 years of graduates, honoring a century of faith, learning, leadership, and the enduring mission of Dominican education.

Founded in 1923 by the Dominican Sisters, Our Lady of the Elms School began with a bold vision: to create a school where young women would be formed in faith, intellectual curiosity, service, and leadership. More than 100 years later, that vision continues to guide the Elms community as each graduating class carries forward the traditions, values, and spirit that have shaped generations of students.

The Class of 2026 chose as its senior motto Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.” It was a fitting reflection for a class stepping into the next chapter with confidence, courage, and purpose. The class flower was the blue delphinium, and the class colors were navy and cream.

The ceremony included a reflection on 100 years of graduating women leaders by President Deborah Farquhar Jones, as well as student remarks from Salutatorian Madison McMullen and Valedictorian Gabrielle Hoye. The commencement address was delivered by Elizabeth Walker, Class of 1998, connecting the newest graduates to the generations of alumnae who have walked before them.

In a meaningful nod to the school’s Dominican heritage, the ceremony also included prayer, music, the School Hymn, and a benediction offered by Sister Joanne Caniglia, OP, Ph.D. These traditions served as a reminder that the Elms has always been rooted in something deeper than academic achievement alone. For a century, the school has prepared students not only for college but for lives of meaning, service, leadership, and impact.

The Elms proudly congratulates the members of the Class of 2026:

Sophia Marie Frabotta
Gabrielle Arianna Hoye
Delaney Hope Kolarik
Caryn-Anne Lilian Kornaker
Charlie Ann Kucharski
Elizabeth Nadine Mack
Makara Ivannah Malott
Madison Ella McMullen
Rebecca Jane Padgett
Elyse Noel Stephens
Aye “Jane” Nyein Then
Halanah Marie Varner

As Our Lady of the Elms School celebrates this milestone commencement, we give thanks for the Dominican Sisters who founded the school, the alumnae who have carried its mission into the world, and the newest graduates who now join that legacy.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. May you continue to lead with strength, dignity, faith, and purpose.