Shady Side Academy officials are preparing to send off this year’s graduating class next month.
Seats are reserved for 101 seniors at Michael J. Farrell Stadium on the academy’s Upper School campus, 432 Fox Chapel Road.
Commencement at the private school is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 6.
Seniors should report to campus by 8 a.m. and meet at the Rowe Hall flagpole.
The class photo will take place at 8:20 a.m.
The processional will assemble at 8:45 a.m. before the ceremony.
There is no limit on the number of guests graduates may invite.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early as Fox Chapel Road is expected to be congested.
There will be signage and parking coordinators to help direct guests to parking and drop-off locations on campus.
Accessible parking will be available for vehicles with approved handicap placards or plates.
The road to the quad will close to vehicle traffic at 8:45 a.m.
This year’s guest speaker is Alison Fragale, a 1993 academy graduate and best-selling author. She also is an award-winning teacher, organizational psychologist and professor at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Fragale penned the acclaimed book “Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve” and is widely recognized for her work on leadership, influence and workplace dynamics.
She returned to the academy last year as the Cum Laude Society speaker.
Other graduation speakers include Head of Senior School Andrew Prince, Alumni Council President Whitney Menarcheck (class of 2006) and Academy President Bart Griffith (class of 1993).
“Commencement is one of the most meaningful traditions in the life of our school,” Griffith said. “The class of 2026 has brought energy, leadership, curiosity and care to our community, and we are excited to celebrate all they have accomplished as they prepare to take their next steps beyond Shady Side Academy.”
More information about graduation and academy activities is available at shadysideacademy.org.
