The end of the school year once again brought beloved traditions and milestone moments for the Lookout Mountain School (LMS) community, culminating in fifth grade graduation on May 20, 2026. Families, friends, teachers, and staff filled the auditorium as the 37 members of the LMS Class of 2026 crossed the stage for the last time as elementary school students, marking both an ending and a beginning.
Principal Emily Haney opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and reflections on the moments that defined this class’s time at LMS, encouraging students to carry their kindness, curiosity, and courage with them into middle school.
“Let your kindness guide the way you treat others. Let your curiosity lead you to new opportunities. And let your courage help you face challenges with confidence. And most importantly, don’t forget to slow down. Slow down sometimes and appreciate the journey,” she shared.
Principal Haney closed by thanking teachers and staff for their daily investments in students’ lives and expressed deep appreciation for families whose support has shaped the graduates’ elementary school journey.
Students Shared Memories and Gratitude in Class Speeches
Each year, graduating students with the highest combined grade point averages for their fourth and fifth grade years are asked to give speeches during the ceremony, including a valedictorian class address.
Fifth-grader Andrew Hickey kicked off the speeches this year, delivering a heartfelt appreciation of parents and recognizing the many forms that care and support take in students’ lives. He shared personal memories of arriving at LMS after hearing glowing stories from his older brothers and spoke about the countless ways parents and caregivers show up - helping with homework, listening after a hard day, and quietly working behind the scenes to make school and home life run smoothly.
“Every successful person you’ve seen in your life has had some form of support and love from a person. Most happen to be their parents,” said Andrew.
Classmate Eleanor Gerwin then offered words of gratitude for the LMS faculty and staff, highlighting the ways teachers encouraged learning and created memorable experiences from kindergarten through fifth grade. She reflected on field trips, the fourth grade play, and classroom moments that helped the class grow academically while also strengthening their friendships and sense of community.
“From kindergarten till now, our teachers have been with us every step of the way … and there are many other very important people at LMS that I would like to thank, like our wonderful administration, Principal Haney and Mrs. Missy McKenna, who make sure everyone is on the right path, [along with] the staff,” she shared.
As in years past, the graduating class presented a gift to the school that will serve as a lasting reminder of their time at LMS. This year, fifth-grader Miles Brown presented the donation - four planters with boxwood bushes to be placed at the front of the school as living symbols of a class “known for its big personalities and spirits.” The greenery will grow and greet students and families for years to come, honoring the many students who help shape the culture of LMS.
Following the presentation of the gift, Anderson Burke delivered the class address on behalf of the fifth grade, tracing their journey from nervous kindergarteners to confident graduates ready for their next adventure. He reflected on how the pandemic disrupted their early years at LMS but also taught them to persevere and deeply appreciate smaller joys. He also highlighted the strong friendships that grew through field trips, projects, and especially the fourth grade play.
“Overall, friends are the most valuable asset in elementary school, and I sincerely hope these friendships will last a lifetime, even as we head in different directions for middle school and high school,” he shared.
Anderson closed his speech reciting a prayer from renowned American General Douglas MacArthur, which he adapted for his fellow graduates:
“Build me graduates whose hearts will be clear, whose goal will be high; graduates who will master themselves before they seek to master others; who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past … Give them humility, so that they may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.”
Awards Honor Student Leadership, Character, and School Spirit
Another graduation day tradition involves the bestowal of distinguished class awards, chosen each year by LMS faculty, staff, and peers.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Leadership Award, voted on by classmates, was given to Anderson Burke in recognition of his honor, quiet strength, and a commitment to doing what is right even when no one is watching - qualities that made him a true pillar of the LMS community. The Christy McBryar Faculty Award went to Sarah Moore, selected by teachers for her uncompromising integrity, willingness to stand up for what is right despite social pressures, generous spirit, and joyful curiosity about learning.
The Nancy Caulkins Award of Excellence, presented to a graduating girl who will attend Girls Preparatory School, honored Margaret Carr for her strong character, leadership, and vibrant school spirit. The final award, created last year to establish each graduating class’s alumni representative for the years to come, was awarded to Andrew Hickey. The Burns Family Alumni Award is chosen by peers for a student who naturally connects people and builds friendships, underscoring Andrew’s natural ability to help everyone feel included.
An Inspirational Send-Off
Following the student awards, this year’s address to students was given by guest speaker Hank Currin, co‑owner of local coffee shop Canopy and assistant chaplain and bible teacher at McCallie. An LMS alumnus himself, Currin shared stories from his own days in the building - including a first grade solo on this same stage with a cardboard blue marlin pinned to his shirt - and spoke about how Lookout Mountain School has shaped generations of students, including his own children.
Drawing on a scene from the movie “Finding Nemo,” he compared the graduates and their parents to Nemo and his dad Marlin leaving the safety of their sea anemone for the first day of school, feeling the mix of fear and excitement that comes with stepping into something new.
“Class of 2026, you are leaving the anemone. Be bold and adventurous. Try new activities. Work to make new friends without compromising your values. But in all of these changes, continue to seek out the wisdom and guidance of people you trust and who love you,” he said, with the podium turned toward the students.
From songs and pledges to speeches and special recognitions, the LMS fifth grade graduation once again showcased the heart of the school: a special community that celebrates hard work, character, and the joy of learning together. As the Class of 2026 heads off to different middle schools, they will carry with them not only academic preparation but also the friendships, values, and memories that shaped their childhoods.
by Kirsten Yates
Principal Emily Haney opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and reflections on the moments that defined this class’s time at LMS, encouraging students to carry their kindness, curiosity, and courage with them into middle school.
“Let your kindness guide the way you treat others. Let your curiosity lead you to new opportunities. And let your courage help you face challenges with confidence. And most importantly, don’t forget to slow down. Slow down sometimes and appreciate the journey,” she shared.
Principal Haney closed by thanking teachers and staff for their daily investments in students’ lives and expressed deep appreciation for families whose support has shaped the graduates’ elementary school journey.
Students Shared Memories and Gratitude in Class Speeches
Each year, graduating students with the highest combined grade point averages for their fourth and fifth grade years are asked to give speeches during the ceremony, including a valedictorian class address.
Fifth-grader Andrew Hickey kicked off the speeches this year, delivering a heartfelt appreciation of parents and recognizing the many forms that care and support take in students’ lives. He shared personal memories of arriving at LMS after hearing glowing stories from his older brothers and spoke about the countless ways parents and caregivers show up - helping with homework, listening after a hard day, and quietly working behind the scenes to make school and home life run smoothly.
“Every successful person you’ve seen in your life has had some form of support and love from a person. Most happen to be their parents,” said Andrew.
Classmate Eleanor Gerwin then offered words of gratitude for the LMS faculty and staff, highlighting the ways teachers encouraged learning and created memorable experiences from kindergarten through fifth grade. She reflected on field trips, the fourth grade play, and classroom moments that helped the class grow academically while also strengthening their friendships and sense of community.
“From kindergarten till now, our teachers have been with us every step of the way … and there are many other very important people at LMS that I would like to thank, like our wonderful administration, Principal Haney and Mrs. Missy McKenna, who make sure everyone is on the right path, [along with] the staff,” she shared.
As in years past, the graduating class presented a gift to the school that will serve as a lasting reminder of their time at LMS. This year, fifth-grader Miles Brown presented the donation - four planters with boxwood bushes to be placed at the front of the school as living symbols of a class “known for its big personalities and spirits.” The greenery will grow and greet students and families for years to come, honoring the many students who help shape the culture of LMS.
Following the presentation of the gift, Anderson Burke delivered the class address on behalf of the fifth grade, tracing their journey from nervous kindergarteners to confident graduates ready for their next adventure. He reflected on how the pandemic disrupted their early years at LMS but also taught them to persevere and deeply appreciate smaller joys. He also highlighted the strong friendships that grew through field trips, projects, and especially the fourth grade play.
“Overall, friends are the most valuable asset in elementary school, and I sincerely hope these friendships will last a lifetime, even as we head in different directions for middle school and high school,” he shared.
Anderson closed his speech reciting a prayer from renowned American General Douglas MacArthur, which he adapted for his fellow graduates:
“Build me graduates whose hearts will be clear, whose goal will be high; graduates who will master themselves before they seek to master others; who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past … Give them humility, so that they may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.”
Awards Honor Student Leadership, Character, and School Spirit
Another graduation day tradition involves the bestowal of distinguished class awards, chosen each year by LMS faculty, staff, and peers.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Leadership Award, voted on by classmates, was given to Anderson Burke in recognition of his honor, quiet strength, and a commitment to doing what is right even when no one is watching - qualities that made him a true pillar of the LMS community. The Christy McBryar Faculty Award went to Sarah Moore, selected by teachers for her uncompromising integrity, willingness to stand up for what is right despite social pressures, generous spirit, and joyful curiosity about learning.
The Nancy Caulkins Award of Excellence, presented to a graduating girl who will attend Girls Preparatory School, honored Margaret Carr for her strong character, leadership, and vibrant school spirit. The final award, created last year to establish each graduating class’s alumni representative for the years to come, was awarded to Andrew Hickey. The Burns Family Alumni Award is chosen by peers for a student who naturally connects people and builds friendships, underscoring Andrew’s natural ability to help everyone feel included.
An Inspirational Send-Off
Following the student awards, this year’s address to students was given by guest speaker Hank Currin, co‑owner of local coffee shop Canopy and assistant chaplain and bible teacher at McCallie. An LMS alumnus himself, Currin shared stories from his own days in the building - including a first grade solo on this same stage with a cardboard blue marlin pinned to his shirt - and spoke about how Lookout Mountain School has shaped generations of students, including his own children.
Drawing on a scene from the movie “Finding Nemo,” he compared the graduates and their parents to Nemo and his dad Marlin leaving the safety of their sea anemone for the first day of school, feeling the mix of fear and excitement that comes with stepping into something new.
“Class of 2026, you are leaving the anemone. Be bold and adventurous. Try new activities. Work to make new friends without compromising your values. But in all of these changes, continue to seek out the wisdom and guidance of people you trust and who love you,” he said, with the podium turned toward the students.
From songs and pledges to speeches and special recognitions, the LMS fifth grade graduation once again showcased the heart of the school: a special community that celebrates hard work, character, and the joy of learning together. As the Class of 2026 heads off to different middle schools, they will carry with them not only academic preparation but also the friendships, values, and memories that shaped their childhoods.
by Kirsten Yates
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