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Second Baptist School honored the Class of 2026 with a commencement ceremony that recognized the academic achievements and personal growth of these students. A meaningful evening full of heartfelt speeches and inspiration for the years ahead, the 2026 Commencement Ceremony not only highlighted the diligence of these graduates, but also celebrated all that God has done in their lives throughout their time at SBS.

At the start of the ceremony, Charis Chambers ‘26, who will attend Samford University in the fall, welcomed parents, teachers and loved ones and thanked them for their unwavering support over the years. Acknowledging God’s faithfulness throughout her time at SBS, Charis encouraged her classmates to continue trusting in the Lord, saying “as we walk into the next chapter of our lives, we can do so with confidence and without fear, knowing that [God] is with us and we can trust [Him] with every aspect of our lives.”

Following Charis’s welcome, the Vision Choir performed “Be Thou My Vision,” and Louis Massuttier ‘26 read the class verse, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Salutatorian Evangeline Sahinen '26, who will attend the University of Texas in the fall, spoke to her classmates about the value of not always getting what you want. With humorous anecdotes and insightful reflection, Evangeline encouraged her classmates to remember that “only through the moments ridden with disappointment, trial, fear, anger and despair can someone really strip life of all the noise and truly be confronted with the issue of life value and worth.” Evangeline closed with a statement of heartfelt gratitude for her classmates, saying “I couldn’t have asked for a better class to graduate with.”

Valedictorian Sara Griffin '26, who will continue her education at Texas A&M University in the fall, shared her love for stories and encouraged her peers to trust God with their future because He “is the most creative writer, the most imaginative storyteller and already has a plan far beyond the scope of what [they] can even imagine for [their] lives.” Sara read Ephesians 3:20: “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine” and challenged her peers to surrender their story to God, to pray big prayers and to wait expectantly for all that God will do in their lives.

This year, two graduates were nominated by their classmates to share their favorite memories from their time at SBS. The first speaker, Madison Kalife '26, reminisced on the memories they’ve shared since lower school and expressed her gratitude for SBS, stating that “through Bible classes, retreats, chapel, coaches and conversations with teachers, we were reminded where our identity should come from and what truly matters.” The second memory speaker, Matthew Corbin '26, walked down memory lane as he shared funny stories and thanked the teachers that encouraged and supported him. Closing out the student speeches with a heartfelt goodbye, Matthew addressed his classmates, saying “thank you for making this place feel like home.”

Following student speeches, Dr. Ben Young addressed the Class of 2026 and spoke on Philippians 2:3, encouraging the graduates to remain humble as they enter college. Head of School John Card then congratulated the Class of 2026 on all that they’ve accomplished throughout their time at SBS. He went on to recognize the parents of the graduating class, thanking them for their support of the school and commitment to Christian education. 

To close the evening, Ethan Chan '26 delivered the benediction, thanking God for the families, faculty and friends who provided unwavering support and encouragement over the years.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are proud of you and can’t wait to see all that God is going to do in your lives as you continue to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously in the years ahead.

The Second Baptist School community gathered to celebrate the Class of 2030 as they advance from middle to upper school. The spiritual maturity and dedication to excellence that this class embodies were evident throughout the ceremony as they shared self-written devotionals and received awards for their academic and personal achievements.

Charge to Students:

Jason Daniels ‘17, SBS alum and Harvard Law graduate, opened his charge to students by sharing the impact that Second Baptist School has had on his life. From attending his own Eighth Grade Promotion ceremony to making lifelong friendships and even meeting his future wife, Jason emphasized the many ways that SBS shaped who he is today. As these students move beyond middle school, Jason challenged them to seek God’s will daily through His Word, to choose their friends wisely and to live differently and lead by example as they enter high school.

Student Devotionals:

Mia Lurie spoke about the peace and strength she finds in the Lord during times of difficulty or uncertainty. 

Ella Reynolds read Psalm 16:11 and encouraged her classmates to develop a habit of seeking joy in difficult moments.

Nathan Reiner challenged his classmates to remember Ephesians 4:14-26 as they step into high school and accept the call of maturity.

Betsy Asby reminded her classmates to have the courage to choose kindness and compassion in a world that is quick to tear others down. 

Kate Bonine spoke on Philippians 4:6-7, urging her peers to transform their worries and anxious thoughts into prayers.

Everitt Eixmann reflected on our calling to remain steadfast in our faith even when we encounter failure.

Natalie Nix emphasized that our hope is not dependent on our own actions, but on what Jesus has done in our lives.

Tatum Kinder challenged her classmates to remain faithful and trust the Lord even with the small things.

Colt Bell encouraged his peers to persevere, knowing that their faith would grow stronger through the challenges they faced.

Awards:

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students received their promotion certificates, and three students received the following awards:

Mary Emma Allen received the 2026 Youth Scholarship DAR Award.

Gemma Lane & Everitt Eimann received the Karen Jensen Scholar Award.

Congratulations to the Class of 2030!

The Second Baptist community was out in mass as Class of 2026 waved from cars decorated in paint, with streamers and balloons, representing the universities they will attend in the fall. The annual tradition captures a bittersweet feeling known well among high school seniors: nostalgia for the memories and friendships of the past four years paired with excitement and anticipation for the next chapter ahead.

Following the car parade, students donned their tennis shoes to participate in the Senior Fountain Run, another cherished tradition: taking a celebratory splash during their final week of high school.

Students begin inside the school, racing through the same hallways and down staircases they have traveled countless times as upper schoolers, before arriving breathless at the fountain, where cheers of “We made it!” and congratulations echo through the courtyard.

While students and parents are often focused on what comes next, senior traditions allow for the gift of the present, soaking in memories and their final moments together as classmates. These traditions serve as a reminder that no matter where these graduates go, it is their relationships formed along the way that will leave the biggest mark.

As teachers, coaches, staff, and underclassmen, we know that a bright future is ahead for the Class of 2026. Equipped to think critically, live biblically, and lead courageously, we are confident that they are prepared to do with excellence that which God has called them to do!

Car Parade & Fountain Run Photos

Oh, the places they’ll go!

Abilene Christian

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Baylor University

Blinn College

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Carroll University

Dallas College Brookhaven

Dartmouth College

East Texas Baptist University

Eastern Illinois University

Florida College

Houston Christian University

James Madison University

Lamar University

Louisiana State University

Oral Roberts University

Samford University

Shenandoah University

Texas A&M University

Texas Christian University

Texas State University

Texas Tech University

University of Alabama

University of Arkansas

University of California San Diego

University of Charleston

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Houston

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

University of Mississippi

University of Oklahoma

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

University of Tennessee

University of Texas

Tommy Tune Awards

The cast of Crazy for You participated in the Tommy Tune Awards, an award ceremony that recognizes outstanding musical productions from high schools across the Houston area. This year, over 6,000 students from 65 different schools were considered for awards ranging from outstanding stage management and costume design to outstanding musical and ensemble. For their unforgettable performance of Crazy for You, Second Baptist School received seven total nominations and brought home four awards:

Outstanding Supporting Lead: Tessa Garcia ‘26

Outstanding Choreography: Ellen Klare Brown ‘26, Tessa Garcia ‘26, Caley Crawford

Outstanding Ensemble: Second Baptist School, cast of Crazy for You

Outstanding Musical Director: Peyton Deffebach ‘27, Noah Salazar ‘27, Claire Westmoreland

In addition to these distinctions, Mac Goolsby ‘29 was one of two students selected to be a Tommy Tune Awards Reporter. Bravo to the cast and crew of Crazy for You for these well-deserved awards and for creating a show that was one to remember!

Gelato, Java & Jazz

A break from the end-of-the-year busyness, Gelato, Java & Jazz brought the SBS community together for an afternoon of music, ice cream and fellowship. 

With students and parents gathered in the atrium, the drumline kickstarted the event followed by a performance of “Beethoven’s Ninth” from the Middle School Beginner Band. Music continued to fill the room as the Middle School Intermediate Band performed melodies such as “Amazing Grace” and “Air and Dance”. The Upper School Jazz Ensemble took center stage and closed the production with their set, which included crowd-favorites such as “All the Things You Are” and “Chameleon.” 

With final exams next week and summer break just around the corner, Gelato, Java & Jazz invited students to rest and enjoy an afternoon of music as we close out the year.

STC Showcase & College Commitment Signing

To close out the 2025-2026 theatre season, Second Theatre Company hosted a showcase that featured student-directed dance numbers, heartfelt duets and powerful solos that they’ve worked on throughout the year. The showcase opened with a high-energy group number to “Hair Up” followed by a solo from Oliver Dawley ‘27 to “What Comes Next” from the musical Hamilton. Crowd favorites like “Agony,” performed by Mac Goolsby ’29, Christopher Key ’26, Mac Northrup ’26, and Nic Schweers, filled the room with laughter, while Tessa Garcia’s heartfelt rendition of “Astonishing” left the audience deeply moved. A beloved tradition, the annual STC showcase highlights student talent and brings the community together to celebrate all that these students have accomplished.

Following the showcase, the STC College Commitment Signing honored three seniors who will be continuing their pursuit of theatre and music at the collegiate level. These students have shown a passion for theatre and have consistently used their gifts to bring God glory throughout their time at SBS. We look forward to all that God will do in their lives in the years ahead. 

Kambell Crites ‘26 | Texas Christian University

Tessa Garcia ‘26 | Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Nic Schweers ‘26 | Shenandoah University

That’s a wrap on the 2025-2026 arts season. Bravo!