The Bolles community closed the 2025-26 academic year by honoring student milestones across all four campuses. On May 23, the Class of 2026 graduated from the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus, proudly completing their Bolles journey and stepping forward to the opportunities before them.

Students on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus and Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach and Whitehurst Campuses also marked important academic progressions. Eighth graders and fifth graders gathered with classmates, families and faculty to celebrate their growth, achievements and character. Each campus hosted meaningful ceremonies that recognized the end of one chapter and the excitement of what comes next in the Bolles experience.

During Grade 8 Recognition on May 20, Olivia Busby ’29, this year’s Jackie Witt Award winner, gave an inspiring speech to her class in which she shared reflections centered on how to actively practice courage, integrity and compassion. Members of the Middle School Chorus also performed a beautiful rendition of “Always Be My Home.” After remarks from Bolles Head of Middle School Josh Bauman, the Class of 2030 received certificates acknowledging their completion of middle school. Then, confetti rained down on the students as they jubilantly recessed to the applause and delight of their teachers, families and friends. View the event program here (PDF link) and pictures here and watch the video here.

The Whitehurst Campus fifth graders were celebrated during an evening program on May 19 in McGehee Auditorium, led by Head of Whitehurst Campus Dr. Christy Lusk and Grade 5 teachers Marissa Fowler, Jessica Tripp, Kelli Melvin and Andrea Benitez. Lusk shared her gratitude for the talented faculty and thanked the parents for their continued partnership during their children's time on the Whitehurst Campus. Fowler also gave a heartfelt tribute to the students that recognized their achievements, leadership and teamwork throughout the school year. Each Top Dog shared personal messages of "Whitehurst Wisdom" they will be taking with them as they continue on to the Bartram Campus. To conclude the event, rising ninth grader and Bolles Lifer Camp Shelton ’30 gave a thoughtful message to the Top Dogs – sharing words of inspiration and encouragement for what lies ahead for them during their middle school years. On the last day of school, the Whitehurst Campus fifth graders were clapped out at the end of the day as they headed to the Peyton Boathouse and Rice Family Crew Complex, where they boarded a boat and “sailed away” to symbolize their new journey. The boat took the students on a festive cruise up the St. Johns River to Friendship Foundation, where they were picked up by their parents.

The Ponte Vedra Beach Campus hosted similar celebrations for their fifth graders, with support from Head of Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Suzanne Carlino and Grade 5 teachers Kaki Movsovitz and Elizabeth Walker ’10. During a ceremony held May 20 in George Hall, each student was recognized and received a certificate while kind words their classmates wrote about them were read aloud. Students then walked off stage and took a rose to their parents in a gesture of gratitude. The next day, the entire campus held a special Flag for Grade 5 and clapped them out of George Hall as they entered the Grade 5 building for the last time!

These milestone celebrations reflected the commitment of Bolles faculty and staff, the encouragement of families and the pride of the students. As students transition to new campuses and new opportunities, they take with them the values, friendships and lasting memories that define the Bolles tradition of excellence. #BulldogProud