Fourteen Charterhouse School seniors turned in their tablets and textbooks, turned their tassels, and turned the page on their high school journey.
Brynlee Golliday (2 academic years with Charterhouse School), Dmitri House (1), Hailey Nicholson (3), Josiah Opalka (2), and Madison Taylor (10) all graduated from Charterhouse School in Edinburg in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley on Friday, June 5.
Abbygail Bryan (1 academic year), Ash Driskell (4), Michael Outten (2), Ciara Robinson (1), Lyle Rogers (8), Kareem Wilkins (6), Ethan Wills (12), and two other students who requested not to be named all graduated from Charterhouse School in Richmond on Shineforth’s historic campus on Wednesday, June 10.
At Charterhouse School Richmond’s ceremony — where more than 120 school staff, family, friends, loved ones, and community and government partners gathered to celebrate the seniors — Principal Saidah Adkins, M.Ed, highlighted the impact that the entire Class of 2026 has had on the Charterhouse School and Shineforth community.
“While all of our graduating classes are special, this class is extra special, as some students have been with us from elementary or middle school,” Principal Adkins said. “In a world where you can be anything, you chose to be high school graduates.”
Echoing principal Adkins’s sentiment were several Charterhouse School teachers and support staff, who submitted heartfelt testimonials to the graduates.
“As you move forward into this next chapter of life, remember curiosity is one of your greatest strengths,” one teacher said.
Another teacher added: “Your strength, resilience, and willingness to keep growing — even through difficult moments — have left a lasting impression on me.”
Charterhouse School provides specialized education for students ages 5-22 who have varying IEP classifications and serves students from several districts throughout Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Its Richmond staff is comprised of 50 educators and support staff, and 30 unwavering champions serve on the Edinburg team.
Each of Charterhouse School’s 80 educators shares the collective goal of supporting 170 students (45 students in Edinburg; 125 in Richmond) in their quest to achieve their academic and developmental goals.
“As you leave these hallways, I want you to remember something important,” said Charterhouse School Richmond Teacher Ms. Morris. “You are loved, and you are worthy of love. Not because of what you do for others, not because of your accomplishments, and not because of the roles you fill. You are worthy simply because of who you are. Never forget that.”
Government Partners Celebrate Charterhouse School Grads
Many thanks to Madison Brown (Legislative Aid for Delegate Betsy Carr) and David Reid (Shineforth alumnus and Board Member and Virginia State Delegate) for joining us for Charterhouse School Richmond’s graduation.
Pictured from left: Kelsey Fastabend (Shineforth), Karin Addison (Director, State Affairs, Troutman Strategies), Del. David Reid, Nina Marino (Shineforth), Sarah Headley-Boyd (Shineforth), Madison Brown.