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2026 Commencement Speaker

Betsy McCown, P’11 is the Associate and Managing Director of the Echo Hill Outdoor School in Worton, Maryland, where she has spent nearly five decades inspiring thousands of students through hands-on environmental education, history, and outdoor adventure. A passionate advocate for the Chesapeake Bay watershed, McCown has spent her career fostering environmental stewardship and optimism, a legacy that heavily contributed to the formation of local conservation efforts like ShoreRivers.

Beyond her professional achievements, McCown is a pillar of the Gunston community. As a proud past Gunston parent (Class of 2011), she served with distinction on the school's Board of Trustees for over a decade. Her deep expertise in experiential education has been instrumental in shaping Gunston's signature environmental identity, notably through her invaluable leadership on the Chesapeake Watershed Semester Advisory Committee and her contributions to the school's Environmental Strategic Plan. McCown holds a B.S. in Community Leadership and Development from Springfield College.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

• May 6, 2026
  • Graduation Ticket & Parking Form due
  • Bouquet Order Form due
• May 15, 2026
  • Post-Graduation Contact Info Form due (students only)

When is Disembarkation and what is the schedule?

Friday, May 15, 2026 (New Start Time)

• 11:30 AM- Seniors arrive to campus
• 12:55 PM- Parents and guests should arrive to Gunston and go to footbridge path
• 1:00 PM – Senior Procession from the Field House to Everdell
• 1:15 PM – Bricklaying Ceremony in front of Middleton
• 1:45 PM – Student procession to the waterfront from the Atrium
• 2:20 PM – Boats depart 
• 2:30 PM- Buses also depart campus
• 2:35 PM – Arrival at Centreville Wharf

Interested in being a boat captain? Email Delaney Rizzuto at drizzuto@gunston.org

How do graduation tickets work this year?

• Each family is guaranteed 10 seats under the tent.
• Additional guests are welcome, however they are not guaranteed a seat (there is ample standing room).
• You must complete the Graduation Ticket Form by May 6, 2026.
• There is no reserved general seating. Faculty, staff, and board members will be in designated seats in the first two rows. 
• If you have requested accessible seating for guests with disabilities, they will be seated along the aisles. Seating for your entire party next to them is not guaranteed. One seat next to will be reserved. 
• Please bring tickets to graduation and hand them to NHS ushers
• Right Side (from audience view): Algier-Faff and May-Shuster. Left Side (from audience view): Figliozzi-Marketto and Simon-Wilson.

Ticket Pick-Up:

• During the Bricklaying Ceremony on Disembarkation Day, tickets will be in an envelope with your family’s name available under the portico at Middleton.

What about parking and accessibility?

• Drop-off/pick-up is available at the graduation tent.
• Limited accessible parking spaces near the tent are available.
• You will not be able to park in accessible parking spots without a Gunston Accessible Parking Pass. 
• Parking passes will be picked up with tickets on May 15 or mailed. 
• You must request this in the Graduation Form.
• The Accessible Parking Permit should be displayed in the front dash

What is the senior dress code?

Option 1:

• Blue blazer
• Light blue dress shirt
• Gunston tie
• Pressed ivory/light khakis
• Dark brown dress shoes & belt

Option 2:

• Long white dress or pantsuit (approved)
• Hemmed within 2 inches of the ground (without shoes)
• Not strapless or backless
• White shoes or sandals

Questions? Contact Mark Wiening at mwiening@gunston.org 

How do flowers work?

• Boutonnières (red rose):
  • No form needed
  • $15 charged to student account
• Bouquets:
  • Must complete order form by May 6
  • $45 charged to student account
  • Provided by Galena Blooms Farm

Questions? Contact Delaney Rizzuto at drizzuto@gunston.org

How do graduation announcements work?

• Each senior receives 10 announcements + envelopes.
• Pick up at the front desk (Ms. Rudolfs).
• Need more? Contact Mrs. Rizzuto.
• Have extras? Please return them.

What is the Post-Graduation Contact Form?

• Required for all students
• Due May 15
• Used to stay connected with alumni after graduation.

Do we need to pay for bricks?

• No — senior bricks are provided by the school.
• Bricks will include the name of the student as discussed with and approved by Mrs. Grabis and the student.

Who should I contact with questions?

• Dress Code: Mark Wiening (mwiening@gunston.org)
• Flowers, Announcements, Ticketing, and Accessible Parking: Delaney Rizzuto (drizzuto@gunston.org)