Under warm evening lights and an atmosphere of anticipation and celebration, King’s Academy welcomed families, faculty, and the Class of 2026 for its annual Senior Parents Dinner. The event brought together the community in a shared moment of reflection, marking both the accomplishments of the graduating class and the journey that still lies ahead.

The evening opened with remarks from Head of School Penny Townsend, who set a reflective tone for the gathering, describing it as “a night not just to recognize achievement but also commitment, effort, personal growth and the spirit of learning that infuses all that we do at King’s.” Her words captured the essence of the evening, honoring both individual success and the collective spirit that defines the Class of 2026.

A musical performance followed, adding warmth and energy to the program, before a multilingual welcome from seniors showcased the school’s global identity. Speaking in Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish, students welcomed guests with messages of gratitude, celebration, and reflection, honoring the shared experiences that have shaped their time at King’s.

Dinner provided an opportunity for families and faculty to gather in conversation, filling the space with connection, laughter, and reflection across the community.

The valedictory address was delivered by Dean of Faculty James Meyer, who reflected on growth, accountability, and the enduring lessons of a King’s education. He encouraged students to pursue excellence with purpose and to carry forward the values and experiences that have shaped their journey at the school.

The evening concluded with the presentation of commencement awards and class agents, recognizing students for their achievements, leadership, and contributions to the life of the school.

As the evening drew to a close, the Senior Parents Dinner stood as more than a celebration of milestones. It was a reminder of the relationships formed, the challenges overcome, and the shared experiences that continue to define the Class of 2026 at King’s Academy, and the journey they carry forward beyond it.

*Commencement Awards:

The Arabic Award: : Khader Ja’arah
The Arabic as a Foreign Language Award: Noora Haffejee
The Chinese Award: Jumana Alnobani
The Computer Science Award: Sadeen Sheikh Hasan
The Creative Writing in English Award: Mustafa Alwahsh
The Dance Award: Jude Sulh and Jumana Alnobani
The French Award: Gasaro Migisha Ange

The History and Social Studies Historian Award: Omar Shokeirat
The History and Social Studies Social Scientist Award: Jude Sulh
The Mathematics Award: Nooreddeen kawaf
The Music Award: Jiyun Ha and Nathan Johnson
The Peter Greer English Award: Cedric Rwema Baraka and Gasaro Migisha Ange
The Physical and Life Sciences Award: Hala Badran and Mustafa Alwahsh
The Purchase Prize in the Fine Arts Award: Rania Yasin and Yuri Song
The Spanish Award: Farhan Abuleil
The Technical Theatre Award: Dina Wahdan and Mwiza Joy
The Theater Award: Uwase Marie Ange
The Visual Arts Award: Noora Haffejee
The Asad Al-Malek Award: Rayah Gosheh and Saif Fanous
The Perseverance Award: Akmal Lutfi Bin Mazlan and Layla Abdelmalek
The Samar Khader Award: Gasaro Migisha Ange
The King’s Academy Award for Respect: Joud Meqdadi; Ziad Abbas and Joonyoung Kim
The King’s Academy Award for Responsibility: Farah Ja’arah, Fares Alarifi and Jiyun Ha
The Eric Widmer Award for an Integrated Life: Suhib Alhamad and Jumana Alnobani
The King’s Academy Award for Global Citizenship: Dina Wahdan and Jana Al Tell
The Viswanathan Award for Love of Learning: Maryam Abu Karaky and Omar Rabadi
Head of School Award — Proudly Jordanian: Abdelrahman Al Saharin
Head of School Award — International Students: Isaac Jackman and Mohammad Bader
Head of School Award — Dedication to Residential Life: Noora Haffejee and Tawfiq Al-khoury
Head of School Award — Outstanding Scholarship and Intellectual Engagement: Jawad Alazzeh and Sara Al Qasem
Head of School Award — Outstanding Dedication to the Mission of the School: Saif Fanous
The Academy Cup: Cedric Rwema Baraka and Jawad Alazzeh
King Abdullah II Award: Nooreddeen Kawaf
Cum Laude Awards: Cedric Rwema Baraka, Fares Alarifi, Farhan Abuleil, Gasaro Migisha Ange, Hala Badran, Isaac Jackman, Jaafar Wahbeh, Jawad Alazzeh, Joonyoung Kim, Jumana Alnobani, Kayitare Lucky Benjamin, Maryam Abu Karaky, Mohammad Karajeh, Mwiza Joy, Nathan Johnson, Noora Haffejee, Nooreddeen Kawaf, Omar Rabadi, Raiyah Bint Hashim, Sadeen Alshaikh Hasan, Saif Fanous, Tawfiq Al-Khoury, Taymour Martinon-Sukhtian, Uwase Ineza Marie Ange, and Yousef Alwahsh