In a diverse and inclusive community, Greenhill prepares and inspires students to lead authentic, purposeful lives.
GREENHILL VISION
We see our students joyfully reaching their full potential. We see our school thriving as an academically excellent, diverse, inclusive, and connected community. We see our world made more hopeful because of the Greenhill community.
GREENHILL CORE VALUES
Excellence | Integrity | Compassion | Courage
ON THE COVER
Seniors from the Class of 2026 celebrate their graduation from Greenhill School at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
We congratulate the Greenhill Class of 2026!
On Tuesday, May 26, the Class of 2026 graduated from Greenhill School at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Head of Upper School Trevor Worcester welcomed the graduating class and families to the commencement ceremony. Kendall Johnson delivered an In Appreciation address, and Myra Puri and Benjy Beckman delivered senior addresses with musical performances by the Greenhill Singers interspersed between them.
Head of School Lee Hark, Board of Trustees Chair Lori Whitten, and Senior Class Dean and Upper School Spanish
Teacher Cristina Gonzáles awarded diplomas to the students as they walked across the stage.
To conclude the ceremony, Mr. Hark delivered his charge to the Class of 2026. The newest Greenhill graduates then recessed out of the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall to celebrate and take pictures with their families and friends.
This event would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of Assistant Head of Upper School Rebecca Shuman, Head of Upper School Trevor Worcester, Senior Class Dean Cristina Gonzáles, Upper School Dean of Students George Heinrichs, Upper School Dean of Student Life Kira Rivera, senior advisors, the facilities team, and faculty and staff volunteers.
“I hope you find purpose in your lives. I hope you find it young, and I hope you find it often. And I hope that when you do, you recognize it. Not because it looks impressive, but because it makes you stop counting. Class of 2026, you leave here prepared. Your years in this community have seen to that. What no school can give you is purpose. That is yours to find and keep finding for the rest of your life. You're not finished; you're not a resume; you're not the job you’ll get, or lose, or love, or quit. You are becoming. Go become.”
—LEE HARK, HEAD OF SCHOOL,
EXCERPTED FROM HIS CHARGE TO THE CLASS OF 2026
“Greenhill has been filled with people who guided us, grounded us, challenged us, and celebrated us through every version of ourselves... To every group and individual who has propelled us forward and empowered us throughout our journey at Greenhill, on behalf of the Class of 2026, thank you. We are deeply grateful for every lesson, every moment of encouragement, and every ounce of love that has carried us through these years.”
—KENDALL JOHNSON, EXCERPTED FROM HER APPRECIATION ADDRESS
“Human worth is not a direct gift of observation. It is an immutable constant preceding all material existence. You do not require visibility to be valid, and you do not become valued for what you have done or accomplished. The only truth is this: your worth is a fact. Long before any of us were students, athletes, artists, leaders, or anything else, we were already worthy. From now on, we will not wait to be deemed worthy. We have been, and always will be, worthy, valued, and loved.”
—MYRA PURI , EXCERPTED FROM HER SENIOR ADDRESS
“We are a collection of mismatched individuals. We do not all look the same, think the same, or want the same things, but somewhere along the way we developed a very big heart, a shared ambition, and a collective success, and in a way that feels rare, we genuinely love each other… Every graduating senior carries their own private moments, some large, some small. Together they created a sense of belonging, a shared identity, and a feeling that we are a part of Greenhill and Greenhill is a part of us.”
—BENJY BECKMAN , EXCERPTED FROM HIS SENIOR ADDRESS
Senior Awards
Rory Liu | Valedictorian
The Valedictorian is the graduating senior who has earned the highest cumulative Upper School grade point average.
"Rory has been described as having an 'inimitable work ethic.' True to form, she has enrolled in and successfully completed seven AP courses and post-AP courses, achieving an A or A+ in all those high-level courses. Across the various disciplines, themes appear. One faculty member noted Rory's 'curiosity and a seriousness of purpose.' Not only did that approach propel her to unseen heights in academic classes, but it also translated into stellar work on teams. Also an Executive Editor on The Evergreen, Mr. Jones praises Rory as part of a 'Hall of Fame' team. And then there’s the four years of Policy Debate, achieving championships on both the state and national levels. As one faculty member wrote, 'Rory's courage and perseverance—particularly in the demanding world of national debate—highlight a student who consistently embraces challenges and strives for excellence.'"
Justin Wu | Salutatorian
The Salutatorian is the graduating senior who has earned the second-highest cumulative Upper School grade point average.
"'Optimism and focus.' 'Intellectual curiosity.' 'Exceptional argumentative and analytical thinking.' Time and time again, Justin has earned the praise of faculty with both his approach to, and stellar achievement in, every class he has taken. Over the course of Upper School, Justin has successfully completed seven AP and post-AP courses, earning an A+ in all of them. Though math and science were his jam, Justin's reach into all aspects of school life was evident. Beyond the traditional classroom, he participated in our Chamber Orchestra and Robotics program and was a leader on our Math Team and Honor Council. Justin's work on The Evergreen over four years culminated with his leadership as Executive Editor and praise from Mr. Jones for bringing 'excellence and integrity to every aspect of our shared work.' Justin is seamlessly achieving excellence in all disciplines."
Ruby Garza | Estelle Dickens Service to Greenhill Award
The Estelle Dickens Service to Greenhill Award is presented to the senior who has given the most outstanding service contribution to Greenhill School. The award commemorates the more than four decades of service given to Greenhill by beloved teacher and administrator Estelle Dickens. "Ruby exemplifies the spirit of this award through her tireless dedication, generosity, and positive impact on the entire Greenhill community. As one faculty member observed, 'What doesn’t Ruby do on campus?' She balances an extraordinary range of activities while maintaining warmth, humor, and kindness that makes the school community stronger every day. Been to a cross country meet? You’ll see her there leading as a captain. Visitors on campus? A go-to member of the Hill Guides. Need a mentor for younger students? She is a Link Crew leader. And in what building does she inhabit more than anything else—the MPAC. It is there that Ruby shares her extraordinary talents in the Arts: Improv, filmmaking, choir, and countless theater productions. And most of all, it is the authentic human that shines brightly, as one of her peers noted, 'Ruby is one of the kindest people I know, as well as one of the smartest. She always helps her friends be the best they can be, and she will often sacrifice time and effort to do that.' She models integrity, dedication, and care in every role she takes on."
Miles Newman | Kate Cecil Award
The Kate Cecil Award is given to the senior who renders the most outstanding service to the Dallas community. The award is named in honor of Kate Cecil, a member of the faculty for seventeen years.
"Miles demonstrates a passion for, and stewardship of, the environment. With more than 400 logged hours, Miles's dedication to service manifests in several ways under the larger umbrella of the environment. He has volunteered at a turtle hospital, caring for injured sea turtles, served in a youth program at the Dallas Zoo, completing significant training to assist larger animals like giraffes and elephants, and has volunteered with the Trinity River Audubon Society, deepening an understanding of native ecosystems while giving back to the conservation community. And then, for his Eagle project, Miles led a riparian restoration effort to restore the creek embankment on our campus to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and flow, and support local wildlife. He consistently promotes environmental awareness and is looking to continue his focus on the environment more formally in college. One faculty member noted that Miles 'thrives at the intersection of purpose and compassion.' He is already living and modeling an authentic, purposeful life."
Kate Ponnambalam | Phillip G. Foote Award
The Phillip G. Foote Award is given to the senior who is considered by the faculty to epitomize the qualities of citizenship in the Greenhill community. These qualities are rooted in the school’s core values of excellence, integrity, compassion, and courage. The award is named for Greenhill’s second Head of School.
"Kate is a respectful, talented, kind, and highly motivated student who genuinely cares for others. She embodies our core values in everything she does, and she does a lot. Kate has accomplished academic excellence with a rigorous course load. One teacher noted, 'Kate shined, bringing an enthusiastic, empathetic spirit to our class, along with a determined approach to learning.' Outside the classroom, Kate's commitment to the community is strong and vast. As a member of the Student Inclusion Council and as an officer in Black Girls Unity, she helps move our mission forward, working to create better cultural competency in our community. Kate has modeled leadership with integrity as the Senior Class President. And as a four-year member of The Evergreen, culminating her time as an Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Jones noted, 'Kate provides leadership and inspiration to the staff while cultivating a culture of excellence, respect, and accountability.' She always models great citizenship."
Nora Ahearn | Board of Trustees Award
The Board of Trustees Award is given to the senior who embodies the mission and core values of Greenhill School.
"Many of our faculty have noted that Nora exemplifies Greenhill’s core values and the very essence of what it means to be a true leader and community member. One faculty member noted that in both advisory and their Heart of the Hill group, Nora is a leader, welcoming to all and helping everyone to be seen. Her approach to service was evident in her work with our Upper School Service Board and tutoring students outside of Greenhill who lack educational resources. Nora was a founding member of Hornet Mental Health, a student-led organization that promotes a positive mental health culture at Greenhill. And, she has been a driving force on The Evergreen staff for four years as she led her peers with integrity this year as one of the Editors-in-Chief. The highest praise comes from one of her peers, who wrote, 'Nora is the most dependable, trustworthy, and unwavering person I know. She has a level of empathy and compassion that is incomparable to those around her.'"
Kendall Johnson | Senior Leadership Award
The Senior Leadership Award is given to the member of the senior class who best demonstrates the qualities of leadership.
"Kendall has been one of the most dependable and engaged leaders in the Class of 2026. Faculty consistently note that her positive influence across the Greenhill community is defined by consistency, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. In the athletic arena, Kendall models determination, resilience, and positivity, encouraging teammates through both effort and attitude. In countless other activities, organizations, and classes, she brings energy, optimism, and a willingness to lift others up. And it was certainly in her role as Student Council Vice President that we witnessed, time and time again, all of the qualities I’ve listed—her true, authentic self. Another faculty member summed it up well: 'I sincerely appreciate the positive presence Kendall creates in every space she inhabits, and her dedication to taking what she has learned and then enacting change makes her a wonderful representative of Greenhill.'"
Isabel Bhatia | Bernard L. Fulton Award
The Bernard L. Fulton Award is the highest honor given in the Upper School and is presented to the senior who best embodies the mission and core values of Greenhill School. The award is named for the founder and first Head of Greenhill School.
"'Isabel,' notes one faculty member, 'represents the ideal of the engaged and intellectually curious Greenhill student; someone who not only excels personally, but consistently strengthens the community around her.' Isabel has excelled in academics across disciplines, approaching each class with purpose. While her academic passions fall squarely within the sciences, her language teacher notes that she is among the most accomplished language learners he has ever taught. This purposeful approach has also led Isabel to award-winning achievements in Honors Photography and extensive volunteering for the Lift Every Voice exhibition for Greenhill’s 75th anniversary. Leadership is a hallmark for her, mentoring young debaters, serving as a Link Crew leader, the student leader of our MathLab, and a co-captain of our cross country team. If it is not apparent yet, Isabel excels in every area in which she engages, and the community has been privileged by it. She exemplifies Greenhill’s mission and core values and elevates them through her daily actions and example."
Helen Fulton Award
The Helen Fulton Award is named in honor of Helen Fulton, founding faculty member and wife of Greenhill’s founder, Bernard Fulton. Helen Fulton was a life-long learner, exemplary citizen, and a well-rounded, balanced individual. This award is unique in that seniors nominate their peers who they believe embody these characteristics, and the winners are chosen by a faculty vote. Ten students were chosen to receive this award.
Sasha Wai
Justin Wu
Brian Chao Nia Harrison
Kendall Johnson Davis Knocke
Kate Ponnambalam
Xavier Rayvera
Helen Reed Nathan Trimmer
Baccalaureate
Greenhill’s Baccalaureate was held at Cathedral of Hope on Saturday, May 23, and provided graduating seniors a final opportunity to reflect on their time at Greenhill, remembering with a sense of gratitude, humility, and larger purpose.
Senior class leaders offered an invocation, anthems, readings, and benedictions to express their gratitude and commitment to the Greenhill experience, values, and beliefs.
Director of Equity & Inclusion Monsie Muñoz '05 was chosen by the seniors to deliver the keynote address. She said:
"As you move into your next phase of life, continue building your own world. And stay curious enough to visit someone else’s. Take what nourishes you and leave behind what does not serve you. Treat people in ways that help them feel seen. And when the world feels uncertain—and it will—choose kindness. Not just toward others, but toward yourselves too... You are capable of becoming and becoming again. The way you move through the world matters more than you know. And keep choosing kindness, especially when it is not the easiest thing to choose."
Senior Traditions
WATER TOWER | The Water Tower became a canvas for the Class of 2026 as they celebrated the start of their final year at Greenhill.
SENIOR DINNER | Surrounded by family, friends, and their advisors, the Class of 2026 paused to reflect on their time at Greenhill during their Senior Dinner.
SENIOR SWEATSHIRTS | The Class of 2026 donned their senior sweatshirts, continuing a tradition shared by generations of Greenhill seniors.
Senior Capstones
In the spring, three students completed Capstone projects reflecting months of collegiate-level field research. These varied and involved projects evoke an earnestness for exploration and intellectual curiosity.
The Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Rhetoric, Race, and Removal
Iliyan Ali
Is deportation only about legal status? What if it’s also shaped by perception, emotion, and the stories people are told? From media coverage that frames immigrants as threats to political narratives that prioritize danger over constitutional rights, public discourse plays a powerful role in shaping who is imagined as the “legal immigrant” versus the “illegal” or “undesirable” migrant. Ali's capstone examined how affective rhetoric influenced the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an incident in 2025 that gained national attention. He explored how media representation and political narratives transform lawfully present individuals into dangerous subjects marked for removal. His presentation answered the question: how does emotional, racialized rhetoric function to render immigrants deportable? Ali hopes to encourage people to critically examine how media and emotion intersect with law to shape understanding of immigration beyond what appears to be objective reality.
The New Era of AI-Powered Military Drones
Hank Utay
How has modern warfare evolved over the past decades? How will emerging AI tools play a role in national defense? Everyone has seen the news: “Russia launches 300 drones at Ukraine.” “Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance.” Utay's Capstone aimed to explore these questions through the lens of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in the United States. His presentation dove into current conflicts using automated drones, specifically UAVs, and ultimately concluded with an outlook on where war is headed, how it will reshape state sovereignty, and, if the technology fails, who ultimately claims responsibility.
The Certainty Trap in Action
Goni Wong
What lies at the heart of the extreme polarization shaping modern societies? Misinformation? Social media algorithms? Wong argued that these are all downstream consequences of an innate aspect of the human condition: certainty. Coined by sociologist Ilana Redstone, the “Certainty Trap” creates an inclination to construct binary, closed systems of explanation when facing complex issues. In his Capstone, Wong applied the “Certainty Trap” as a conceptual model to better understand two critical arenas of academic research: democracy and diplomacy. Working with a mentor, he analyzed the evolution of Western political thought regarding the “Certainty Trap,” arguing that the degradation of democratic norms and the rise of antisemitism are jointly determined outcomes of the return of certainty to the political mainstream. Wong dedicated the second semester to developing a diplomatic theory of “historical subjectivity,” which uses the “Certainty Trap” framework to reconcile divergent historical narratives in conflict settings.
Collegiate Athletes
The Greenhill Athletics Department is proud to send the following 10 student-athletes to compete at the college level.
Kameron Smith University of St. Thomas Basketball
Jaxson Thompson Rice University Basketball
Grant Colocousis Rhodes College Golf
Layla Esquenazi Austin College Volleyball
Zach Geller Emory University Swimming
Nia Harrison University of Southern California Track & Field
Oliver Hill Wesleyan University Football
Kacy Johnson Louisiana State University Cheerleading
Connor Lee University of Chicago Baseball
Avery Lonergan Colorado State University Swimming
COLLEGE CHALK | From marking the water tower at the start of the year to decorating the sidewalks with their college logos at the end, our seniors have left a lasting legacy on campus.
And they’re off!
The members of the Class of 2026 will attend these colleges in the United States and abroad.
American University
Austin College
Boston College (2)
Bradley University
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (2)
Centenary College
Chapman University
Claremont McKenna College
Colorado State University
Columbia University & Sciences Po (France)
Cornell University (3)
Denison University
Duke University
Elon University
Emory University (2)
Furman University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Howard University (2)
Indiana University
Bloomington (2)
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Chicago
Mount Holyoke College
New York University (3)
Northwestern University (4)
Princeton University
Purdue University (2)
Rhodes College
Rice University (11)
Rochester Institute of Technology
Schreiner University
Scripps College
Southern Methodist University (2)
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
Trinity University
Tufts University (2)
Tulane University (4)
University College London (UK) (3)
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Santa Barbara (2)
University of Chicago (2)
University of Cincinnati
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois
University of Iowa
University of Maryland, College Park (2)
University of Miami (3)
University of Michigan (2)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of Oklahoma
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California (4)
University of St. Thomas
University of Texas at Arlington (2)
University of Texas at Austin (15)
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin, Madison (2)
Vanderbilt University (2)
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis (3)
Wesleyan University
Yale University (2)
Updated as of May 26, 2026
Fourth-Grade Farewell
During the Lower School end-of-year ceremony, fourth-grade students reflected on lessons they had learned, reminisced about fond memories, and enjoyed performances from their peers in the other Lower School grades.
Following the ceremony, families gathgered outside to celebrate their students’ achievements.
Helen Misura Award Recipients
Helen Misura was a founding faculty member of Greenhill in 1950 and served as the first Head of Lower School from 1950–1969. Upon her retirement in 1969, the school established an award in her honor, given to fourth-grade students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and sportsmanship.
Congratulations to our 2026 recipients
Kyran Batra
Norah Leven
Eighth-Grade Recognition
Eighth-grade students gathered on the morning of their Eighth-Grade Recognition Ceremony to enjoy brunch together in the Crossman Dining Hall.
Then, during their culminating ceremony in Rose Hall, students commemorated the year with insightful speeches about lessons learned during Middle School before meeting their families to celebrate the end of the year.
Ronnie Freeman Award Recipients
A friend of Greenhill’s founders, Ronnie Freeman was a Middle School student in the 1950s who, before she died of spinal meningitis, showed tremendous resiliency, perseverance, and courage. This award is given to the eighth-grade students who maintained the highest standards of scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and participation in school activities. It is the highest honor attained in Middle School.
Congratulations to our 2026 recipients
Bryce Shine
Rhea Vinod
Vivianne Wang
For details on moments like these and many more, visit our social media channels and www.greenhill.org/news for the latest and greatest happenings!
Facebook.com/GreenhillSchool @GreenhillSchool
SPRING HORNET NIGHT | The Greenhill community came together in April for Hornet Night, supporting student-athletes, enjoying fun activities, and eating delicious sweet treats.
GREENHILL GOES GLOBAL | From the flag parade to the student performances, every moment at Greenhill Goes Global celebrated the many cultures in our community.
MUSIC ON THE QUAD | Students enjoyed listening and dancing to music in the Foote Quadrangle during lunch. Thank you to the Cultural Arts Committee for bringing laughter and joy to campus.
FIELD DAY | From friendly competition to unforgettable fun, Preschool and Lower School students enjoyed splashing in water and playing games with their classmates during Field Day.
Academic Highlights
Students Excel at Modern & Classical Languages
CHINESE
Middle and Upper School students in the Chinese program earned top recognition at several major competitions, including the CLASS National Chinese Talent Show, Speech Contest, and Poster Contest, as well as the North Texas TI Cup Chinese Speech Contest. Across categories such as singing, language, art, instrumental performance, dance, and public speaking, Greenhill students received numerous first place awards, honorable mentions, and special distinctions, reflecting both linguistic skill and cultural engagement.
LATIN
Middle School Latin students earned a wide range of honors on the Pegasus National Mythology Exam and several optional national assessments, including the National Latin Exam, National Classical Etymology Exam, National Latin Vocabulary Exam, and National Roman Civilization Exam. Students received distinctions at every level—perfect scores, Gold and Silver Medals, Magna Cum Laude ribbons, and Cum Laude certificates—demonstrating exceptional dedication to classical studies.
SPANISH
Middle School Spanish students excelled at a regional competition hosted by Good Shepherd, earning high marks across cultural performance, prose reading, poetry memorization, spelling, oral fluency, Hispanic cuisine, and art. Their results showcased strong preparation, teamwork, and enthusiasm for Spanish language and culture.
Debate Earns World Schools Championship
Greenhill Debate earned national distinction at the Tournament of Champions in Lexington, Kentucky, where the team won the World Schools division for the third consecutive year.
Greenhill Platinum (Benjy Beckman ’26, Marleigh Massoud ’28, Arhaan Iyer ’28, Vijay Naidu ’26, and Josephina Qiu ’26) won the championship. Greenhill Diamond (Tim Csallner ’28, Carys Diamond ’27, Benji Lachar ’27, Cindy Chou ’28, and Meenakshi Mandalapu ’28) finished third after meeting Platinum in the semifinals.
In individual World Schools honors, Tim Csallner ’28 placed second, Meenakshi Mandalapu ’28 placed fourth, and Josephina Qiu ’26 placed fifth.
Additional achievements included Sarah Koshy ’26 reaching the quarterfinals in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, with Dylan Millimet ’26 and Vivek Thankavel ’27 advancing to the double octofinals. In Policy Debate, Rory Liu ’26 received the prestigious Julia Burke Award and was recognized, along with Iliyan Ali ’26, in individual policy speaker awards.
This year’s Tournament of Champions also marked senior milestones for Dhiya Hemchand ’26, Michael Ahn ’26, Aaron Kuang ’26, and Soyam Kelifa ’26, and TOC debuts for Eric Xing ’28, Mahedhar Sunkara ’27, and Akash Bose ’27.
Quiz Bowl Teams Excel at Competitions Across
the Country
The Upper School Quiz Bowl team delivered strong results throughout the spring.
At the Cistercian Spring Invitational, Greenhill A (Maya Jagsi ’26, Tomal Khan ’28, and Ayan Thombre ’26) finished second in the Varsity Division. In Junior Varsity, Greenhill B (Blake Clark ’29, Evan Huang ’29, and Colin Houpt ’29) won the division.
At the North Texas Invitational, the team of Tomal Khan ’28, Ayan Thombre ’26, Colin Houpt ’29, and Evan Huang ’29 tied for fifth, highlighted by a win over eventual champions Cistercian A. Tomal ranked third overall in scoring.
At the NAQT Individual Player National Championship, Ayan Thombre ’26 placed 14th in history and 41st in geography, while Tomal Khan ’28 placed 16th in literature and an impressive 13th overall out of 300 competitors.
At the TQBA State Championship, Tomal Khan ’28, Ayan Thombre ’26, and Colin Houpt ’29 finished third, with Tomal leading all players in scoring.
In Washington, DC, at the National History Bowl and Bee, Tomal and Ayan placed 22nd in the Varsity History Bowl. Individually, Ayan tied for 63rd in the Varsity History Bee, while Tomal tied for 51st in JV and placed fourth in the JV Academic Bee.
The season concluded at the NAQT High School National Championship Tournament in Atlanta.Tomal Khan ’28, Ayan Thombre ’26, Blake Clark ’29, Colin Houpt ’29, and Evan Huang ’29 posted a 7–3 preliminary record, Greenhill’s best in four years, and finished tied for 21st after several dramatic playoff victories. Tomal was named the tournament’s #1 Rising Star among sophomores and ranked just outside the top 40 overall.
Hornet Highlights
Recap of the Spring Season
Thank you to the Greenhill community for supporting our student-athletes during the spring season!
At the 2026 SPC Spring Championships, the boys golf team secured the runner-up spot with a team score of 607. In the individual category, Grant Colocousis ’26 finished tied for second with a score of 146.
The girls track and field team earned a third-place finish with Rian Kinsler ’27 placing first in the 100 meters and 200 meters, Alex Han ’27 placing first in the 800 meters, Jesai Rider ’29 placing first in the 300 hurdles, Nia Harrison ’26 placing first in the high jump, and the team of Rian Kinsler ’27, Alex Han ’27, Nia Harrison ’26, and Jesai Rider ’29 earning first in the 4x400 relay.
The girls tennis team finished fourth in the conference. The girls golf and boys lacrosse teams finished in fifth place. The boys track and field team placed sixth in the conference with Oliver Hill ’26 earning first in shot put and Aidan Rischer ’26 placing first in pole vault. The girls lacrosse team finished tenth in the conference.
Due to bad weather, baseball, softball, and boys tennis were unable to play their final matches to earn a placing.
ALL-SPC AWARD WINNERS
2026 SPRING
Baseball
Connor Lee ’26
Boys Golf
Grant Colocousis ’26
Charlie Hamm ’28
Krish Shah ’28
Girls Golf
Naomi Wien ’28
Boys Lacrosse
Preston Becker ’29
Arjun Bhatnagar ’26
Girls Lacrosse
Valentina Casas-Sayek ’26
Softball
Sammie Engberg ’28
Bailey Fisher ’28
Boys Tennis
Ian Wu ’26
Girls Tennis
Anika Katikaneni ’27
Sophia Wang ’28
Boys Track & Field
Weber Hamilton ’26
Oliver Hill ’26
Jack Marshall ’28 (2 events)
Aidan Rischer ’26 (2 events)
Evan Tsai ’28
Goni Wong ’26
Girls Track & Field
Alex Han ’27 (2 events)
Nia Harrison ’26 (5 events)
Kacy Johnson ’26 (2 events)
Rian Kinsler ’27 (3 events)
Jesai Rider ’29 (3 events
ESPY's of Greenhill
On May 16, 2026, the Greenhill Athletics Department hosted the third annual ESPY’s of Greenhill Awards in Rose Hall. The Greenhill community was invited to the ESPY's (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) of Greenhill Awards to celebrate, recognize, and honor the performances of our varsity teams during the 2025-2026 year.
The following students were awarded:
Jesai Rider ’29
Breakthrough Female Athlete
Preston Becker ’29
Breakthrough Male Athlete
Alex Han ’27
Best Championship Performance
Girls Soccer
Best Moment
Kendall Johnson ’26
Best Record-Breaking Performance (Female)
Jaxson Thompson ’26
Best Record-Breaking Performance (Male)
Girls Basketball
Outstanding Team
Boys Volleyball
Best Game
Trey Davis ’27
Most Impact Male Athlete
Noora Qureshi ’27
Most Impact Female
Athlete
Arts Highlights
Greenhill students continue to excel in arts across all divisions.
Upper School Visual Arts
Greenhill's visual arts and film students have had a remarkable year of national and international recognition:
SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS
• Ahan Jain '27 earned a National Gold Medal in Experimental Photography from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of fewer than 700 awarded out of over 335,000 submissions nationwide, and will be honored at Carnegie Hall this June.
FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY EXHIBITION
• Javi Johnson '27 took Best in Show at the Fort Worth Country Day Black & White Images Exhibition.
YOUNGARTS NATIONAL COMPETITION
• Isabel Bhatia '26 was named a Winner with Distinction in the YoungArts National Competition for Photography and was selected as a candidate for the United States Presidential Scholars Program.
• Sumedha Rapuri '26 earned an Honorable Mention in the YoungArts National Competition and was selected to attend the YoungArts New York Lab, an all-expense-paid workshop in New York City for emerging artists.
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST FILM FESTIVAL
• Six Greenhill Advanced Video Production students had films selected for screening at the South by Southwest Film Festival, continuing the program's impressive legacy of 61 films juried into the festival over 16 years.
The 39 Steps
From quick costume changes to clever comedy, the cast and crew of The 39 Steps delivered a memorable performance.
Finding Nemo Jr.
Just keep swimming! Our Middle School performers made a splash with their production of Finding Nemo Jr
Middle School Spring Fling
Spring Fling showcased the many talents of our Middle School students, from 2D and 3D art displays to improv and dance performances.
Lower School Art
Lower School students shared their talents through music, movement, and strings performances during their grade-level performances and weekly assemblies.
Preschool Art
Our youngest artists proudly shared their creativity, imagination, and wonder during Preschool art lessons.
Design & Innovation
SIX STUDENT GROUPS RECEIVE $22,000 AT WHAT’S NEXT PITCH NIGHT
Greenhill hosted the third annual What’s NEXT Fund Pitch Night presented by Associa on April 27, 2026, where students pitched their projects to a panel of business leaders in the hopes of receiving venture capital and mentorship as they build technologies, launch businesses, or make a larger project become a reality.
What's NEXT projects should be New, Experimental, Xpansive, and Trailblazing.
What’s NEXT Pitch Night is an opportunity for Middle and Upper School students to bring their ideas to life by creating connections with industry experts and winning monetary support. Students worked with Design & Innovation team members all year to develop their business plans, flesh out their ideas, and prepare presentations for Pitch Night.
An app that tracks cardiac events and helps the user record the event to better inform cardiologists of the patient's condition, helping doctors better diagnose heart conditions early on.
Award: $4,000
SydeLyne
Samaira Panjiar '28
Leveraging Lidar technology, the SydeLine system helps to remove the frustration with bad or questionable line calls in volleyball games and tournaments.
Award: $1,000
ScanFind
Austin Yao '29 & Rebecca Yao '31
A no-app required QR Code-based system to help lost items, such as water bottles and clothing, be reunited with their owners, reducing the yearly expense of replacing items gone missing.
Award: $3,000
FlashList
Raghav Metta '27 & Vikram Sampath '27
A Shopify App that allows drop shippers to scale their business by automating the relisting of AliExpress items to other United States-based selling platforms. The team earned over $40k in three months with their strategy.
Award: $4,000
OmniStep
Anvitha Sagi '29
Truly a one-shoe-size-fits-all solution. For parents/guardians of fast-growing toddlers and kids, a shoe that not only grows with their child but also allows for customization and autonomy, reducing families’ overall cost for their child.
Award: $5,000
AquaFlo
Ahan Jain '27
A gravity-fed, high-flow-rate water filtration system for rural areas in India using locally sourced materials, solving the lack of clean, good-tasting water at a volume that can sustain an entire family.
Award: $5,000
CAMPAIGN
Progress continues on the Growing Stronger Together campaign. The new tennis courts are open, and the turf field and Athletic Performance Center will be completed by the end of the summer.
These are not just buildings. They are statements about what we believe our students deserve and are made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our community.
This year alone, we raised more than $9.5MM toward the campaign, bringing our total to over $65MM, the largest fundraising effort in Greenhill’s history.
The funds raised to date are already transforming the student experience in our state-of-the-art STEM and athletic facilities, as well as our Design + Innovation program.
As we enter the home stretch of the campaign, every gift matters. To cross the finish line, we need the full support of our community. If you have not yet made a gift, or are considering increasing your commitment, please reach out to Chief Development Officer Aaron White
Eighth Grade Students Help Greenhill Secure Full Edward E. Ford Foundation Grant
In December, Greenhill eighth-grade students concluded a unit on density with a hands-on project that blended science and art. They manipulated paint densities and layered them on top of each other while predicting which colors would rise or sink, demonstrating their understanding of density. The finished pieces were vibrant, abstract works that showed density in action through art.
Rather than sending the artwork home, faculty saw an opportunity to use the collection in a more meaningful way—a student-led fundraising initiative supporting a climate or sustainability-related cause. Since Greenhill School had recently received an Edward E. Ford Foundation matching grant to establish a comprehensive environmental science education program, it was clear that it would be the most meaningful way for students to give back.
“We framed the project as an opportunity for students to invest directly in their own school community and contribute to a lasting legacy that would benefit both current and future Greenhill students through the exciting sustainability initiatives associated with the grant,” said Emma DeVine, Middle School science teacher.
The paintings were sold at this year’s Eighth Grade Climate Summit. As part of this capstone program, every student participates in an interdisciplinary “Modern Challenges and Solutions” unit that explores environmental issues through both science and history. Each student selects a topic they care about and develops ideas to reduce environmental impact or to enhance local ecology.
The Greenhill community was invited to the showcase in May, where students present their research and solutions. This year, it served as a great place to sell artwork that would support conservation, sustainability, and Greenhill’s future.
Students stepped into leadership roles by volunteering to design promotional materials, create signage, and spread the word across campus. On the day of the Summit, they staffed the booth,
engaged with visitors, and shared the purpose behind their work.
In total, approximately 50 to 60 paintings were sold, with the eighth graders’ efforts providing a final boost to a yearlong community fundraising initiative—largely supported by parents, former trustees, and faculty—that raised $100,000 and secured the matching $100,000 grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation.
The grant money will help Greenhill expand hands-on learning opportunities and deepen students’ connection to sustainability. The initiative includes plans for new and enhanced learning spaces such as a greenhouse and a restored Blackland Prairie ecosystem, along with programming designed to integrate environmental study across grade levels and disciplines.
As planning continues, faculty and leadership are working through how best to bring these ideas to life on campus.
Thank you to the entire Class of 2030 and donors for helping the School reach its goal. An extra thanks to the following students who helped run the booth, make posters, or raise awareness of the initiative: Sivan Hahn, Lily Moore, Layla Taiym, Sruthi Thangamuthu, Rhea Vinod, Esther Hall, Zayla Yousuf, and Laura Zaballa. This would not have been possible without the guidance of Middle School science teachers Emma Devine, Celeste Dominguez, Susan Eve, and Gretchen Pollum, and the eighth grade history teachers Parker Ainsworth, Paige Ashley, Derek Proter, and Kara Smith.
Introducing Tai Oney DIRECTOR OF EQUITY & INCLUSION
Greenhill School named Tai Oney as its new Director of Equity & Inclusion effective July 1, 2026.
Tai is currently the Manager of Inclusion and Learning at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Missouri. Tai’s background, a blend of education and leadership experience, positions him to make a significant impact at Greenhill. In his current role, Tai develops and implements equity and inclusion initiatives for the symphony, programs designed to engage a wide range of constituents, including staff, musicians, volunteers, and Board leadership. His strength in collaboration has allowed him to successfully implement programs that improved employee engagement, increased patron satisfaction, and strengthened the new-hire experience.
Prior to the St. Louis Symphony, Tai worked at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, where he served as the staff liaison to the Board Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and managed a fellowship and internship program. He also has teaching experience at Washington University in St. Louis and Concord Academy, an independent boarding and day school in Massachusetts.
In his cover letter, Tai shared:
"At its strongest, equity and inclusion work in a school is not defined by individual programs, but by how a community functions day-to-day, how students experience belonging, how faculty are supported in their practice, and how an institution creates the conditions for individuals to lead authentic and purposeful lives."
The search committee, impressed by Tai’s clear philosophical alignment with Greenhill’s mission and core values, is excited to see Tai continue implementing Greenhill’s newly launched Equity & Inclusion Blueprint.
Tai earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University, a Master of Music and Vocal Performance from Boston University, a Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory, and an Artist Diploma in Opera Performance from the Royal College of Music in London.
Wes Kittleman Award
Established by alumnus Johnny Chilton ’78 and his wife, Alexandra, the Wes Kittleman Impact Award is named in honor of Wes Kittleman, former Upper School faculty member. It is awarded annually to one member of the Upper School full-time teaching faculty. Nominated by the senior class and voted on by the Upper School student body, this award recognizes an outstanding member of the teaching faculty in the Upper School who is known for excellence and dedication in their positive and transformational impact on students.
Dr. Macklin Fanning | Upper School English Teacher
In nominating Dr. Fanning, seniors wrote:
“Dr. Fanning’s class is entertaining and engaging, while still being educational. I remember looking forward to every class and noticing that everyone was always engaged.”
“Dr. Fanning has a passion for the material as well as an ability to foster conversation and connect with students, which really helped me connect with the class and material, as well as thrive in the class.”
“Dr. Fanning brings out the best in everyone while teaching and encourages everyone to engage in conversation. His class is one of the few where every student was engaged in every class we had.”
“I recall one time remembering a type of philosophy that I would have never remembered if it were a different teacher. My writing has improved a lot, especially my formatting. I wish I could have had Dr. Fanning for a bit longer.”
“I learned so much about formatting and how to write better in an elective that was supposed to be only about modern fiction. Dr. Fanning took the class and made something more of it.”
“This is Dr. Fanning’s first year at Greenhill, and he has had a major impact on not only me but all my classmates.”
Alumni Common Threads
Alumni Weekend
APRIL 24-25, 2026
Alumni Weekend brought graduates back together to celebrate milestone reunions and reconnect with the community that shaped them. Laughter rang out at long-overdue reunions, classmates met each other's families, and stories flowed about where life has led.
The weekend reminded us all that the Greenhill bond doesn't fade with time. It deepens. Whether marking five years or fifty, everyone who gathered proved once again that coming home feels just as good as it did the first time.
Farewell To Legends Andrews, Bauman, and Ide
APRIL 24, 2026
During Alumni Weekend, a reception was hosted in the Montgomery Library to honor three extraordinary Greenhill Legends: Middle School Math Teacher Jaye Andrews, Middle School English Teacher Susan Bauman ’81, and Upper School Science Teacher Barry Ide. Staff, faculty, alumni, and fellow Greenhill Legends gathered to celebrate their more than 25 years of exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the community, and to recognize their lasting impact and remarkable legacy at Greenhill.
Class of 1981
Class of 2011
Class of 2006
Class of 1996
Hornet Hustle Family Walk/Run Event
MAY 9, 2026
On a bright May morning, Hornets across every generation laced up their shoes and took to campus for the 7th annual Hornet Hustle Fun Run/Walk. The energy was electric. Families, alumni, students, and faculty converged on May 9 for a celebration that blended friendly competition with pure community spirit. Seasoned runners set a brisk pace while families with strollers savored a leisurely stroll. Every participant crossed the finish line with a smile, earning a coveted t-shirt and medal. It was exactly the kind of morning that captures why this community is so special: when Hornets show up, they show up together.
Courtney Capshaw '06 Welcomes Seniors to the Alumni Association
MAY 22, 2026
On May 22, the Greenhill Alumni Board proudly welcomed its newest members at Bent Tree Country Club. The Senior Luncheon marks a milestone moment: a chance to pause at the threshold between what has been and what lies ahead, and to celebrate the Class of 2026 with the warmth and ceremony they have earned. Courntye Capshaw '06 welcomed the seniors and reminded them that Greenhill's lasting value lies in shaping authentic, purposeful individuals, and building enduring relationships that will guide and support them through life. Each senior stepped forward and joined a legacy built by thousands of Greenhill graduates who carry the School's values into the world.
Award Winners PARENTS ’ ASSOCIATION
The School would like to thank PA President Lauren Harris for her dedication to bringing our community together this year and welcome incoming PA President Jennifer Falk!
At the year-end volunteer appreciation luncheon, Lauren said, “As we close out the school year, we are taking this moment to celebrate you, our wonderful parent/guardian community and the meaningful contributions you have made to Greenhill. It has been an incredible honor to serve alongside all of you this year, especially as we have been celebrating Greenhill’s 75h anniversary. You have helped create an environment where families feel connected, students feel supported, and faculty feel appreciated. Thank you for believing in Greenhill and giving so much of yourselves.”
The Margot McGuire Award honors volunteers who, outside the normal responsibilities of a PA leadership position, have made the greatest contributions over the course of a current school year. Recipients of the Margot McGuire Award must exhibit strong character, set a positive example for those around them, and go above and beyond to contribute to the Greenhill community. The Parents’ Association presented the Margot McGuire Award to Joanne Ho and Angela Hosseini
The Ann Perryman Award recognizes parents of graduating seniors who have provided extraordinary leadership and service
to Greenhill through the Parents’ Association. The Parents’ Association presented the Ann Perryman Award to Karen Johnson, Sandy Millimet, and Rebekah Newman
The Parents’ Association Service Award recognizes parents who have provided outstanding service to Greenhill throughout their involvement with the Parents’ Association. The Parents’ Association Service Award was given to Katie Herrmann, Mirjam Kirk, Sunny Knocke, Sybil Ponnambalam, and Sam Utay
Pictured above (from left to right): Sybil Ponnambalam, Sam Utay, Head of School Lee Hark, Sunny Knocke, and Katie Herrmann
Pictured above (from left to right): Joanne Ho and Angela Hosseini
Pictured above (from left to right): Karen Johnson, Sandy Millimet, and Rebekah Newman
2025–2026
Greenhill Fund
THANK YOU, GREENHILL!
Our community of alumni, faculty, and families donated more than $2.3 million to the Greenhill Fund this year. Thank you for making your mark on Greenhill's 75th anniversary. Your support fuels the challenging curriculum, inspiring faculty, and transformative opportunities that shape our students’ journeys. From graduates preparing to embark on their next chapter to young learners taking their first steps beyond kindergarten, our students are ready for the world ahead because you chose to invest in them.
SAVE THE DATE!
The 2026-2027 Greenhill Fund will launch on Founders Day: Friday, September 11, 2026.
CURRENT FAMILIES
$1,612,369 given 657 gifts
60% participation
ALUMNI
$231,733 given 358 gifts 10% participation
Welcome New Trustees
Hesam Hosseini
Parent, ‘34, ‘36, ‘38
Hesam and his wife Angela are parents of rising fifth-grader Zoe, rising thirdgrader Leo, and rising first-grader Milo. He spent nearly two decades at Match Group, most recently as COO and CEO of its Evergreen & Emerging Brands portfolio. Hesam holds a B.A. from Ivey Business School at Western University.
Tina Mahal
Parent, ’32, ’34
Tina and her husband Raj are parents of rising seventh-grader Jayna and rising fifth-grader Eva. She serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America. Tina holds an H.B.A. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. in Marketing from Ivey Business School at Western University.
Jim Mutrie
Parent, ‘32
Jim and his wife EmmaLee are parents of rising seventh-grader JD. He serves as Managing Partner of Saxum Capital Partners. Jim holds a B.A. in History from Cornell, a J.D. from Northwestern School of Law, and Financial Management Certificates from Cornell and SMU Cox School of Business.
Rachel Lorraine '00
Parent, ‘31, ‘36, ‘38
Rachel and her husband Brian are parents of rising eight-grader Deacon, rising thirdgrader Annabelle, and rising first-grader Savannah. She is Vice President of Insights & Analytics at Whataburger. Rachel holds a B.A. in Mathematics and English from Vanderbilt University.
Omar Mallick ’95
Parent, ’36, ’39, ’39
Omar and his wife Sarah are parents of rising third-grader Eva and rising kindergarteners Emma and Sophie. He serves as Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Holbrook Management. Omar holds a B.A. in Economics from Princeton University and an M.B.A. in Finance from The Wharton School.
Stephanie Sandler
Parent, ‘29, ‘33
Stephanie and her husband Nick are parents of rising tenth-grader Emma and rising sixth-grader Henry. She is current board member at the Jewish Federation of Dallas and previously served on the board of Phase One Foundation. Stephanie holds a B.A. from University of California Los Angeles.
Sohail Yousuf '98
Parent, ‘30, ‘33
Sohail and his wife Sarah are parents of rising ninth-grader Zayla and rising sixth-grader Raya. He currently serves as Partner and Portfolio Manager at Q Investments. Sohail holds a B.A. from Stanford University.
