Celebrating the Class of 2026. Senior Spotlight + Senior Voices. Vol II

Senior Spotlight: Celebrating the Class of 2026

We continue our celebration of the Class of 2026, highlighting students whose journeys reflect growth, determination, and a deep understanding of who they are as learners.

Each spotlight offers a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped them, the challenges they have navigated, and the strengths they carry forward. Through teacher reflections and excerpts from their Senior Speeches, we invite you to learn more about the individuals behind this important milestone and the confidence that comes from being supported and understood.

We invite you to pause and celebrate these amazing students!

Senior families, keep an eye on our Family Facebook page, where each student’s spotlight is shared and celebrated.

JACE JERMELAND
Next Step: Dunwoody College of Technology

Jace has been actively involved in the Trap Shooting team and shines in the Project-Based Learning Woodshop. In the fall, Jace will attend Dunwoody College of Technology in the welding program, where we know he will thrive. All the very best to you, Jace!

In his Senior Speech, Building My Future, Jace used humor and honesty to reflect on how his years at Groves slowly pulled him out of his shell, helping him go from quietly “trying to sneak by” to learning how to speak up, share his ideas, and be fully himself:

“I tried to just sneak by in most classes, which, shockingly, did not work.”

“11th grade, my mouth got me in trouble. 12th grade, I learned how to use it a little more wisely.”

JOHANNA IRELAND
Next Step: St. Paul College

When you think of Johanna, you think of a kind, caring, and inquisitive student. Johanna shone in ELA class, diving into every book with ease. Johanna will begin her post-secondary journey at St. Paul College. Congratulations, Johanna, on all your achievements!

In her Senior Speech, Analysis Paralysis, Johanna explored what it feels like to overthink every possibility, fear getting things wrong, and slowly learn that moving forward matters more than having everything figured out:

“For me, it seems safer to stick to areas with known dangers than move elsewhere where there are unknown dangers. Sometimes that requires me to brave the fog and darkness of the unknown.”

“Thank you, Mom and Dad, for illuminating the path forward, for burning away the fog.”

LILIJA PONE
Next Step: St. Catherine’s College

Lilija is a thoughtful and creative thinker who isn’t afraid to stand up for others or be herself. She is an inquisitive student and reflective writer. Congratulations, Lilija! We wish you all the best as you continue to excel at St. Catherine’s University in the Fall!

In her Senior Speech, Imperfectly Perfect, Lilija reflected on the quiet yet powerful process of learning to face her fears, advocate for herself, and step beyond the limits she once believed defined her.

“I learned that if I keep doing things that make me nervous, I will feel less scared of doing them over time.”

“These jobs made me realize that I could do hard things, even though I didn’t think I could.”

MARGOT NIELSEN
Next Step: St. Catherine’s University

“I began to live my life freely without worrying about whether or not I’d succeed… I felt like I could breathe.”

Margot is strong and wise beyond her years. In her time at Groves, she has taken her academics to the next level, pushing herself to thrive. In the fall, Margot will attend St. Catherine’s University. Congratulations, Margot. We are so proud of you!

In her Senior Speech, Undecided, Margot revisited the pressure of feeling like she needed to have everything figured out, and the freedom she eventually found in letting go of comparison, perfection, and the idea that there is only one “right” path forward:

“The thought of being interested and having fun while doing something sounded a lot more important than trying to be the best.”

What a way to celebrate the energy, leadership, and heart of our Groves Academy Student Ambassadors.

These students play an important role at Groves, welcoming new families, representing our community, and helping others feel a sense of belonging from the very start. This event was a chance to recognize that impact and to celebrate the relationships they have built along the way.