Last Friday marked Commencement, a celebration of the class of 2026. While there was a bittersweet undertone — Charlotte Latin School will miss having these 145 extraordinary seniors on campus — there was far greater joy. We honored their accomplishments over the past four years, symbolized by the diplomas they received, even as we look forward to their future adventures and their achievements as distinguished Charlotte Latin alumni.

Every diploma granted on that day, and every award that honored students in recent weeks, is a tribute to their high character and their successful pursuit of excellence over the past four years. We periodically pause to remember that those individual achievements are nurtured and fostered by the Charlotte Latin community. Behind every student is a network of connections and support. Our teachers care for their students, inside their classroom and out. Our students support their friends and help them become the best versions of themselves. Countless members of our community go out of their way to make others feel at home — even people they haven’t met yet.

Sunny’s Honor shines a light on those human connections. The members of the senior class vote on which member lifts them up, shows enthusiasm every day, and acts as the glue that binds everyone together. The previous honorees — Mary Schleusner ’22, Biz Neely ’23, Tommy Beason ’24, and Maggie Hyder ’25 — were joined this year by Walker Simerville ’26.

Sunny’s Honor is just one part of Sunny’s Legacy. Established by the parents of Sara “Sunny” Harris Hutchinson ’93, it keeps Sunny’s memory alive and reminds people of her values: she believed in bringing people together and lifting them up. Every spring, we celebrate Sunny’s Day, our schoolwide community day. And most importantly, Sunny’s Scholars is the premiere scholarship program at Latin. It covers tuition and extracurricular expenses for some fantastic students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend Latin. This transformational scholarship alters lives forever, putting those students on track to attend college and succeed afterward.

For Sunny’s Honor, Head of School Chuck Baldecchi was joined onstage by Johno Harris, Sunny’s brother and a member of the Charlotte Latin class of 1997; Sunny’s son Wills Hutchinson ’26 was seated in the Beck Student Activities Center in his cap and gown. But the inclusive spirit of Sunny was everywhere, binding the class of 2026 for one last day together that we will long remember. 

Congratulations to the class of 2026!