Enjoying San Diego during YEC 2026!

Laurel Springs students, families, faculty, and staff traveled to sunny San Diego to celebrate 2026’s Year End Celebration and the 35th anniversary of Laurel Springs! This special event included a stellar commencement ceremony with founder Marilyn Mosley Gordanier as well as many incredible student speakers. Students and families from around the world traveled to Kona Kai Resort to meet classmates, teachers, and Laurel Springs faculty and staff in-person during this action-packed week. Read more to learn about the activities and events from 2026’s YEC, as well as how you can get involved in 2027’s YEC! 

Community Fair

YEC attendees began their week at the 2026 Community Fair, featuring sponsors, Laurel Springs exclusives, crafts and games, and a chance to leave a message for founder Marilyn Mosley Gordanier! We were excited to feature several sponsors at this year’s YEC, including: 

• Juno
• Polygence
• Forte
• Proteqt365
• Tutor.com

Thank you to all of our incredible 2026 sponsors! If you’re interested in being a part of 2027’s YEC, reach out to our Partnerships Team at partnerships@laurelsprings.com.

Academy Meet Up

Our Academy students in grades 6 – 12 had the opportunity to connect with fellow Academy students and families, as well as Laurel Springs faculty and staff at our annual Academy Meet Up at our Year End Celebration. Attendees had the opportunity to make their own Laurel Springs themed bracelet alongside their peers, grab a rubber ducky for the road with some inspiration for the week, and enjoyed some light bites during this afternoon event.

Senior Recognition

The Class of 2026 were celebrated during a special ceremony, our Senior Recognition Event, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of students in: 

• National Honor Society
• Mu Alpha Theta
• National English Honor Society – Laurel Wreaths
• Science National Honor Society
• French Honor Society
• Art Honor Society
• Rho Kappa – Social Studies
• Athlete Honor Society
• Tri-M
• Delta Epsilon Phi – German Honor Society
• Latin Honor Society
• And more!

These students were presented with their honor cords, achievement certificates, and medals by Laurel Springs teachers and faculty.

In addition to cheering on these students, senior Madison Rupczynski gave a speech highlighting her own experiences while at Laurel Springs, accompanied by her service dog, Foster. 

Student Speakers

In addition to the historic 35th anniversary celebrations, YEC 2026 also included the most student speakers ever featured at a Year End Celebration! The total number of students who applied to speak at YEC wowed the Laurel Springs staff, and it was clear each student who submitted a speech worked incredibly hard. After the speakers were selected, there were a total of nine student speakers, including: 

Graduation Events
Charis Brooks – Class Address

Ariana and Lexi Sulaimankhil – Commencement Speaker Introduction

Rachel Lee and Ron Teremi – Thank You to Faculty and Staff

Rohan Tamhankar – Recognition of Student Longevity 

Sophia Balcavage – Thank You to Parents and Family 

Bonus Events: 
Madison Rupczynski – Senior Recognition Event Speech

Kelsey Walsh – Senior Brunch Event Speech

Thank you to all of the students who submitted an application this year, and congratulations to all of the incredible student speakers who shared more about their story and their Laurel Springs journey! 

First Ever 35th Anniversary Beach Bash

To celebrate the historic 35th anniversary of Laurel Springs, YEC 2026 held the first ever Beach Bash! Students and families enjoyed a night out on the beach catching up with their friends, dancing in the moonlight, enjoying a celebration cake, and viewing the premiere of the Laurel Springs documentary trailer! 

Field Trip: USS Midway

While the seniors rehearsed for graduation, students in grades 8 – 11 explored the USS Midway Museum. Students walked through the aircraft carrier, explored the exhibits, and learned more about the daily lives of those who served aboard the ship. It was an immersive experience designed to share more about the nation’s military history, shining a light on the remarkable men and women who sacrificed to serve the United States. 

Laurel Springs Lead Academy Enrollment Advisor, Patty McPhie, shared more about her experience as a chaperone. 

“My favorite part of the visit was listening to the Docents, easily recognizable by their yellow hats. These dedicated volunteers—many of whom are retired military veterans—shared personal stories, firsthand experiences, and historical insights that made the tour especially meaningful,” she said. “Their passion, knowledge, and willingness to preserve and share these important memories left a lasting impression on me.”

Grad Night at Belmont Park

Graduating seniors headed to Belmont Park for their Grad Night experience with their Laurel Springs Staff chaperones. The Class of 2026 enjoyed a night full of fun rides, snacks like pizza and hotdogs, and a rock wall to compete to get to the top. Laurel Springs Science teacher Nicholas Accardo, who likes to rock climb as a hobby, raced several students on the rock wall, winning every time. 

Laurel Springs Social Media Manager Nicole Ariya also attended, sharing, “It was a fabulous night and the students had a wonderful time.”

Student Social for Grades 8-11 

Our students in grades 8-11 enjoyed an evening together on the beach for their student social. Attendees were able to participate in a Laurel Springs themed bingo, working with both new and old friends to win a limited edition Laurel Springs light stick!

After the dash to win, students made s’mores on the beach and chatted around the fire pits until the lights went out.

Class of 2026 Commencement: Resilience  

The Class of 2026 took to the historic Balboa Theatre located in downtown San Diego for a commencement ceremony to remember. The ceremony featured more than 200 graduates, both in person and virtually, and centered around the theme of “Resilience.” 

Student speaker Rohan Tamhankar spoke to student longevity, with Charis Brooks presenting the class address. Commencement speaker Marilyn Mosley Gordanier was introduced by sisters Lexi and Ariana Sulaimankhil. 

“Being a student speaker was an incredible experience, and it reminded me that the most important thing is to do your own thing, work hard, and enjoy the journey,” said Ariana. “One of the biggest lessons I took away from YEC is to follow your dreams and never let someone else’s “no” become your stopping point. If you believe in yourself and keep showing up, opportunities will find you.”

Marilyn’s speech focused on the founding of Laurel Springs as well as the ways she has been able to find resilience in her own life, from the challenges that came with founding the first online school in the United States to the opportunities she created when founding Educate Girls Now, a non profit organization ensuring Afghan children can receive life changing education and escape child marriage. 

Closing out the ceremony was Rachel Lee and Ron Teremi with a special thank you to faculty and staff, and Sophia Balcavage with a thank you to all parents and families. 

The ceremony was an incredibly special way to honor the 2026 graduates and highlight the wonderful student speakers, as well as commemorating the journey of Laurel Springs reaching this year’s milestone. 

Senior Send Off Brunch

The Senior Send Off Brunch had plenty of yummy bites, from french toast to breakfast meats to plant based substitutes. Seniors had one last opportunity to meet with Laurel Springs teachers, faculty, fellow students, and Laurel Springs alumni. Student speaker Kelsey Walsh shared more about her own experiences at Laurel Springs, as well as what she is looking forward to after graduation. Alumni Association President Hannah Grunow shared more about what life is like for her after graduation, shedding a light on what seniors can expect. 

“The thing that made the week of YEC so special, especially as a senior, is that you understand that this moment won’t be here forever, it is a once in a lifetime thing, and that makes it even more special,” shared Lexi Sulaimankhil “Especially as a senior you enjoyed these good ol’ days because you know that life is going to be different after this mark in your life.”

Prom Night: A Night Beneath the Sea

This year’s prom theme was “Beneath the Sea”, and students danced the night away with nautical themed decorations, snacks, and funky tunes. Laurel Springs students in grades 8 -12 enjoyed time on the dance floor and snuck away to take photobooth pictures to complete a night they will remember forever.  

K-7 Movie Night: Finding Nemo

Elementary students enjoyed a night filled with under the sea themed entertainment, including a special screening of Finding Nemo, yummy classic movie snacks, and sea creature crafts. “We had so much fun spending time together and relaxing during the last night of YEC!” shared Laurel Springs Kindergarten teacher Colleen Francisco.

Parent Social

Parents at YEC had an opportunity to connect with other Laurel Springs families during the Parent Social! Families got to catch up while their children were at prom and/or the K-7 movie night, chatting with other parents as well as Laurel Springs faculty like Strategic Partnerships & Development Manager Jack Dempsey. 

“It was an honor to spend time with families that I had known for many years leading up to YEC during the parent social,” he shared. “Laurel Springs parents are incredible advocates for their children’s passions and so dedicated – they are truly inspiring. It was rewarding and fun to catch up and reminisce!”

Next year’s YEC

For 2027’s YEC, we’re headed to the Midwest! Join us in Indianapolis, Indiana from June 8th to June 11th, 2027! 

2027’s YEC will take place at the historic Crowne Plaza Hotel, and we’re excited about downtown Indianapolis because it provides affordability, walkability, and plentiful dining options. In addition to the exciting activities Laurel Springs will have planned, families will also have the flexibility to explore many attractions within walking distance. 

The 2027 graduation ceremony will be held at the gorgeous and neoclassically designed Payne & Mencias Palladium, and our 2027 graduates will be able to take lots of unique photos with their friends and loved ones. 

We can’t wait to explore a new city next year during our Year End Celebration, and hope you will join us! Stay tuned for more information about how to sign up and reserve your spot at the end of the year!

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