PRISMS Celebrates the Class of 2026

On Saturday, June 6 2026, the PRISMS community gathered to graduate its 11th class. Administrators, faculty, current students, families, alumni, and honored guests came together—many on the historic Albemarle campus, some online from countries afar—to celebrate the graduates' rite of passage.

Madam Pengzhi Liu, PRISMS founder, Board Chair, Head of Schools, and principal addressed the community in concert with Charles Waller, Board Co-Chair. Together, they highlighted several new programs at the school that have enabled PRISMS to support the character of our students: a showcase for summer experiences, a committee aimed at individualized student support, and a charm school that prepares upperclassmen for success beyond campus. Laura Wei, Standing Board Vice Chair, echoed Madam Liu's vision for a school that celebrates innovation, individual exploration, high standards, and continual growth.

Co-Principals Adam Kemp and Joseph Li looked back to the many impressive achievements of PRISMS students and faculty. They celebrated the dozens of students who earned significant competition results and awards as individuals and teams across every discipline: robotics, biology, physics, astronomy, mathematics, art, writing, computer science, and more. Mr. Kemp and Mr. Li also looked forward, sharing a vision for PRISMS that builds on our distinctive character while embracing the challenges and potential of AI. Our goal remains to cultivate confident young people who will help write the rules for a brave new world defined by AI.

Each senior was celebrated by a faculty member with a personal encomium before receiving their diploma. Student representatives Melinda Z. and Austin Z. reflected on the growth of their classmates and thanked the entire community—especially their families—in a heartfelt speech. Elisa H. and Joshua N. presented the class gift: a pair of apple trees that symbolize education and community by way of roots and fruits.

After the formalities, families enjoyed a beautiful reception with good food, lots of hugs, and (keeping with tradition) a visit from the ice cream truck. The ceremony and reception were a great success, a ritual to remind us of PRISMS growing legacy and bright future. PRISMS celebrates all 24 graduates in the Class of 2026 as they begin the next chapters of their exciting lives at the following institutions: Boston University; Carnegie Mellon University (2); Cornell University; Duke University; Emory University; Georgetown University; Johns Hopkins University (2); Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Northeastern University; Purdue University (3); The University of Texas at Austin (3); University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles (2); University of the Pacific; University of Washington; and Yale University.