A Circle of Tradition: The Class of 2026’s Ring Ceremony

In a candlelit tradition that has spanned nearly a century, Marlborough honored the Class of 2026 at the annual Ring Ceremony. This cherished event marks a pivotal moment for the class as they embark on their final year at Marlborough.

Marlborough’s class rings date back to 1925 when the first rings were distributed shortly after the School’s crest was officially adopted. For the first several years, Seniors simply collected their rings from the front office—no ceremony, no fanfare. But in 1933, the graduating class sought to elevate the moment, creating the first formal Ring Ceremony in Caswell Hall. Those Violets also introduced a candlelight element to the ceremony, with each Senior lighting a small candle from a larger one, symbolizing the shared wisdom of the alumnae community. This tradition of candlelight continues today, making Ring Ceremony unique among Marlborough’s many traditions.

Four decades later, the Class of 1973 made another significant contribution to the tradition by moving Ring Ceremony to the end of Junior year, transforming it into a meaningful transition as students step into their Senior year.

As Head of Upper School Regina Rosi Mitchell noted in her address, rings have symbolized eternity since ancient times, circles with no beginning or end. “The ring our students wear today—whether it be a class ring, a family heirloom, or a cherished piece of jewelry—represents their lasting connection to their Marlborough education, to the lifelong friendships they have built, and to the person they are becoming,” she said. “The Class of 2026 is now a part of Marlborough’s living history, and in turn, Marlborough will forever be a part of them.”

Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli echoed this sentiment: “The ring that you are wearing this evening is more than a piece of jewelry. It is a concrete symbol—and a lasting reminder—of your connection to Marlborough, to each other, to the women who came before you, and to those who will follow in your footsteps.”

As it always does, this year’s Ring Ceremony featured a beautiful display of intergenerational connection. Advisors and alumnae-relatives—including grandmothers, mothers, and sisters who graduated from Marlborough dating back to 1961—lit the candles of Marlborough Juniors, one by one. Each 11th grader stepped forward to light their candle, basking in the glow of this milestone moment.

Class President Clara M. ’26 then spoke movingly about her class’s journey. “The Class of 2026 has come a long way,” she reflected. She shared memories of first seeing her classmates’ photos before 7th Grade began and how the reality of their friendship exceeded her expectations.

“Every time I’m with my grade, I feel that same excitement I had on the first day of 7th Grade—but now it is even better, because it is no longer just a dream. It is five years of real memories,” she said.

Clara celebrated her classmates’ diverse accomplishments, from robotics and debate champions to sports, theater, dance, and visual arts, but emphasized that above all, “The Class of 2026 are good people who show up for each other.” 

As the ceremony concluded, the Class of 2026 sang their class song—”Vienna” by Billy Joel—and joined the soon-to-be graduates of the Class of 2025 in singing the Alma Mater. Class Dean Maxime Edelstein offered closing words that captured the spirit of the evening: “As I look out over this ring of light formed by the Class of 2026, I see infinite possibility and undeniable glow that, while illuminating each individual, creates an even stronger light when seen together.”

In a final symbolic gesture, the rising Seniors processed down the center aisle—past their family, friends, peers, and loved ones—their candles illuminating a path toward their culminating year at Marlborough. As they reached the end, they were met with cheers from the Class of 2025, who formed a celebratory human tunnel for the Class of 2026 to run through—literally and symbolically propelling them into Senior year, carried by the support, sisterhood, and joy that defines the Marlborough journey.