On August 22, the Class of 2026 and their families gathered in the Harris Performance Gym to officially mark the beginning of their senior journey at Country Day. This tradition began in 1991 to mark both the school’s 50th anniversary and to recognize the Class of 1992.
Senior Class President Ricky Browne opened with the invocation, followed by a beautiful National Anthem performed by the Upper School Choir. Director of Alumni Relations Drew Witman ’06 welcomed back Lee Norelli Pedersen ’04, a talent management executive with Wells Fargo responsible for the development of 80,000 employees worldwide. Even with her incredibly busy schedule, Lee has always created time to stay involved at Country Day. From chairing Bucs Together Days as a part of the Country Day Fund to serving as president of the Alumni Council, she values the work that we do here on campus and beyond to serve students.
Through her powerful words of wisdom to the class, Lee reminded the seniors that above all else, kindness is key. And that the true gift of being a Buc is that they have a village that will show up in their best moments and their hardest ones.
The ceremony wrapped up with Dr. Tara Christie Kinsey reflecting on how her experience in just a short time mirrors the words Lee shared.
Head of Upper School Nidhi McVicar Offers Key Takeaways
“Though Lee’s advice was directed at the seniors, I believe her words hold wisdom for all of us,” says Mrs. McVicar. She offers four takeaways:
LP: Senior year will not be perfect—and neither will high school.
NM: Mistakes and setbacks create opportunities to clarify what you truly care about. Resilience grows when you stop chasing perfection and start embracing growth. Feeling valued for who you are, not just what you achieve, is fundamental.
Ask yourself if a mistake will matter one day, one week, or one month from now as much as it might seem to matter now.
LP: Sometimes you have to make your own luck—be brave and be bold.
NM: Taking risks for what you care about is a good thing and also being unafraid to let go of what no longer fits. Courage often looks like focusing on purpose over performance and choosing authenticity over approval.
What’s one step you’re willing to take this year for something that truly matters to you?
LP: Be proud of who you see in the mirror—be kind, forgive, and forget.
NM: High school can be challenging, and friendships will ebb and flow. It’s important to be comfortable and proud of the way you have treated people. Kindness matters, especially when things get messy, and you will never regret treating people well.
How do you want to be remembered by those around you?
LP: If you can help someone, you should—step up for others, and this community steps up for you.
NM: Country Day is an amazing place built on care, connecting, and showing up for one another in small and big ways. Feeling connected and supported actually protects you against stress, and when you invest in others, that contributes to a stronger whole.
What is one small way that you can show up for someone else this week?