The spring semester brought engaging academics in the classroom, stellar performances on the stage, and exciting matchups on the court and field. Each and every day, more than 1,000 curious minds enriched the Seven Hills community. Join us as we look at the highlights.
Class of 2026 Graduation
"When the tribulations of holding up a world feel too heavy, and hopes and dreams feel just too ambitious, remember the commitment, support, love, and countless hours of hard work that got you to this stage, and that will carry you into your next chapter," tribute speaker Nina Head '26 told her fellow graduates.
The Seven Hills School's 52nd commencement ceremony took place on May 29 at Cincinnati's Music Hall. Ninety-one graduates gathered in one of the city's most iconic landmarks to celebrate this milestone achievement, reflect on their Upper School years, and look ahead to the opportunities that await them.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers shared reflections and advice with the Class of 2026. Student government representatives Alisha Chaudhary '26 and Malcom Faison '26 delivered the welcome, followed by remarks from Board Chair Lair Kennedy and an introduction by Head of School Matthew Bolton. Tribute speakers included parent Brian Wiles, Upper School English teacher Mark Beyreis, and Class of 2026 graduate Nina Head.
This year's commencement speaker was lawyer, writer, political activist, former elected official, and adjunct professor David Pepper.
"Plot versus character. It's the character that drives everything," Pepper said. "That's not just true of books. That's true of politics, that's true of life. It's your character. It's not the career you pick or whatever path. It's the heart of you who you are, that is the most important part of your story and the stories of those you love."
The Upper School Chamber Ensemble performed the ballad "Sometimes," featuring a solo by graduate Lemuel Zyyon '26. Head of Upper School Rick Tate closed the ceremony with a farewell to the graduates.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
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Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony
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Doherty Closing Ceremony
First through Fifth Grade
Lotspeich Fifth-Grade Closing Ceremony and Clap-Out
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Celebrations
At Doherty, families of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students enjoyed Blanket & Bites and also had the yearly visit from the petting zoo. Over at the Hillsdale Campus, kindergarten families enjoyed a garden breakfast party after watching a video in the Early School commons, and pre-kindergarten families later enjoyed their own Blankets & Bites on the Early School playground.
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Upper School Honors Students at Awards Day
On May 28, the Upper School hosted the annual Awards Day in The Schiff Center, recognizing students across all grade levels.
The following students received department awards:
Hannah Olowokure Andress Art Award
Evie Horner Alumni Fine and Performing Arts Award
Rhys Ceron, Sabrina Lee-Donovan, Gitu Iyer, and Isabella Wang Instrumental Music Award
Vivi Brown Choral Music Award
Nell Tlozek Theater Award
Daniela Alper and Lemuel Zyyon English Award
Avery Gibson and Duke Wallace Kathy Richardson Award
Lily Plum Gartenlaub History Award
Jason Zhou Math Award
Avery Wang Biology Award
Will Stock Chemistry Award
Madhav Pabreja Physics Award
Charleigh Hayes Chinese Award
Samantha Allison, Thibaut Briquet, and Sabrina Lee-Donovan French Award
Ethan Avera Latin Award
Caleb Katz and Avani Shah Spanish Award
Mikael Choi and Ethan Avera The Seven Hills Cup
The Seven Hills Culinary Team The 2026 Senate Award
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The Personal Achievement Award is presented to the students whose contributions have made Seven Hills a better place. The honorees were:
Anjali Bhattacharya
Lauren Breese
Laikyn Burton
Eli Kampel
Noah Ring
Irene Zhang
The Sophomore Scholastic Achievement Award goes to sophomores who exhibit a scholarly temperament and who have contributed the benefits of learning in a given discipline to the school and/or the wider community. These students exhibit a love of learning and intellectual curiosity and share enthusiasm for the discipline with others. This year's recipients were Hasika Avanigadda and Rushil Jain.
The Citizenship Award goes to the student who takes an active role in school and/or community affairs, and who exhibits mature political and global consciousness and a sense of civic responsibility. This year's recipients were Avery Wang and Noor Arif.
The Creativity and Original Thinking Award is given to students who are committed to independent thinking and who have displayed an inquisitive and creative habit of mind. This year's recipient is Katie Hendricks.
The Community Scholar Award is presented to the student “who has shown exceptional achievement in a given discipline and who has extended that knowledge to benefit the larger community.” Meghan Sheerin-Day is this year's recipient.
The Alumni Association Service Award is given to seniors who have an outstanding record of service to home and community. Maria Voronov is this year's recipient.
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Newly created this year, the Shane DiGiovanna Award recognizes students who, undaunted by any challenge, cherish learning and meet life with invincible joy. This year's recipient is Nell Tlozek.
The Ruth Russell Jones Award is presented to a senior who has exhibited the greatest overall improvement and intellectual growth over a three-year period. Charlotte Buchholz is this year's recipient.
The Miriam Titcomb Award, the highest honor awarded to a junior, is presented to a junior exhibiting excellence in “initiative in some area, originality in some area, love of fellow man, and courage of convictions.” This year's recipient is Freddie Murrer.
The Neil Smith Scholarship is presented to students in grade nine, 10, or 11 who best exemplify the qualities for which Neil Smith is known. The selected students must “meet the world with optimism and goodwill; expect the best from themselves and others; and exhibit courage, compassion, integrity, and intelligence.” Nathan Mingo is this year's recipient.
The Carol Brestel Award goes to a recipient selected by vote of the faculty “of a senior who combines enthusiasm and talent and who exhibits leadership in school life.” This year's recipient is Sabrina Lee Donovan.
The Florence Fessenden Award is given to a senior for outstanding achievement in a certain academic area. Grace Kennedy is this year's recipient.
The Clement L. Buenger Award was given to Malcolm Faison on behalf of the Fund for Independent Schools of Cincinnati.
The Class of 2026 is off to 51 colleges across the U.S.
Senior Circle 2026
On May 1, students across all divisions lined the upper field to cheer on and clap out the Class of 2026.
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Science Spectacular
The first bi-annual Science Spectacular was an incredible display of curiosity, innovation, and exploration!
Middle and Upper School students led booths for our Early and Lower School students to take part in science-related activities, such as painting with light, extracting DNA from a strawberry, building and launching paper rockets, nature hikes, and so much more. Students received a passport stamp for each station and could enter a raffle with their completed passport.
Intensives Across Divisions
From May Terms in Upper School to Cultural Connections at Doherty, students immersed themselves in their learning.
Eight Upper Schoolers Named National Merit Finalists
National Merit Finalists
Eight seniors were named finalists for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Congrats to Ethan Avera, Jasper Burroughs, Mikael Choi, Tyler Imrie, Madeline Jordan, Rohan Kulkarni, Victoria Rodriguez, and Isabella Wang.
At the date of this publication, Tyler Imrie was offered the National Merit Vanderbilt University Scholarship. National Mert will announce additional college-sponsored scholarship winners in mid-July.
Seven Hills Breaks Ground on the New Doherty Lotspeich Lower School
The new school will serve as the unified Lower School division starting in the 2027-28 school year.
“The phenomenal building will be home to a premier Lower School program, one that brings together some of the best and most beloved aspects of Doherty and Lotspeich, combined with some of the most important new developments in the field of education.”
-Head of School Matt Bolton
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Seven Hills Renames Taft Early School and Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
In the 2026-27 school year, the Early School will become its own division, with Tracy Murch serving as its Head.
On May 11, Early School families and teachers celebrated the opening of the Taft Early School addition with a navy blue ribbon that spanned the entire front of the building, face painting, boundless bubbles, and planting activities.
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Doherty and Lotspeich Students Walk the Red Carpet
Before the groundbreaking ceremony, Lower School students got a sneak peek of the new Doherty Lotspeich Lower School at the premiere of the rendering video.
Boys Varsity Tennis
The Stingers had a stellar season with standout performances.
The Stingers were named the MVC champions, with a record of 10-0 in the league. They finished their entire season with a record of 15-4. Freshman doubles team Brian Zhang and Leo Cai were district finalists. The duo competed at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
Senior Adi Nayak made it to the first round of the state tournament.
Track and Field
The co-ed track and field team enjoyed a strong season, highlighted by several outstanding performances at the OHSAA District and Regional Championships.
Junior Campbell Coyne captured a regional championship after also earning a district title. Fellow junior Madison Zortman was also crowned a district champion. Both Coyne and Zortman have qualified for the state championships this week. Seniors Amelia Schnirring and Claire Bachelder also delivered impressive performances at the district meet. Schnirring qualified for regional competition in both the 100- and 200-meter events, while Bachelder advanced in the 400-meter run.
Varsity Baseball
Congrats to the boys varsity baseball team, who were this year’s MVC Champions. Junior Ben Leisring was recognized for his exceptional performance on the mound and named MVC Pitcher of the Year.
Varsity Baseball
Congrats to the boys varsity baseball team, who were this year’s MVC Champions. Junior Ben Leisring was recognized for his exceptional performance on the mound and named MVC Pitcher of the Year.
Boys and Girls Lacrosse
Congratulations to senior Siena Motch, who made her 200th career goal this season, and to senior Miles Rizor on his 100th career goal.
Spring Chorus Concerts
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Spring Plays and Musicals
The Upper School performed the drama "The Laramie Project," which was co-created by a Seven Hills alumnus, and the comedy "You Can't Take It With You."
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The Middle School and Doherty Lower School took on classic fairy tales with "Into the Woods Jr." and "Winnie the Pooh KIDS," respectively.
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