Congratulations to Falk’s newest alumni, the members of the Class of 2026!

On June 4, students celebrated their eighth-grade graduation with a nostalgia-packed ceremony at Rodef Shalom Congregation. As usual, the event began with a procession set to “Pomp and Circumstance,” with graduates walking past their teachers and stopping to strike a pose center stage. 

Once seated, they heard from Jill Sarada, Falk’s director, and Eboni Zamani-Gallaher, Renée and Richard Goldman Dean of the School of Education. In her opening remarks, Sarada called the Class of 2026 a class “full of leaders, some of whom aren't afraid to speak up and take the spotlight and others who lead quietly from the sidelines.” Zamani-Gallaher, in turn, called the moment a time of great opportunity and promise, saying Falk graduates are “more than ready to face any challenges ahead.” 

Next up was the beloved graduation video, scripted and filmed by the Class of 2026 to highlight their most impactful memories from Falk. Students also enjoyed a "Tribute to Graduates,” featuring childhood and family photos of each student. 

Sarada then introduced Cem Akin, the recipient of this year’s Wonder, Care, Act Alumni Award. In a brief video message, Akin encouraged Falk graduates to find and share their magic, emphasizing that “no one else has your exact perspective.” In his absence, Akin’s sister (a fellow Falk alum) and niece (a current Falk student) accepted the award on his behalf. 

Following the presentation, each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma. Kanchan and Harsha Rao, professors at the University of Pittsburgh and parents to two Falk alumni, then presented the Rao Family Student Excellence Award to Beatrice “Bia” Huen and Jasper Parisi in recognition of their artistic and academic talent.

Finally, the graduating class sang a bittersweet rendition of the Falk school song together before lighting their graduation lanterns and exiting the sanctuary to begin the next chapter of their lives.

The members of the Class of 2026 now attend the following high schools: 

• Central Catholic High School 
• The Ellis School 
• Keystone Oaks High School 
• Oakland Catholic High School 
• Pittsburgh Taylor Allderdice High School 
• Shady Side Academy 
• Winchester Thurston High School