Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy graduates class of 2026

The only thing that sailed higher into the wind than tossed caps Friday at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott were the spirits of Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy’s graduating class of 2026.

As the crowds took their seats under a sunny blue sky with views of the snow-capped Sawatch Range in the background, Principal Kari Bangston began the ceremony with gratitude for the setting and her students. “Absorb all the beauty in this place that we call home and acknowledge just how fortunate we are all here to be together this morning to celebrate the graduation of these students,” she said, before humorously diving into the chaos that happens behind the scenes while managing academia in a school populated with world-class athletes and Olympians.

“Why do we maintain layered spreadsheets of academic concerns and intricate systems to track travel dates and makeup work and revisions? Well, this work, as we know, can be messy,” she said. “And here at VSSA, it can feel very extra. But seniors, the answer was quite simple. The reason is you. Every bit of that complexity exists for you.”

Graduate Shay Armistead followed Bangston and added context to the class dynamics. “We became experts at being more than one thing at once; athletes and students, artists and problem solvers, and changemakers who still somehow forgot when assignments were due. And yet, we still showed up,” said Armistead.

As the theme goes, graduate Spenser Gustafson joked that “at VSSA, we’ve missed school more than just about anyone. This is probably the first time we’ve all been in the same place together all year. We’re constantly traveling, competing and training. And then when we come back, we are expected to pick up right where we left off.” Speaking to the importance of sports, Parker Osborn added that “among us, there are several Olympians, national champions, and many more with great achievements to come down the road. There are many athletes that will be continuing athletic careers in college over the next few years, but there are many whose careers end today. It’s important to look back on how we’ve gotten here.”

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Only a select few know this feeling more intimately than two-time Olympian and VSSA alumna Tess Johnson, who was honored with handling the commencement address. Johnson spoke of overcoming the odds — fighting through injury, a pandemic and more — to achieve her childhood dreams, and that whatever happens next, she can take it on with confidence knowing the level of support that the school instilled in her.  

“I have no idea what happens now. None of us do. But what I do know is that I’ll be the kind of person who shows up for my tribe,” Johnson said. “Let’s all commit right now to being exactly who we want to be. Nothing more and nothing less.”