140th Commencement

Posted June 1, 2026

On Friday, May 22, San Antonio Academy celebrated its 140th Commencement with a morning filled with tradition, reflection, and celebration as families, faculty, alumni, and honored guests gathered to recognize the Class of 2026.

The day began with the annual Commencement Breakfast in the Moody Refectory before guests made their way under the oak for the commencement exercises. The ceremony opened with a welcome to attendees, followed by the recognition of alumni milestone reunion classes celebrating 75 years (Class of 1951), 50 years (Class of 1976), 25 years (Class of 2001), and 10 years (Class of 2016) since graduation.

Continuing one of The Academy’s most cherished traditions, alumni in attendance served as the reviewing party for the first Pass in Review on the field. Following the ceremonial Blue Line Crossing, the graduating class then took its place as the reviewing party for the second Pass in Review, symbolizing the transition from Academy Cadets to Academy alumni and the passing of leadership to the Class of 2027.

The 8th-grade class then made its entrance down the steps of Taylor Hall, through the Bondurant Gate, and beneath the giant oak tree, marking the beginning of the commencement program.

The ceremony featured an invocation delivered by the Honor Scholar Hudson Holloway, followed by a salutatory welcome by Monroe Golden and the commencement address given by the guest of honor Major General Anthony L. McQueen. Students were then recognized for significant achievements during the annual awards presentation, followed by the awarding of diplomas on stage.

The program concluded with the valedictory address by Mateo Nelson, closing prayer by Semmes Foundation Head of School Paul M. Quick, and the singing of the National Anthem by the SAA Choir before the official dismissal of the Class of 2026 by Battalion Commander Wyatt Minarcik.

The 140th Commencement served as a meaningful celebration of brotherhood, achievement, and tradition, honoring not only the graduating class's accomplishments but also the generations of Academy alumni who continue to shape the school’s legacy.

For more photos from The Academy's 140th Commencement Ceremony, visit the gallery below: