HIES is proud to announce that three Upper School students will attend the Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP) this summer! GHP is a distinguished residential summer program for rising juniors and seniors with exceptional talent and leadership skills in their chosen area of study. The program offers unique instruction and enrichment opportunities, designed to provide the participants with the skills and experience to grow as the next generation of critical thinkers, innovators and leaders. More than 3,200 students across Georgia were nominated for this highly selective program, and only 650 were invited to attend! Please join us in congratulating this year's Governors' Honors Program participants:

Anaya Ellison '27: Social Studies
Gemma Mellon '28: French
Caroline Paulhus '28: Theatre

As another school year comes to a close, the Lower School has officially crowned a new House Cup champion: the House of Sun! Throughout the year, students in the House of Sun, House of Glacier, House of Andes and House of Panda participated in friendly competitions and community-building activities that encouraged teamwork, leadership and school spirit. Students earned points for their houses in a variety of ways, including winning games during Field Day and Town Halls, completing service projects and showing kindness to classmates and teachers through everyday acts of leadership. After months of spirited competition, the final points were tallied, and the House of Sun emerged victorious! The entire Lower School celebrated the win by wearing yellow to school on Monday, May 13. Congratulations to the House of Sun, and well done to all the Lower School students for the enthusiasm, sportsmanship and kindness they demonstrated throughout the year!

The Class of 2038 is headed to the Lower School! On Monday, May 18, we celebrated our Kindergarten students with a special Moving Up ceremony at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Each young Golden Bear crossed the stage, shook their teacher’s hand and received a “graduation” certificate before performing sweet songs for their families, including an original piece written especially for the occasion. After the ceremony, the students enjoyed a celebratory welcome parade through the Lower School, greeted by cheering students and teachers with high-fives along the way. The festivities concluded with a year-end party on the Primary School playground featuring pizza, popsicles and plenty of celebration. Congratulations to the Class of 2038! Click here to view some photos from the celebration. 

On Wednesday, May 20, we honored the Class of 2033 at Fifth-Grade Honors Chapel! We are so excited for these Golden Bears as they conclude their Lower School journey and prepare to be the newest members of the Middle School. Student awards were presented for academics, character and leadership, and Anna Klopman '33 received the Alan A. Lewis Memorial Scholarship, the highest honor in the Lower School. Congratulations to Anna, to all of the award winners and the entire fifth-grade class! Click here to view some photos from the ceremony.

The HIES girls’ golf team defended its state title in unforgettable fashion, capturing the 2026 State Championship with a thrilling finish! Brooke Benedict '27 and Molly Spector '28 led the way across the two-day tournament, posting the team’s low scores and each birdieing the 18th hole to seal the victory, with support from teammates Sophie Ali-Bubriski '29 and Camille Paulhus '29. “This is the sweetest championship I’ve ever been a part of,” said Jason Rutledge, Upper School principal and head coach. “The girls showed incredible composure and resilience. They simply stayed in it and rose to the occasion.” Congratulations to the girls' golf team – Go Bears!

On Friday, May 15, the Class of 2026 and their families and teachers gathered at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip for their Baccalaureate service. This sacred evening, held the night before Commencement, honors the accomplishments of the graduates and provides a final opportunity for communal worship and reflection. The sermon was given by Peter Kiley '04, HIES alumnus and entrepreneur, who reminded the students that every struggle is a learning opportunity.

Beautiful musical performances were given by Brady Huesken '26, Kate George '26 and Jake Hunter '26, and Nicholas McKay '26 gave a memorable Salutatory Address, encouraging his fellow students to take advantage of every opportunity available to them in college. Another highlight of the evening was the announcement of four of the Upper School's most distinguished award winners. Please join us in congratulating the following students:

Kate George '26: Chaplain's Award
Matthew Binney '26: Rector's Award
Julie Luttrell '26: Bishop's Award
Jameson Kardian '26: Headmaster's Award

Click here to view photos from the service. 

On Saturday, May 16, the Class of 2026 crossed the stage on Owen Family Quad and officially became alumni of Holy Innocents' Episcopal School! Commencement was a joyful celebration of the end of the 141 graduates' Upper School journeys and the beginning of their bright futures. The Class of 2026 will attend more than 50 colleges and universities across 22 states. In his Valedictory Address, Gavin Miles '26 reflected on his time at HIES and reminded the audience that we all have the opportunity to choose happiness despite our circumstances. Samuel Lamback '26 also gave a beautiful vocal performance during the ceremony. Each graduate was presented with a diploma by Paul Barton, head of school, Jennifer Mirgorod, chair of the HIES board of trustees, and Nick Perrotta, dean of the Class of 2026. Tassels were turned by official Tassel Turner John Baum, marking the graduates' transition from students to alumni.

After the caps were tossed, families gathered to celebrate with the traditional ringing of the Graduation Bell and photos at Golden Bear Plaza. We are so proud of the Class of 2026 for their contributions to the HIES community. While we can't wait to see all they will accomplish in college, they will certainly be missed here at The 805! Click here to view a selection of photos from Commencement 2026, and click here for some special messages for the Class of 2026 from their parents.