Congratulations CFIS Class of 2026

The Calgary French & International School community came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2026 during a graduation ceremony that honoured not only academic success, but also each student's unique journey through CFIS. This year's graduating class included 28 students, 20 of whom were Doyens, having attended CFIS continuously since Kindergarten (or Early Childhood).

A hallmark of the CFIS graduation ceremony is its highly personalized approach. Each graduate was individually recognized as their accomplishments, interests, and aspirations were shared with family, friends, faculty, and peers. The ceremony celebrated not only where students are headed next, but also the contributions they have made throughout their years at CFIS.

Together, this group of graduates has explored the world through travel studies and Round Square experiences in destinations including Japan, Costa Rica, Rwanda, the Balkans, Australia, New Zealand, Oxford, and the Galápagos. They have represented CFIS at Model UN conferences, led service initiatives, starred in musical productions, competed on athletic teams, and built lifelong friendships through experiences such as Camp Kindle, CALM Camp, and international Round Square exchanges. These shared experiences helped shape a class defined by curiosity, leadership, resilience, and global-mindedness . 

Speaking on behalf of the CFIS Society Board, Board Chair and CFIS parent Kate Bilson reflected on the special bond shared by the graduating class and their families.

"You have risen to every challenge, teaching us what it means to persevere when things are difficult, the importance of committing to action, the magnificent outcomes that can come from being curious, kind, and empathetic, and the fundamental value of following your own interests and being your true selves."

The graduating class also demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Seven students completed the full Bilingual IB Diploma in addition to the Alberta High School Diploma, while many others successfully completed multiple IB courses, showcasing the strength and rigour of the CFIS academic program.

Graduates received their CFIS certificates and bilingual diplomas, while many students were recognized with subject-specific academic excellence awards and distinguished honours. Among the recipients was alumna Genovia Copping, who was awarded the Governor General's Academic Medal. Additional honours included the Premier's Citizenship Award, the National Book Award nomination, the King Constantine Award, the Schulich Leader nomination, and CFIS whole-student awards celebrating leadership, service, and character.

This year's graduating class was represented by two valedictorians, Alexander Bilson and Robert Talinga, who were selected in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, involvement, and citizenship. Read more about their accomplishments and reflections, including Alexander's distinction as CFIS's first-ever Wolf Scholar recipient, in our feature story: CFIS Co-Valedictorians & Wolf Scholar.

The ceremony also featured remarks from CFIS alumna Isabel Crofts, Class of 2025, continuing a cherished tradition that connects graduating students with those who have recently begun their post-secondary journeys.

Collectively, the Class of 2026 has earned admission to an impressive range of post-secondary institutions and programs across Canada and internationally, reflecting the diverse talents, ambitions, and passions of this exceptional group of students. Their next chapters will take them to leading universities and programs across a wide range of disciplines.

University Destinations Instagram Reel

The celebration concluded with one of CFIS's most beloved traditions: the Grand March. Led through the hallways by a piper and Kindergarten “penguins”, graduates were cheered on by students and staff from every division, creating a memorable send-off that reflected the close-knit nature of the CFIS community. The event ended with the traditional cap toss outside the school, marking both the culmination of their CFIS journey and the beginning of exciting new adventures ahead.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your curiosity, leadership, compassion, and determination have helped shape CFIS, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the years to come.