Charisma and an undeniable legacy equal a landslide vote.
The Class of 2026 gave Student Engagement Proctor David Gaines '26 twice as many votes as any other senior to be their graduation speaker this Sunday.
David's selection was one of several announcements by Dr. Jenkins P'29 that drew thunderous ovations in this afternoon's final assembly of the 2025-26 academic year. There was recognition of the Wellness Center staff, as is customary this time of year, as well as the Prefects.
Tenure awards were given to: Burt Siders (25 years), an assistant coach to David's father, David Sr. '84, for his nine state championships in basketball and golf, Cissy Elmer P'09, P'13 and Tad Wheeler (20 years), Les Thornbury and Jacob Knapp (10 years), Andrew Patterson, John Manganiello P'29, Jim Goodrum P'29, Lisa Garner P'24, Matt Cole, and Chris Childers (five years).
Mike Mohney P'23 won the Water Carrier Award for the second time in three years, Mr. Thornbury received the Outstanding Residential Life Faculty Award, and Dr. Tom Destino was named Teacher of the Year. Dr. Destino, who teaches Spanish, has only been at Christ School for two years, but brought nearly three decades of experience as a college professor to the faculty. He will speak Sunday at graduation following David's student address.