On May 18, members of the Calhoun community gathered for our annual Alumni of Color Network (ACN) Celebration, an inspiring evening that reflected the values, relationships, and sense of belonging that continue to shape life at Calhoun. The event brought together alumni, students, families, faculty, and staff in celebration of the many ways our community works to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected. Throughout the evening, we reflected on the power of community while honoring individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen Calhoun.
We were proud to recognize Caroline Garcia-Then, Upper School Coordinator, for her dedication to advancing belonging, equity, and justice throughout our school community. Through her thoughtful leadership and steadfast commitment to students and colleagues alike, Caroline has helped cultivate spaces where belonging can flourish. Guests were also inspired by a powerful keynote address from alumna Odetty Tineo '08, whose reflections on living audaciously challenged us to lead with courage, authenticity, and purpose. Her words served as a reminder of the enduring connection between Calhoun's past, present, and future generations.
One of the evening's most memorable moments came through the work of junior Imani W. '27, who shared a performance developed as part of her Junior Workshop project exploring Black music across generations. Through a moving medley of songs, Imani highlighted the ways music has served as a source of joy, resistance, storytelling, and community throughout history. Her performance embodied the creativity, scholarship, and spirit that our students bring to their work every day. The celebration also provided an opportunity to recognize the student leaders of the Diversity Accountability Board (DAB), whose commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accountable community continues to make a meaningful impact across the school.
The program culminated in the recognition of our graduating seniors of color. In a moving ceremony, each senior received a stole to wear at graduation, presented by an adult who has played an important role in their journey. Those adults were, in turn, presented with a plant, a symbol of growth, care, and the relationships that help young people thrive. It was a powerful reminder that none of us reaches milestones alone and that community remains at the heart of every success. The evening concluded with a beautiful reception, where guests had the opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate together over a thoughtfully curated menu prepared by Chef Jose Roman. It was a fitting end to a gathering centered on community, connection, and the relationships that continue to sustain and strengthen Calhoun.
The ACN Celebration is a reflection of what makes Calhoun special: a community committed to learning, growth, connection, and belonging. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and invite you to enjoy the photos and video, as we look back on a truly meaningful evening. For alumni interested in staying connected, building community, or supporting future generations of Calhoun students, we encourage you to get involved with the Alumni of Color Network. To learn more, please contact ACN@calhoun.org.
Events like this are made possible through the ongoing support of our community. If you would like to help sustain and expand diversity, equity, belonging, and justice initiatives at Calhoun, please consider making a gift designated to this work. Your support helps create opportunities for connection, celebration, learning, and belonging for generations of Calhoun students and alumni to come.
With gratitude for our community,
Morgan Jenkins & The Alumni of Color Network Leadership
Sonia Balaram ‘06
Whitney Ferguson ‘03
Erik Fermin ‘02
Sarah Sakita Mozeson ‘11
Brian Peters ‘97
Elijah Rami ‘15
Katherine Tineo-Komatsu ‘05