SSAE Celebrates With the Class of 2026

In caps and gowns the Springs Studio of Academic Excellence class of 2026 stepped into the spotlight Friday, May 15, for their graduation ceremony. A crowd of family and friends assembled at the Colorado Springs City Hub to celebrate with the graduates.

“There were late nights, tough assignments, moments of doubt, and maybe a few tears along the way,” said Kaycee Calcote, one of the day’s student speakers. “ But our constant perseverance and dedication show how resilient and courageous we are. The fact that we're all sitting here today proves something important: we made it through. Not perfectly, but persistently.” 

Teacher and keynote speaker, Amy Bremser, congratulated students for their hard work and success, encouraging them to step confidently into the next chapter of life. 

“Choose the path that fits you. Stay curious,” Bremser said. “Keep showing up—even when it's hard. And don't lose that ability to do things differently. Because clearly, it's working. I'm proud of you!”

In addition to handing out diplomas, SSAE leaders honored three students with the following  individual awards: 

• Academic Scholar: Tyler Rasmussen
• Student-Athlete of the Year: David Burchett, Jr.
• Student of the Year: Gannon Hinkle

“This class will be the light in the darkness. We will bring solutions, not problems. We won't be discouraged by having questions, but we will be aware that questions are the only way to learn. We won't just meet standards, we'll redefine them,” Hinkle said. “Goals are a great way to grow, but we can't convince ourselves that they are the end of our growth. These goals we've made aren't just supposed to be reached; they are meant to be exceeded so we can do the unbelievable. Once we realize we can break these limits, then we can become visionaries, inventors, anything we want to do, we will do it the best.” 

Please visit Facebook for more photos of the ceremony: