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Final chapter begins for CSD’s Lifers

As seniors return for their final year, a group within the class reflects on roots that run deep
Liam Hogan, Podcast Editor, Student Life Editor
October 7, 2025
Liam Hogan
CSD senior “Lifer” Kennedy Donley (‘26) looks back at her kindergarten yearbook photo. Nearly 50 seniors have shared a journey that began at age five.

For most seniors at the Community School of Davidson, graduation marks the end of a 4-year journey, but for a special group, it’s the end of a 13-year journey that started way back in the elementary school hallways.

These “Lifers” have grown up alongside the school itself, from barebooks and recess to AP exams and now college applications. It has been a truly transformative journey. There are not many times or places in life where you can spend 13 years with nearly 50 of the same people year after year.

Sharing a journey, especially one through primary and secondary school is uniquely amazing. Early memories set the foundation for the now 50 “Lifers” in the 2026 graduating class.

Sitting in the Arts Commons, one of CSD’s open areas for gathering by grade and studying, Ethan Tomko (‘26) reflects on one of his favorite memories.

“One of my favorite memories from elementary school was going to BizTown on a field trip,” Ethan Tomko said. “It was cool to be able to pretend to have a real job for a day and kind of see what that’s like, but still have fun doing it.”

Through middle school, Lifers built more memories. Sam Bloom (‘26) remembers middle school sports and playing in an 8th grade state championship game.

“Winning the eighth grade soccer championship, it was just a good moment experiencing that with all my good friends,” Sam Bloom said.

And once high school began, changes continued while Lifers built more memories. Tessa Larson (‘26) reflects on what would surprise her kindergarten self if she could see her now.

“That I’m actually applying to colleges, and I’m still friends with the same people from when I was in kindergarten,” Tessa Larson said.

Now that Drew Snyder is a senior, he considers what he’d say to his younger self.

“I would say that I’m proud of you, and never give up, keep going.” Drew Snyder (‘26) said.

As the seasons change and the academic year picks up momentum, weeks and months pass more quickly for the final time not only for all the seniors, but also for the collection of Lifers. While this may be the end of a chapter in these seniors’ lives, it’s just the beginning of journeys far greater.

The Spartan Sentinel’s Editor-in-Chief, Max Shealy, is a “Lifer.” CSD’s 2014 yearbook helped identify everyone. (Liam Hogan)

CSD’s Class of 2026 “Lifers”

Meet our 50 Spartans who first came together as kindergartners when they were 5 years old:

Abigail Day

Kate Daniels

Frances Grey

Kendall Hammet

Cade Lacy

Molly Maxwell

Sadie Maxwell

Gracyn Mcroie

Jack Mullis

Reid Setzer

William Skaggs

Ryan Stephen

Luke Wetherbee

Samuel Bloom

Zoey Champalia

Jordan Famularo

Lily Zuiderveen

Adelaide Wells

Liam Hogan

Callan Hurlbut

Sophie Mitan

Evelyn Paradise

Rush Ratnofsky

Ruthie Reddick

Parker Tran

Max Webb

Tripp Browning

Chloe Cordero

Grant Fishtal

Jackson Hartsell

Ben Kelly

Harlow Krupinsky

Tessa Larson

Jackson Oehler

Lola Smith

Jack Smith

Braden Burton

Abigail Cain

Kennedy Donely

Anna Guilbert

Kamden Knag

Sam Mack

Jack Munro

Chris Nowak

Emma Nowak

Preston Cameron

Maxwell Shealy

Drew Snyder

Hayden Talmage

Ethan Tomko

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About the Contributor
Liam Hogan
Liam Hogan, Podcast Editor, Student Life Editor
Liam Hogan is a senior who is very happy that he gets the honor of being called a “lifer” (a CSD student who has attended since kindergarten). Since this is first year taking Journalism, he’s hoping to learn about the process that goes into crafting a solid story as well as contributing to the team. He will be working on some of the podcast materials, too. Liam is an active member on both the cross-country and volleyball teams. He is a co-founder of the Allied Achievers and Comrades Association club (AACA) with two other student journalists. Liam really enjoys roasting marshmallows with friends, playing disc golf and running. Personal Quote: “You can not have a positive life with a negative mind” Quote: “I’m going to bring some organization to this organization”- Akhilan Kumaran Walkup song: Can’t Stop – RHCP