Graduation Ceremony
June 16, 2026
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi held its Graduation Ceremony at the Lisi campus. Seventy-one students completed their studies.
This year's commencement speakers were Alan S. Purcell, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy to Georgia; Tamar Japaridze, Co-Chair of the Academy's Board of Trustees; and Andrés J. Cruz, Director of the Academy.
The school keeps the tradition of awarding medals to distinguished graduates every year during the graduation ceremony. This tradition was established by Donald W. Thomas, the Founding Director, and is carried on by the faculty.
This year, two members of the Class of 2026 received the Academy's highest student honors. Zviad Tsetskhladze was awarded the Thomas Medal, presented to the senior who has exemplified outstanding character and scholarship throughout their time at GZAAT. Aleksandre Khabashvili received the Faculty Medal, honoring the student whose love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and strength of character have enriched the lives of teachers and affirmed their belief in the value of education.
Nino Kikodze served as the valedictorian for the Class of 2026.
In recent years, the Academy has also welcomed alumni speakers to address graduating seniors. This year, the Class of 2009 was represented by Nino Vashakidze, who shared warm reflections and officially welcomed the graduates into the alumni community.
The Class of 2026 received 79 offers of admission from colleges and universities around the world, along with nearly $8 million in scholarships and financial aid.
The ceremony concluded with the graduates singing the school anthem together for the final time.
Congratulations, Class of 2026 !
