LA SALLE GRADUATION

TROY – La Salle Institute celebrated the graduation of 101 seniors in the Class of 2026 on May 16.

Brigadier General (ret.) William Martin, ’74, delivered the address during the school’s 176th Commencement Ceremony. Gen. Martin’s distinguished military career included serving as a strategic analyst and speechwriter for General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and serving as Deputy Adjunct General and Deputy Commander of New York State military forces during 9/11.

Alara Crisafulli, valedictorian and the school’s first female Cadet Colonel, said of her experience at La Salle: “La Salle has allowed me to practice real leadership before actually joining the military. I feel confident and prepared for the hard work to come at college, in the military and beyond. I am incredibly grateful for the love and support of my friends, teachers and administrators. La Salle’s community is truly special, and I will miss it very much.”

Lawrence Zhou, salutatorian and a member of the International Program at La Salle, added: “Being part of La Salle Institute has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Coming from China, I was stepping into a completely new environment, but the kindness and sense of community I found here made it feel like home. Thank you, truly, for walking this journey with me.”

The Class of 2026 has distinguished itself through academic achievement, leadership and service. Collectively, students earned over $27 million in college scholarships, a testament to their hard work and the dedication of La Salle’s faculty and staff.

Several graduates are pursuing paths of service to their country. One student will be joining the United States Army, and three others will be entering the ROTC program at their individual college and universities.

Members of the graduating class have been accepted to a wide range of prestigious colleges and universities, including: Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Rochester, Georgetown University, University of California-Los Angeles, Bentley University, Northeastern University, Clemson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sacred Heart University, Siena University, Union College, Villanova and Virginia Tech.

As La Salle Institute celebrates its past and looks ahead to the future, the Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of excellence, service and integrity.