Alums
A Summit education shapes more than academic success. It shapes who students become.
Summit graduates leave with a strong academic foundation, the confidence to embrace challenges, and the curiosity to keep learning. They think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with purpose, and lead with integrity.
Throughout their journey, students discover their strengths, find their voice, and learn to contribute to something greater than themselves. By graduation, they are prepared for the opportunities and expectations of high school and equipped with the character and habits that will serve them throughout life.
Our graduates embody Summit's Core Competencies: Prepared, Honorable, Curious, Accepting, and Socially Responsible. They become innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, physicians, engineers, military leaders, business owners, and community volunteers. Whatever path they choose, they leave Summit with the confidence to explore it with purpose.
At Summit, we educate
leaders and innovators
who will shape the future
Summit had a profound effect on my development
The lasting impact of my Summit education continues today
Attending Summit School was a defining experience in my life—
Summit allowed me to nurture my curiosity
We are grateful for the education we received at Summit
At Summit, relationships continue long after graduation.
Alums return to mentor students, reconnect with teachers, attend performances, coach teams, and remain active members of the community because Summit is not only a school they attended — it is a place where they belong.
2026 graduates with alum parents and grandparents
Read alum profiles and Class Notes here
Alum of the Year
Each year, Summit School staff will nominate and select an alum who has made an impact on the Summit community. In addition, the entire alum community will be invited to nominate an alum who has made an impact on their community and demonstrated extraordinary service to their field, humanity or society.
For more information or to nominate an alum, contact Sarah Dalrymple, Director of Alumni Engagement.
2025 recipient for contributions to their community:
Jennifer Adams ’86 has created two early childhood education facilities, has uplifted childcare, and provided essential services to families and children in North Carolina. Her desire and design for high quality and respectful childcare came from her personal experience at Summit and her education as a school psychologist. No doubt she was influenced by the other wonderful teachers at Summit in the 1970s and 1980s. The achievements of The Little School are in the children who learn and also evident in the longevity and success of the program.
2025 recipient for contributions to Summit School:
Barbour Strickland ’67 has played an invaluable role in ‘moving the needle’ on the school’s alum engagement program. He is an inaugural member of the Alumni Council, has chaired the Council, and organized one of the most well attended class reunions (his class 50th) in the school’s history. In addition he has helped coordinate (and attended) reunions around the state. It’s not surprising that he has already started planning the class's 60th celebration. He cares deeply about the arts; has funded the annual campus Arts Week curriculum and helped the development office curate, frame, and display a collection of art by the late Anne Kesler Shields ’47.
Founders Week 2025
