Commencement Address 2026

By Art Middlekauff

June 27, 2026

We have a saying around here, and that is, “You have to know the rules before you can break the rules.” The rules say that when I talk about Wiles’s graduation, I should talk about Wiles. I should say something to praise Wiles for his accomplishments, to give him advice for the future, and to wish him the best in his career. I should say that this is a big transition, and I should emphasize that one chapter of his life is closing, but a new one is opening. The rules say that I should be very disciplined and focus on what Wiles needs to hear right now.

I know the rules. But I have to break the rules.

Earlier this year someone asked Wiles what a Charlotte Mason education is all about. I had never heard Wiles answer this question, so I was really interested to hear what he would say. Maybe he would talk about living books, narration, nature study, and art. He didn’t mention any of these things. He said that a Charlotte Mason education is when there is no big gulf between student and teacher. He said that a Charlotte Mason education is when two people sit side-by-side and learn together. As equals, sharing the effort to know.

I knew immediately what he meant. But the thing is, with Wiles, I didn’t have to try to sit next to him and learn with him. I didn’t have to try to take off my teacher hat and be a fellow student. With Wiles, it was the only way I could home school him. Junior high and high school with Wiles have been some of the richest experiences of my life. He has challenged me and stretched me with his questions, his discoveries, his insights, and his ideas. We truly were like equals and partners sharing the effort to know.

And I’ll be honest with you. I don’t want that to ever end.

The rules say that I’m supposed to talk about what’s going to change now that Wiles is graduating. But I’m going to talk about what I hope will stay the same. Wiles has been to me a guide, a philosopher, and a friend. And in front of all these witnesses I’m going to ask him to continue to be that for me.

I’m sure that God has many big and wonderful things in store for Wiles. I’m sure that there will be failures and triumphs, challenges and joys, disappointments and celebrations. I am sure that there will be transitions and changes and doors opened and closed. Wiles, I am sure that God will be guiding you through all of that. So I just want to say one thing to you. Through all the richness and craziness and wonder that the future may hold, I will always be your friend. And I hope that you will always be my friend, too.