Milton Academy has announced that the school’s 2026 Graduation speaker is longtime journalist and author Patrick Radden Keefe, Class of 1994. 

Keefe is a longtime staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of six nonfiction books, including New York Times bestsellers Say Nothing, Empire of Pain, and Rogues. Keefe’s work has been translated into two dozen languages and recognized with many awards, including the National Magazine Award for Feature Writing, the Orwell Prize for Political Writing, the National Book Critics Circle Award and a Peabody Award.

Dozens of Milton’s most talented artists and writers were recognized among the best in Massachusetts in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Gold and Silver Key winners will be honored in ceremonies March 15 at School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. 

The Milton community mourns the loss of Trustee Emeritus James Fitzgibbons ’52, P’87, ’90, ’93, passed away January 21. Fitzgibbons, who spent decades of his life in faithful service to Milton Academy, was a legendary figure in the community, and he leaves a powerful legacy of support, generosity, and friendship to the school he so loved.

Fitzgibbons served on Milton’s Board of Trustees from 1972 to 2017—including 10 years as Board president—and he continued serving in an emeritus capacity for the remainder of his life. Through his extraordinary philanthropy, sage advice, and unflagging dedication to Milton, he helped shape the modern history of the school. In 2000, the Board recognized him with the Milton Medal—the school’s highest honor—for his meritorious contributions. Among his many gifts to our school and its students is a vibrant space that hosts Milton’s most important ceremonies and events: In 1998, along with his siblings, Ned ’40, Ann ’41, and Harry ’53, he dedicated the Fitzgibbons Convocation Center in honor of their parents.