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. Keefe’s Say Nothing, which the New York Times named one of the 20 Best Books of the 21st Century, was adapted into an Emmy-nominated 9-part FX series, on which he served as an executive producer. Keefe is also the creator and host of the 2020 podcast “Wind of Change” about the strange convergence of Cold War espionage and heavy metal music. His latest book is London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth.
“We are so excited Patrick will be our 2026 Graduation speaker,” said Head of School Alixe Callen ’88. “Milton’s alumni include many acclaimed and accomplished authors and journalists, and Patrick is undoubtedly among the very best. As a master storyteller, I know our students will be inspired by his words and enjoy learning more about his important work surfacing hidden truths.”
“I am honored to serve as this year’s Milton Academy Graduation speaker,” said Keefe. “My time at Milton helped me discover my deep interest in writing and storytelling, passions which continue to guide my work to this day. I hope sharing my story with the Class of ’26 will inspire graduates to pursue what drives them – and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Graduation Details
This year’s Graduation ceremony will be held on the lawn in front of Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium on Friday, June 5, at 9:30 a.m, rain or shine. Graduates should arrive at 8 a.m. A live stream of the event will be linked from Milton’s homepage on the morning of the ceremony. The formal Graduation procession begins at Straus Library. A bagpiper then leads the faculty and seniors in a march to their seats.
