The John Cooper School Alumni Panel 2026
Former Dragons Return to Inspire Current Students
The John Cooper School Alumni and College Counseling Offices welcomed nearly two dozen graduates back to campus for the annual Alumni Panel, an event that continues to be a meaningful tradition for Upper School students and faculty. The panel offered students the opportunity to hear firsthand reflections from alumni about their time at Cooper, their transition to college, and the experiences that have shaped their paths beyond graduation.
“The alumni panel is one of the most meaningful events we host each year,” said Laura Schroeder, Director of College Counseling. “Inviting recent graduates back to campus allows our students to see what is possible after Cooper. It also gives our alumni a chance to reflect on their journey and share practical insights about college preparation, self-advocacy, and making the most of the opportunities available to them.”
Throughout the discussion, alumni shared advice on balancing academics with extracurricular involvement, approaching the college application process with confidence, and adapting to the academic and social expectations of college life. Panelists encouraged students to remain curious, manage their time intentionally, and take advantage of the close relationships with faculty that define the Cooper experience.
"My favorite part about returning to Cooper was the alumni panel where I got to talk about my college experience with current high school students," said Annabelle Wu, '24.
"My favorite part of returning to campus is not only seeing the tremendous growth and all the school has added to the experience, but at the same time, a lot of things have stayed the same, and it's great seeing the school has held on to its roots," said Karim Asi '11.
"My favorite part about returning to Cooper was the alumni panel where I got to talk about my college experience with current high school students," said Annabelle Wu, '24.
"My favorite part of returning to campus is not only seeing the tremendous growth and all the school has added to the experience, but at the same time, a lot of things have stayed the same, and it's great seeing the school has held on to its roots," said Karim Asi '11.
The Alumni Panel remains a powerful reminder of Cooper’s enduring alumni motto, “Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon.” This cherished annual tradition celebrates the lasting connection between the School and its graduates and highlights the many ways alumni continue to inspire and support the next generation of Cooper graduates.
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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