![Cannon School Announces Jess Ekstrom ’09 as Keynote Speaker for 28th Commencement Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772465465/evtyvs5uw9x9lleb5zl6/JessEkstrom.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772465465/evtyvs5uw9x9lleb5zl6/JessEkstrom.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772465465/evtyvs5uw9x9lleb5zl6/JessEkstrom.jpg","width":711}])
Cannon School is honored to announce that Jess Ekstrom ’09 will serve as the keynote speaker for the 28th Commencement ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22.
"Having an alumna deliver the commencement address is deeply meaningful,” said Head of School Mike Drew. “Jess’s journey embodies the values, creativity, and impact that Cannon seeks to instill in every student. There is no better person to inspire our graduates as they embark on their next chapter."
A graduate of Cannon School, Jess continued her education at North Carolina State University, earning a degree in communications and media studies. During her time at NC State, she interned with a wish-granting organization for children with life-threatening illnesses. This experience inspired her to found Headbands of Hope, a mission-driven business that pairs every purchase with a headband donation to children facing medical challenges.
Jess is also a bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Making It Without Losing It, and the founder of Mic Drop Workshop, a public speaking initiative dedicated to empowering women and girls to develop their skills. Her accomplishments have been recognized nationally, with Forbes naming her a Top-Rated Speaker and her work featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, and other outlets. She received Cannon School’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021.
Reflecting on her return to Cannon, Jess shared: "What a full circle moment for me. I know how formative those high school years are, and it is the honor of a lifetime to share some of my experiences and advice with the Class of 2026."
Her message to graduates is equally inspiring: "Take a moment to celebrate the finish line before moving to the next starting line. Graduation is a meaningful milestone, and I hope students pause, even briefly, to recognize how far they have come."
Cannon School looks forward to welcoming Jess Ekstrom back to campus to inspire and celebrate the Class of 2026.