Step into the 60th Celebration

Our 60th Anniversary celebration began in true SYA spirit — with creativity, connection and culture at the heart of it all. Friday’s events in Barcelona set the tone for a weekend filled with meaningful moments and shared memories.

We started the day with a hands-on trencadís mosaic workshop, a nod to Catalan artistry and the spirit of collaboration. As alumni, parents, faculty and friends pieced together colorful tiles, they also reconnected with old classmates and made new friends — a beautiful metaphor for the SYA experience itself.

As the sun began to set, we gathered high above the city for our Opening Celebration on a stunning rooftop overlooking the Barcelona skyline. Against a backdrop of sweeping views, live music, cava toasts and the unmistakable sound of laughter, the evening unfolded into a vibrant reunion. Smiles were everywhere — on familiar faces reuniting after years apart and on new ones discovering the power of the SYA network.

It was an unforgettable start to our celebration, reminding us all that wherever we go in life, the spirit of SYA brings us back together.

Saturday was a full and unforgettable day as our 60th Anniversary celebration continued with opportunities to explore, learn, and savor the richness of Spanish culture — all through the lens of SYA.

The morning began with a guided tour of the Hospital de Sant Pau, a breathtaking example of Catalan modernism. Wandering through the Art Nouveau pavilions, guests marveled at the architecture while gaining insight into Barcelona’s history and innovation — a perfect start to a day of discovery.

Later, we gathered for a powerful conversation with Lydia B. Smith ES’81, director of Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago. Her reflections on the pilgrimage, the personal stories behind the film, and her own journey — which began with SYA Spain — sparked thoughtful discussion and deepened our appreciation for the lasting impact of cross-cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, the Mediterranean became both our classroom and our table during a guided culinary tasting by the sea. As we sampled flavors of the region — from fresh seafood to bold local wines — we also learned a delightful piece of SYA history: this very stretch of coastline is where founder Clark Vaughan once taught sailing to students. Needless to say, it looked quite different in the 1960s!

The day closed with an electrifying flamenco performance, a fitting celebration of Spanish artistry and passion. As the music echoed and dancers moved with intensity and grace, we were reminded once again of SYA’s mission — to connect deeply with culture, people and place.

Each moment of Saturday was a celebration in its own right — of where we’ve been, and where we’re headed.

Sunday marked the beginning of the Zaragoza chapter of our 60th Anniversary celebration — a return to the heart of SYA Spain. Guests arrived throughout the day and were welcomed with an open house at the school, where familiar hallways, classrooms and the central patio sparked warm memories and meaningful conversations.

A highlight of the afternoon was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Barcelona Suite — SYA Spain’s newly renovated expansion, made possible through the generous support of our community. This new space, which includes two additional classrooms, a library and upgraded restroom facilities, was named in honor of our roots in Barcelona. It stands as a symbol of how far we’ve come — and a promise of continued investment in the student experience.

Later that evening, guests gathered for a Leadership Reception at the Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Aragón, a building of architectural significance in the city. Surrounded by striking design and local history, guests learned more about the building’s legacy and its connection to Zaragoza’s cultural fabric. It was a fitting setting for a night focused on vision, leadership and the future of SYA.

From schoolyard reunions to the unveiling of new spaces, Sunday was filled with pride and purpose — a bridge between the past and what lies ahead.

On Monday, the roles were reversed as SYA students became the teachers, guiding guests through Zaragoza on thoughtfully prepared fieldwork assignments. After weeks of planning and research, students led 10 small groups across the city — from exploring ancient Roman ruins to tasting local delicacies and shopping the bustling mercado. It was an inspiring display of student voice and confidence, showcasing the depth of their learning and connection to place.

Just as the morning wrapped up, an unexpected power outage affecting Spain, France and Portugal created a new challenge — but not one the SYA team couldn’t handle. As guests eased into a leisurely, unplugged afternoon, Team SYA worked quickly and calmly behind the scenes to adapt the evening’s celebration. With the evening venue impacted, plans were adjusted and a potential picnic in the park was quietly put in motion as a backup.

Though the power was never fully restored, an enchanted evening at El Cachirulo unfolded with warmth and joy. Candlelight, laughter and music carried the celebration forward, and the sense of community shone even brighter. One of the evening’s most touching moments came when outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, Holland Goss Lynch FR’86, was honored with a smaller rendition of SYA’s 60th Anniversary stained glass artwork, a heartfelt tribute to her leadership and legacy.

Monday was a perfect example of the SYA spirit — adaptable, collaborative and full of heart.

Tuesday brought us back to the classroom for a morning of thought-provoking faculty-led sessions, with topics ranging from history to environmental science to art — a powerful reminder of the academic depth and global perspective that define the SYA experience.

In the afternoon, guests chose their own adventure: some embarked on a tapas tour through El Tubo, enjoying Zaragoza’s vibrant culinary scene, while others rolled up their sleeves for a cooking class at La Zarola, where SYA students regularly take lessons in local cuisine.

The day concluded with a special evening at the Paraninfo, an iconic institution in Zaragoza. Students, faculty, host families and guests gathered in this historic space for an evening of student presentations, shared reflections and a thoughtful panel conversation. While a few technical hiccups reminded us all to be patient, the heart of the evening shone through — with panelists offering different lenses on the SYA experience and speaking to its enduring value in shaping globally minded citizens.

Tuesday was a celebration of learning, community and the many ways SYA changes lives — inside and outside the classroom.

Though Wednesday marked the close of official 60th anniversary activities, it certainly didn’t signal the end of the celebration. SYA’s spirit carried on through three optional excursions that brought history, art and the natural world to life — all while deepening connections between old friends and new.

Some guests chose to raft the Ebro River, seeing Zaragoza from the water and reflecting on the environmental and cultural role this vital river plays in the region’s identity. A relaxed paddle paired with thoughtful insights made for the perfect balance of adventure and learning.

Guests who ventured to Belchite walked among the ghostly ruins with faculty and students, uncovering the layered and often haunting legacy of the Spanish Civil War. It was a profound, immersive experience that reminded us how the past still whispers in every stone and silence.

And for those with an artistic eye, a guided visit to Aljafería Palace and the Goya: From the Museum to the Palace exhibition offered a stunning look at the master’s influence, framed by the very region that shaped him.

From these meaningful moments to the many hugs, shared meals and heartfelt conversations — the celebration of SYA continues. New and renewed friendships, lasting memories and a shared belief in SYA’s purpose will carry forward, just like the legacy we came together to honor.

Cheers to the next 60 years!