We are pleased to announce that Carlton L. Highsmith, a proud past parent and current grandfather of three St. Thomas’s Day School students, will be this year’s graduation speaker.
Carlton’s connection to St. Thomas’s spans over two decades, with his daughters, Alexis and Jennifer, graduating from the school. Carlton’s family has logged a remarkable 26 academic years at St. Thomas’s, and with his grandson Carlton graduating this year, the Highsmith family’s legacy at St. Thomas’s will continue to grow.
Carlton’s commitment to education and community is evident in his distinguished career and volunteer efforts. After founding and growing Specialized Packaging Group, he became a leader in the business world, earning numerous honors. He serves on various boards, including those for Quinnipiac University and Yale New Haven Health System, while also leading initiatives like the Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology (ConnCAT) and ConnCORP.
In his remarks at Grandparents’ Day a few years ago, Carlton shared his deep appreciation for the school’s impact on his family, highlighting the importance of kindness, community, and empathy in shaping future generations. His words reflect the values that make St. Thomas’s such a special place, and we are honored to have him share his insights with us on this significant occasion.