Lyndon Institute is proud to announce the Commencement and Baccalaureate speakers for the graduating class of 2026.  

Commencement Speaker - Corinne Prevot, Founder and CEO of Skida

Corinne Prevot is the founder and CEO of Skida, a Vermont-based outdoor accessories brand known for its colorful, performance-driven headwear and apparel. She founded Skida in 2008 at age 17 while a student-athlete at Burke Mountain Academy, designing and sewing hats for her Nordic ski teammates — and graduated with the BMA Class of 2009.

What began as a small, community-driven project has grown into a nationally recognized brand rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and a love of outdoor adventure. While competing for Middlebury College's cross-country ski team in the NCAA, Prevot simultaneously grew Skida into a thriving business, graduating with a BA in Geography in 2013 before establishing the company’s headquarters in Burlington. Skida remains committed to local manufacturing, producing most of its products in Vermont through a network of skilled seamstresses and emphasizing limited-edition designs and thoughtful production. 

Prevot’s work has earned national recognition, including being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in Manufacturing & Industry. This honor highlights her as a leader among the next generation of makers and innovators and offers LI’s graduates a clear model for turning creativity and discipline into meaningful work and long-term community impact. With a passion for skiing, riding bikes, and challenging herself on foot, she makes time to pursue projects, races, and adventures in the mountains with friends. When she’s not at Skida HQ, Corinne can be found outside finding inspiration for the brand, progressing as an athlete, and exploring new places.

 

Kathryn Jackson Smith received her BS in Education and History in 1997 from the University of Vermont and her Master’s Degree in Education from Lyndon State College in 2010. While at UVM, Mrs. Smith coordinated tutoring and mentoring programs with at-risk youth in Burlington.  Mrs. Smith began her teaching career at North Country Union High School from 1997-2000 where she taught social studies and advised National Honor Society. 

In 2000, Mrs. Smith was hired at her alma mater and has been teaching and working with students at LI ever since.  Mrs. Smith has taught a variety of social studies courses and currently teaches Sophomore Humanities Honors, AP European History, Civics and Constitutional Law, and Sociology.  Mrs. Smith has been actively involved with student government serving as advisor since 2003 and greatly enjoys working with the student body and organizing school and community activities.  In addition, she enjoys travelling with her students both nationally and internationally.  Mrs. Smith has been a member of the Lyndon Institute Alumni Board of Trustees since 2000 and heads the board’s scholarship committee.

Mrs. Smith lives in Lyndonville with her husband and two daughters. 

Lyndon Institute will hold its Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, June 7, 2026. The event starts with Baccalaureate at 10:00 a.m. in the Alumni Auditorium, followed by Commencement at 11:00 a.m. on the Robert K. Lewis Field. More information about LI’s Commencement will be available on their website at www.lyndoninstitute.org.