Graduation for the class of 2026 was held at Roscoe Eades Stadium on May 17 on a beautiful day, besides some slight wind.
The ceremony started off with the processional “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the S.H.S. Wind Ensemble and directed by band and orchestra teacher Erik Oberg. Then the audience rose as Class of 2026 president Gavin Fischer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The S.H.S. senior chorus then performed the “National Anthem.” Next was the welcome speech, delivered by S.H.S. Principal Jason Austin followed by Fischer’s “The New Kid” speech. Fischer’s speech was about the different things that go on in a high schoolers life that they don’t talk about, like mental struggles and home problems. He was aiming for a different speech rather than the usual talk about the past and future.
Next, the S.H.S. Senior Chorus performed “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day. The chorus was directed by choir teacher Weston Henry and accompanied by Amy Boze. Following the performance, student council president Leila Anderson delivered her speech “What-ifs.” Anderson’s speech was focused on all of the decisions one makes throughout high school that help shape their lives today.
Seniors with 3.5 or higher GPAs were then recognized by associate principal Alexandra Miller. Then, associate principal Benjamin Schott introduced the Illinois State Scholars and the Advanced Placement Scholars.
Following that, the Academic Award winners were announced by different teachers. First off, agriculture teacher Megan Stanley announced Gavin Staats as the agriculture award winner. Then, Austin presented the art award to Christian Barrientos, followed by English teacher Zhané Baker awarding the English award to Eve Bentkowski. Then, Spanish teacher Cesar Guerrero presented the foreign language award to Macie Lofgren, followed by math teacher Joel Penne presenting the math award to Hazel Pham. Pham also received the science award from science teacher Nicole Schlemmer. Then, choir teacher Weston Henry presented the music award to Katherine Fernandez Estrada. Lastly, the social studies award was received by Eve Bentkowski, from social studies teacher Taylor Jackson. Students who receive these awards show exceptional skill, determination, and love for these specific departments.
Next, superintendent Dr. Tad Everett presented the class of 2026. Finally, the students were presented with their diplomas by the Board of Education, as counselors Jeffery Gale, Camilla Hartman, Hannah Carbaugh and Darci Francis announced the students’ names as they walked across the platform where they were handed their diplomas and shook hands with the members of the Board of Education.
After the ceremony, the audience had the opportunity to come down onto the field and take pictures with the graduates. Overall, the ceremony went smoothly and the Class of 2026 had a beautiful graduation!
