Turning the Tassel: Graduation 2026
Caps and gowns flew in the air on Sunday, May 20th as the Class of 2026 graduated. With 247 graduating seniors, and 3 speakers, the ceremony celebrated these students and marked the end of their high school years.
The Class of 2026 voted for Mr. Ryan Walters, history teacher, to speak at the ceremony.
“I had more than 150 of the seniors in my class during their years here. They are a very strong class,” Mr. Walters said. In his speech, he gave some advice for the graduates as they follow their own paths. “If they could remember one thing from my speech, I would want them to remember to not be in a hurry,” Mr. Walters said.
Along with Mr. Walters' speech, graduates were presented with speeches from alumni and students, as well as presented with awards for their accomplishments.
“This class is a very intelligent group, and they are all so nice,” Procession leader Lorelai White, 11 said. Friends, family members and staff filled Dickinson Stadium to celebrate the seniors' accomplishments.
To end the ceremony, the graduates flipped their tassels and tossed their caps into the air, announcing them as official high school graduates.
Photo by Norah Wood and Samaika Singh
The class of 2026 stands for the Presentation of Colors performed by the Berrien County Sheriff's Honor Guard, to officially start the ceremony,