How we handle each situation is our choice. We choose how our legacy is shaped. We choose the person we become. It won't always be easy. With every decision we make, there will be haters and supporters. But in our world full of loud opinions, the voice that matters the most is your own. And in life, it's all about whose voice you choose to listen to. Now, I could keep standing up here giving my TED talk, but as we already established, nobody cares. So, thank you so much, class of 2026, and let's freaking graduate. [applause and cheering] >> Thank you, Addison. graduates, families, friends, faculty, and staff. As your principal, it is truly an honor to stand before you today and share a few words on this very special occasion. Today marks the end of one chapter, but more importantly, it celebrates the experiences, memories, accomplishments, and perseverance of an outstanding graduating class.
Ward Gray, Joseph Gray, Cyrus Green, Harold Green Jr., Zamari Green, Autumn Gregory, Aria Greer, [cheering] Kaylee Groman, >> Quarterius Gton, Michael Coleman. >> Thank you. Great job. >> [cheering] >> Will the class of 2026 please rise? [cheering] Heat. [cheering] Heat. [cheering] Thank you all. You may now move your tassel as a sign of your graduation. [cheering] You may you may be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated for the recessional of the Belleville West class of 2026. Thank you for joining it. >> Find your speech in here. Do you have it? >> Okay. I can find it. >> [cheering] >> All righty, let's get this thing started. Um, hello. Good morning, class of 2026. My name is Coley Copper and I am your senior class president. I just want to say congratulations to all of you for making it to this point in your life.
And then there's only one competitor for the boys. Keller Smith from Woodland jumping 66. >> And I'd be interested to see when Keller enters into the Pvault field. I mean, any of these young athletes. I think PV vault deli. I know you've been doing pull vault this year like >> it it's an event that I don't think I could convince myself to try. So like how is it that you guys are able to overcome that height and everything? >> So it's a little bit of bravery, a little bit of blind faith, and a little bit of stupidity. Honestly, we talk a lot about how you just you make every vault count so that if something goes wrong, you still try your best. And it's can be really scary the first few times you do it. Um, so I know that our coach had me just feel the bend a few times, which is just running at it and then planting the pole and not trying to go over bar, not trying to lift my legs up, just feeling how the pole bends to get used to it.
Um, everyone might be need like a motion break or take a quick five minute break. Have your side conversation. We're going to come back and continue with absenteeism for students next. So, let's take a quick five minute break. >> Are we going to get these slides?
Class of 2026, as you prepare to begin the next phase of your journey, you will face opportunities, challenges, and decisions that will shape your future for years to come. Before you step into the real world, I would like to leave you with four simple but important pieces of advice. First, always do what's right. In today's world, doing the right thing is not always the easiest choice. The right path is often harder than you think, but it is built on character, integrity, honesty, and principle. Your values will define who you are long after your accomplishments are forgotten. Second, always be courageous. Do not be afraid to take chances. Try new things or step outside of your comfort zone. The world will sometimes tell you that you are not capable, not qualified, or flat out not good enough. Never let those voices define you. Instead, be the person who rises to the challenge and proves them wrong.
We did it and we did it well. Standing here as your senior class president is something I'm very grateful to do because this moment is different for each one of us. But yet, we're doing it together. We spent four years counting down the days till this moment. And now it feels kind of weird to be here. We didn't just grow up here. We became a part of who we are here. From the first day of freshman year trying to find your classes without being tardy to senior year knowing exactly where your classes are, but choosing to be tardy. And somehow between all of that, we learned, we grew up, and we lived. All those things didn't happen at once, but in small moments. Through the friendships you've made, the challenges you've overcome, and the memories you will never forget. Before we all go our separate ways, and high school becomes just a distant memory, I have a few things for you to remember.
>> It's definitely an act of faith in that pole. >> Yeah, it's just it's fun to watch. It's fun to have involved in this ACAC meet and just kind of in every meet as well. I think a lot of excited to see a lot of the Bluffin athletes finding something to latch on to and it's just seems like it's something that you guys are finding passion about and really growing and excelling at. I know as I see walking across the track right now, Addison Rabber, the uh first record holder in Bluffton school history uh and current record holder as well, ACAC champion in the pull vault and 100 meter dash. So, uh it's again it's nice to have that event. And then the last final field event that is active right now, we have long jump. I believe they will be going cafeteria style. So it will be boys and girls uh just kind of interchanging uh on their long jump attempts here throughout the night.
Third, always be kind. Kindness is something our world needs now more than ever. Do not carry anger, bitterness, or negativity with you. Be the kind of person others want to be around. Treat people with compassion and respect because one day you may find yourself hoping for that same kindness in return. And finally, be yourself. Never change who you are to fit someone else's expectations. Believe in who you are. Trust yourself and recognize everything you have already accomplished. Each one of you has a unique talent and incredible potential, and you are wonderful exactly the way you are. As you move forward after today, remember these four things. Do what's right. Be courageous. Be kind. Be yourself. And if you ever question why those things matter, the answer is simple. Because we are Belleville East. [applause] Okay, now we're at the point where everybody's been waiting for.
Take chances. You only get to do this once. Do things for yourself because at the end of the day, it's your life. and never forget where you came from. In all seriousness, I'm proud to say, class of 2026, we made it. And that's something no one can ever take away from us. But this is just the beginning. The world doesn't need us to be perfect. It needs us to be bold, to take chances, and to become everything we're capable of. So go out there and make a difference. Thank you and congratulations. [cheering] >> [applause] >> Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated. And now we will have the recessional for Belleville West class of 2026. Thank you all for joining us today. >> [cheering] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Heat. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Wow. Come here. >> [cheering] >> Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the commencement of the class of 2026.
Boys >> in boys long jump today from Southern Wells we have Parker Carroll jumping 137.5 from AC Henry Michaels jumping 139 from Jay County Marcus Denny jumping 141.5 from Woodland Middle Zack Berggo jumping 146.5 from Southern Wells Rhett Tucker jumping 146.5 from Bluffton Love Muny jumping 147. Also from Bluton, Bod FTO jumping 1410.75. From Jay County, Virgil Kefory jumping 1411. From Heritage, Alex Johnson jumping 1411.75. From South Adams, Hector Wrangle jumping 161.5. From AC, Leonardo Duran jumping 16.5. South Adams, Cam Bowman jumping 16-6. From Heritage, Titus Foster jumping 175. And finally from Woodland, Boston Girdo jumping 175. >> And what about the girls field and long jump >> from Bluton? Hayden McVan with no mark. From Southern Wales, Ellie with also with no mark. From Bluffton, Melena Mayo jumping 9. From AC, Hayden Rambo jumping 107. From South Adams, Kiana Weedland jumping 10 9.5. From Southern Wells, Alexis Sudterman jumping 112.5.
[cheering] >> [applause] >> It is now my duty and privilege to certify that the Belleville East class of 2026 has met the graduation requirements of the state of Illinois [cheering] and the District 2011 Board of Education. I now ask Mrs. Sheree Bennett, District 2011 school board member, to come forward. Congratulations [applause] to the class of 2026. Mr. Rudowitz, please read the role. [applause] [cheering] >> Mr. Jones, please come forward. I do ask that we try to hold our applause until the end. Maris Ensley, [applause] Quinton Mobley, [cheering] Remy Oerie, Jack Smith, >> [cheering] >> Terrell Walker, >> Marcus Abernathy, >> Payton Abernathy, Jonathan A. Costa Daniel Adams, Kyle Adams, Finley Aken, Payton Alexander, [cheering] >> Troy Alexander, Elijah Alli Mcburnie, Christiana Allen, Jacob Aean, Maryanne Amir, Antonio Anderson, Logan Anderson, >> Samuel Anderson, Zachary Anderson, Holland Andrews, Jordan Anthony, Baron Arbbiter, Jacob Arbiter, Grace RG, Landon Arnold, [cheering] Alyssa Asbury, Gabriella Ascu Payton Asanskis, Bion Austin, Ariana Baka, Jonas Bacon, Leia Baker, Gabriel Balotero, Amelia Ballard, Kendall Ballard, Malia Barber, Elijah Barfield, Serenity Barnhart, Karen Berea Bana, Larry Baxton, Jaden Beaman, >> Vincent Beaman, >> Timothy Becker, Diamond Below, >> Drayen Bell, >> [screaming] >> Bryce Bennett, >> Connor Bennett, Jaylen Bennett, Alexander Bermudez, Kevon Best, Alex Bevano III, Kaye Bilips, Amriia Bingham, [cheering] Cowen Black, Savannah Blackburn, >> Steven Blakey, Ashton Blanks, [cheering] Ashton Blavashunis, Matteline Bliss, Elise Borm, Mai Balden, Tyler Boon, [cheering] Lillian Botkin, [cheering] >> Deont Bowens, >> Jamir Bowens, Bryce Bradford, [cheering] Monae Branch, Tero Branch, [cheering] >> Eric Brandenburgger, Tegan Branaman, >> Hunter Branson, [cheering] Xander Bronner, Joe Bravo, Kingston Brewer, Limley Brewer, Kale Brisco, Zayn Brock, Alyssa Brown, Antoine Brown, >> [cheering] >> Kayen Brown, [cheering] >> Dorian Brown, Jaka Brown, Janiah Brown, Samra Brown [cheering] Andre Brown Jr.
[cheering] I am Dr. Malcolm Hill and it is my privilege to serve as principal of Belleville West High School. We respectfully ask that you stand at this time for the national anthem performed by the Belleville West Band under the direction of Mr. Michael Pon Jones. Gentlemen, please remove your hats. You may be seated. >> [snorts] >> I would like to begin by introducing individuals gathered up here on the stage to preside over this ceremony. Our superintendent of schools, Dr. Marshon War, our board of education, Miss Nikki Brown, our associate principal, Dr. Richard Bass, our assistant principal, Mr. Brent Whipple, our director of student service and coordinator, Mrs. Gloria Perry, our assistant principal, Mr. Jason Carson, our director of curriculum, Dr. son Orani. Before we move forward, I'd like to thank this senior class. You have been awesome this year. You have been a tremendous role models for our younger students in the building.
From AC, Abby Row jumping 116. From South Adams, Kendra Slutter jumping 1110. Jake from J County, Pac Rickard jumping 12. From Jay County, Jordan Camp jumping 128 from Heritage. Meyn Harris jumping 13-1. From Woodland, Faith Hoppen uper jumping 139.5 from Heritage. Eninsley Dharmmer jumping 148. And from Woodland, Hannah Rome. And for those of you unfamiliar, uh the field events long jump, you will they will all get three attempts and then the I believe the top nine will be called back into a final round and they will get three more attempts as well. And any one of their six jumps, whether it's in the prelims or the finals, will count towards their best mark. If there's by chance a tie, which did happen in the girls uh conference championships at the high school level, uh that will end up going to their second best mark. That was one out by an Anna Layman of South Adams last Friday night.
Please give them a round of applause. And because of that, class of 2026, you have not gotten this far without the support of your support staff, your parents, guardians, and friends. Please give them a round of applause. At this time, it is now my pleasure to introduce Khloe Deets, student council president, who will give the senior proclamation. [applause] Good morning, parents and guests. And for the last time, good morning, maroons. As much as I wish this were a thriving Thursday or a winning Wednesday, we're in uncharted territory. I guess it's a spectacular Saturday. But before any special announcements, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Chloe Deetsz and I've had the honor of serving as the executive student body president this past year. When the 8:30 bell rang on Tuesday, it marked the beginning of our final announcements, the first of many lasts in a routine we have followed for four years.
That'll be similar for a shot put in discus. Uh again, they will all get three attempts, two different flights, uh so that they don't have as much rest in between. The top nine will get called back for the finals. Whereas pull vault and high jump that bar just climbs incrementally and you come in whenever you feel like you are ready to go. You get three attempts at each height. And as I look at the live standings does look appear as um all three or the two Woodland competitors LC Clark and Ruby Attenweller both have cleared heights. So, Autton Weller uh is currently sitting in second of the three. She cleared five foot. Elsie Clark is currently past 56. So, we'll be attacking six foot here soon. And Enley Dmer of Heritage yet to attempt. So, surely she'll be coming in here soon. Is that a risk to take though, Elliot, as like or is it tactical because you know that you can get it and just trying to preserve some energy >> in which height to start in?
Raaya Fowler, [cheering] >> Caleb France, >> Tramani Fields, >> [cheering] >> Michaela Fulton, Domo Fulton Jr. Marisa Folultz, [snorts] >> Maria Ggo, Gano, Kalia Gardner, Naisha Gardner, Jacob Gaspar, [cheering] Zion Gatewood, Jacob Gawk, Michael Gibson, >> Kevin Gibson III, Brody Gig, >> Janiah Gilbert, Jakori Gladney, Sakoria Gladney, Dewan Glover, Jordan Gonzalez Salavar, >> Chloe Goodwin, Jacqua Gordon, Rowan Goretski, >> Ken Graham, Tyrone Graham, Khloe Granger, Cameron Gray, [cheering] Lashla Green, Wesley Griggs, Jonas Grim, Gabriel Grogan, Victoria Grudm, >> [cheering] >> Johnny Guthrie Jr. >> [cheering] >> Anna King, [cheering] >> Jenny Suata, Napam, [applause] Tomlin Pine, [cheering] better than [cheering] everybody. Heat. Heat. [cheering] [cheering and applause] [cheering] [cheering and applause] I now ask that the class of 2026 please rise. [cheering] It's almost time to celebrate. Please move your tassels from right to left. [cheering] to signify that you are now a graduate of Belise High School TO THE CLASS OF 2026.
Hearing the date May 12th over the speaker made it real. It meant the end of something familiar and the start of something unknown. That feeling was a mix of excitement, sadness, and a little bit of nerves. So, take the picture, soak up every moment when everyone you know is just 5 to 15 minutes away. And do not rush past what it means to be the class of 2026 because we only get this for a little while longer. >> [applause] >> At this time, I would like to call forward our superintendent of schools, Dr. Marshon Warren. Good morning. It is a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate the graduating class of 2026. Graduates, you are stepping into a world filled with possibility, purpose, and opportunity. Your high school experience has prepared you not only academically, but personally, building your resilience, character, and vision for the future.
>> Yes. So it can go both ways. So coming in at a So most meets for high school, boys come in at eight. Depending on whether we have a competitor who can't get that high and they're trying to get a score on, we may come in lower. Um but if you jump 11 11 six, there's not really a reason to come in at eight when you know you can consistently get 10. Um >> yeah, additionally, it also can hurt you to come in below the height. I know we had a high school competitor this year that when he came in lower than he expected to, it would throw him off and he couldn't compete. He would, for example, if we he came in at 86, he'd struggle to clear six, but if he came in nine, he'd be completely fine at nine. Um, but additionally, it also helps to have that confidence boost of having cleared heights uh before you go into the one that you're not sure you can get.
CONGRATULATIONS, [cheering] [applause] ladies and gentlemen. We do ask that all families, parents, guardians please exit the main gym as quickly to allow us time to get ready for the next ceremony. But let's hear it one more time FOR THE CLASS OF 2026. [cheering] [applause] MR. TESSERO, please lead us out. [cheering] Heat. Hey, Heat. Hallelujah. Hello. Heat. >> [music] >> Hello. Thank you. Hello. Hallelujah. [music] >> [music] >> 18. [music] I didn't say anything. Come on. Heat. Heat. [music] Thank you. >> [cheering] [applause] >> graduates. Please be seated. Good morning. My name is Joe Ridgwitz and it is my pleasure as the principal of Belleville East High School to welcome you to the graduation ceremony of the class of 2026. [cheering] [applause] Before we begin the ceremony, I would like to take a moment of silence for the loss of our fellow classmates that passed away.