Whether your next step is military service, college, or entering the workforce, each path is valuable because each of you are valuable. Our society depends on the contributions of people from every walk of life. And the world needs your voice, your passion, and your willingness to make a difference. As you move forward, remember to be grateful for your parents, guardians, and loved ones who supported you along the way. Their encouragement helped build the foundation for your success. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. Success is never accomplished alone. So build relationships, seek mentors, and collaborate with others. As you walk through new doors of opportunity, remember to hold those doors open for the people who will follow behind you. Class of 2026, you are gifted, you are prepared, and deeply needed. Congratulations and best wishes on the journey ahead. >> [applause] >> Also today we honor and recognize the retiring staff of Belleville West and District 2011.
So, it can go both ways. It's kind of a there's a special error line there on where you should come in. >> We did So, we do have the first heat of the one girls 100 meter prelims. Uh, I believe that's going to be that affformentioned Tinley Evans and Hayden Mecc getting their two secure spots for the finals. It'll be the top two finishers in each heat, each of the two heats. Go ahead and throw up the uh first heat there, Elliot. Um, so they secure their spots in the finals and then the next four times. So, as long as you finish one or two, you will be ones to advance. >> So, we will be looking at the second heat as well. >> Who do we have competing here, Jeremy? >> In the second heat from AC in lane one, Josie Schmucker running a 155 in South Adams.
Thank you. Please rise now if able for the pledge of allegiance. After the pledge, please remain standing for the national anthem. I pledge allegiance to the flag of >> under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> [applause] >> At this time, we would like to start by recognizing some of our esteemed guests who are joining us today for the ceremony. Representing the District 2011 Board of Education, Mrs. Sheree Bennett [applause] and Mrs. Casey Ferris. Representing our district administration, assistant superintendent Dr. Dustin Bilbrook, [applause] Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Andrea Ganon [applause] and director of the center for academic and vocational excellence, the cave, Mr. Jacob Strawba. [applause] We would like to start by asking the Belleville East administrative team to please stand and be recognized for their contributions to the class of 2026. >> [applause] >> I would also like to ask the Belleville East faculty and staff who are here today to support the class of 2026 to stand and be recognized.
These individuals have given tirelessly to the Belleville West and District 2011 family. Their expertise and commitment to Belleville West and the community has been greatly appreciated. I would like to recognize our retirees. Miss Carnetta Chalmer's Mr. Charles John's Miss Paula Connealy Mr. John Lodel Mr. Rick Meister Mrs. Cindy Overberly Dom, Mr. Greg Oliver, Mrs. Lisa Quant, Miss Diane Steiner, Miss Sally Stevens, Mr. Mr. Tony Thompson and Mr. Mike Trice. Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of our districts and the students of Belleville West. We also thank all faculty members who are volunteering today in order to make this a great event. In an effort to recognize the highest academic achievement of students at Belleville West, we have developed a program to honor students earning a GPA of 4.0 and higher. These students are identified by wearing different color stalls. Students are also wearing different color cards for the National Honor Society, Student Council, Running Start, State Scholars, National Merit Scholars, Harambe, Departmental Honor Societies, and AVID, as well as various medals they have earned during their high school careers.
In lane two, Eden Sprunger running a SE 14.74. From Woodland in lane three, Hannah Rome running a 1394. And from J County, Jordan Champ running a 1325. From J County in lane five, JJ Reynolds running a 1335. From Southern Wells in lane six, Elise Shrider running a 1394. And from South Adams in lane seven, Ava Martins with a 1477. And we're off here on the second preliminary 100 meter dash. Looks like both Jay County runners out in the lead here. And that's going to be Jordan Champ and JJ Reynolds securing two spots for the Patriots. Looking like Woodland Warriors, uh, Hannah Rimkkey likely being one to get called in. I think finishing third in those prelims should be pretty well safe to get in there. Next up, we're going to be switched over to the boys 100 meter dash trials. Who's in section one here, Jeremy?
[applause] Thank you for all you guys do for our school. I would now like to introduce all Belleville East retirees. Please stand when I call your name. If you are present, please hold your applause until the end. Tom Aerman, maintenance. Al Daniel, assistant principal. Dr. Jean DS, science. Mrs. Andrea Ganon, Director of Human Resources. Mr. David Griggsby, Business, Mr. Ray Hoffman, Physical Education. Mrs. Melissa Meath, World Language, Spanish. Mr. Kelvin Samuel, assistant chief engineer, and Mr. Derek Volum, social studies. Let's hear it for our retirees. >> [applause] >> graduates, we will need your assistance with our last group. We think it would be wise for us to take a moment and thank the family and friends who have loved, supported, and helped us make it to today. Let's show our appreciation with a round of applause for those in attendance today. >> [applause] [applause] >> In an effort to recognize the highest levels of academic achievement among our students at Beville East, we have implemented a distinguished honor stole program.
The exceptional students who have maintained a 5.0 GPA, Suma Kumlady, will now deliver the class farewell. Ladies and gentlemen, class of 2026. Please welcome the representatives from Suma Klad, Chloe Deetsz, Bren Flannery Melson, Jay Naylor, Isabella Fifer, Morgan Seagull. For our 2026 Sumakum LA commencement speeches, we chose to frame the past four years through movie and TV show quotes. Each one of our speakers will incorporate a line into their speech from a movie or TV show and build off the meaning behind it. Growing up, my journey was guided by Barbie because she could be anything. a software engineer, a tennis player, a teacher, or even the president. Barbie may not be everyone's past, present, or future like mine. But the idea that someone can choose their own path is something we all can relate to. I think that's why her story resonates with so many people because it reminds us that we are all still growing into who we're meant to be.
>> Heat one, we have from Bluffton Christian Clubs. From Heritage, Eli Lichfield from South Adams, Nan Ramirez. From Jay, Finan Measure Lopez from South Adams, Cam Bowman. And from Southern Wells, Gavin Busters. And finally from Jay County, Virgil Camp Foria. >> So Campo Fiori. I know that's a a lot of these names. It's just interesting to see because see a lot of these names at the high school level as well. So it's just kind of fun to see like these families kind of committing to the track and field. See if I can find the official results in the girls preliminary round. It looks like Fernando of Jay County and Ramirez of South Adams looking to be two of the favorites as well as Bowman of South Adams looking and a tactic here as well like this isn't where individuals will win the meet. So the 100 and 200 trials, it's always kind of interesting.
Red stoalls are worn by students who have earned a GPA between 4.0 and 4.49, 49 signifying the distinction of kumai. White stoalls represent a GPA between 4.5 and 4.99 designating the honor of Magna Kumladi and gold stoalls are reserved for students who have achieved a perfect 5.0 0 GPA earning the highest academic honor of Suma Kumladi and the title of valadictorian. [applause] In addition to honor stoalls to celebrate students involvement in honor activities, societies, academic programs, extracurricular achievements, military involvement, and leadership roles. Graduates have been awarded various chords. Each chord color corresponds to a specific recognition and is listed in the official graduation program. It is now my honor to introduce our assistant superintendent, Dr. Dustin Bilbrook, who originally scheduled to share a few words this morning. However, we have collectively felt it was only fitting to defer those remarks to someone who holds a special place in the heart of Belleville East.
As the class of 2026 leaves Bubble West, our paths will all look different. But that's the most exciting part because if Barbie can be anything, we can be anything. Now, as we reflect on growing into who we're meant to be, I would like to welcome Bin Flannry Melson. Learning who we are meant to be, as Chloe said, This is what high school is all about. If these four years were a 2000's teen movie, we would currently be in the final montage. Hopefully with better hair and less awkward moments in the parking lot. But before the credits roll, remember the wisdom of Patrick Verona. Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve what you want. That goes for your career goals, your happiness, and yes, your right to be just well. People might tell you your dreams are too loud or that you're being difficult, but if high school taught us anything, it's that staying true to yourself, even if it's a grand musical gesture in the bleachers, is what actually matters.
You may see faster times in the finals, but for some like they may need to get that PR to get to the finals as well. So it's just you got to race all the way through the line. And they're off here on the first section of two. >> And it looks like Bowman of South Adams will be taking the easy entry into the final round as well as his teammate Nan Ramirez for the Starfires. So good looking start there for South Adams. It's always nice to get those pretty well secure sport uh potential for points there >> to get the meet started. >> Take a look at flight two heat two here in the 100. Jeremy, who do we have competing >> from a from AC? We have Joy Schmucker. >> Uh boys 100. You're good. >> From AC still from AC, Caleb Usham from Woodland.
Mrs. Andrea Ganon is retiring after 33 years of dedicated service to education and most recently served as the principal of Belleville East last year. Her leadership, commitment, and impact on this school community has been truly remarkable. Like Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to welcome Mrs. Andrea Ganon to offer remarks to the class of 2026. [applause and cheering] Welcome graduates, families, faculty, and friends. Standing here today with the class of 2026 especially meaningful because after 33 years in this district, this is also my final graduation at Bubble East. We are both at a turning point. For me, this is the closing chapter of a long and rewarding journey. For you, the story is just the beginning. Your pages are blank and the future is yours to write. As you begin the next chapter, I want to leave you with three thoughts. First, be the author of your own story.
Go out there, be bold, and never be reigned in. As you prepare to face the world and stay true to ourselves, let's also remember the support of our community that lifted us up. Next, it's my honor to introduce Jay Naylor. [applause] While we're about to become parts of different communities, I want you to think about the community we've created at West. I'm reminded of a quote from the 1987 comedy Space Balls. You're looking at now. Everything that happens now is happening now. Space Balls is one of the best comedies in my opinion. Definitely watch if you haven't. As our lives pick up postgraduation and reach a ludicrous speed, I hope that all of us can remember our time at West. the friends and memories we made and the things we were a part of. Remember the now as you have it now. Look around and see the friends next to you and realize we all have made it here.
Liam Swunk. Phil, >> I would say Sweatzle. Sweatzle. what he said. Southern Wells, Weston, Ziggler from AC, Leonard, Leandro Duran. From Woodland, Boston, Guerod, from Heritage, Luke Dylan, and from Bluffton, Levy. >> Again, the top two will automatically qualify and then we'll take a look at the next best times. The way the ACAC has adapted the event order as well, going 100 trials, the hurdle trials, 4 by 800 meter relay, and then 200 meter trials. Try to give those short sprinters a little bit more time in between their trial events to get the best attempts possible. So, >> so Duran of Adam Central being the top seed >> and Gerard of Woodland being the next best seed. They're in lanes four and five. And it looks like the sweatficle of Woodland kind of giving a run for his money, but Gerard kind of taking it at the last second.
The world will try to tell you who to be, but the best lives are built with authenticity. Stay true to yourself, and trust your unique perspective. Second, hold tight to your values. In moments of uncertainty, follow your morals, your ethics. Those are the non-negotiables. If you stay grounded in those principles, you will never truly lose your way. And finally, remember where you came from. You are a Lancer. Belleville East helps shape who you are today. And no matter where life takes you, the community will always be a part of your story. Class of 2026, serving this district has been an honor of a lifetime. As I begin my next chapter, I do so with confidence because I know the future is in good hands. Congratulations, Lancers. Make your book the bestseller. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Mrs. Ganon. It is now my privilege to recognize two of our Valley Victorians.
That's what's happening now. As we cherish the now and the community we've created, let's remember that our next step is an adventure waiting to happen. It is my honor to introduce Isabella Feffer. [cheering] [applause] As you all look at the friends next to you, I remember walking into West on my first day and having absolutely no idea what I was doing. And I'm sure many of you relate, but we still figured it out by just doing it anyway. As the Cheshire Cat said in Alice in Wonderland, "Every adventure requires a first step." I think we can all agree that the best memories weren't the planned parties, the dances, or even the Friday night football games. Rather, the best memories came from all the spontaneous adventures that fell between, like the random Target trips or going to Denny's until 2 a.m. Looking ahead, none of us truly know what our future holds.
likely both being in nice and securely as well. So, take a look at the girls 100 meter preliminary final uh preliminaries the results there. Seeing if I can find the >> finals. >> So, that's looking like it was maybe Looks like Tinley Evans, Jordan Champ, JJ, uh, so Timley Evans of Heritage, Jordan Champ of J County, JJ Reynolds of Jay County, Hayden Malvine of Bluffton, Hannah Rimkkey of Woodland, Elsie Schneider of Southern Wells, Stella Levens of Heritage, and Adalie Piter of Woodland, making it into the finals of the 100 meter dash on the girls side. as we do get the hurdle crew getting set up. See if I can find the boys preliminaries. >> Looks like it'll be Bowman of South Adams, Duran of Adam Central, Gerard of Woodland, Sweeticle of Woodland, Ramirez of South Adams, Ziggler of Southern Wells, Mahia Lopez of J County, and Bieberstein of Southern Wells.
Please stand and make your way to the stage. Please welcome Hadley Herd and Miles Miller. [applause] Good morning everyone. Before we begin, we would also like to extend a thank you to the teachers and faculty. We want to recognize them for their commitment to our education and their passion towards each student that climbs the steps of Belleville East. We also want to extend a thank you to all of the friends and family who have helped each of us in our journey towards graduation. Whether we say it or not, your love never goes unrecognized. As we close this chapter of our high school lives, we wanted to find a way to capture both everything we've accomplished and everywhere we're about to go. As we take this next step, we wanted to leave you all with a piece of evvice from Albert Einstein. Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for the future.
And if I'm being honest, I think we're all a little scared. Just remember to do it anyway. This new chapter of our life will lead to so many more adventures and memories. All you have to do is take the first step. As we prepare to take the jump into our next chapter, it is my honor to introduce Morgan Seagull. [applause] Some of the best adventures and memories of life are unplanned. Spontaneous hangouts, heat of the moment ideas, finding something at Target you never knew you needed. But jumping head first into life without knowing what comes next is kind of scary. And today is the day that we take that jump. In the show Adults, my favorite character Paul Baker says, "You don't need to have a five-year plan. You just need to survive until Tuesday, then make a plan for Wednesday." So, class of 2026, it's okay if you don't have your life figured out.
So, as we look at the hurdles, Elliot, this is the one event that you have yet to do. >> That is that is true. I have not hurdled. >> I attempted for the second time in my life yesterday. Did not work out too well. Jeremy, you've had a lot more success. So, what does it take to hurdle? >> You got to get your timing right and your steps right. It's very important that you have your timing right. >> And who do we have competing in this first section >> for the 100 hurdles? First heat from Bluffton, Abby Stately. From also from Bluffton, Ariana Hammer. From Woodland, Eva Co. from J County, Macy de Hoff. From J County, Arabel Link. And from Southern Wales, Taylor Smith. And it looks like Eva is the favorite. So, I thought we'd have a little bit more time with the hurdle crew, but Bluff and Hurdle crew being nice and efficient there as the runners are off in this first section.