Throughout our speech, we hope that you'll look back on some memorable moments, but also get excited for all that's ahead of us. The class of 2026 has been known for showing up and showing that even when life gets hard, we don't give up. >> [applause] >> Hello everybody. Four years ago, we ascended the stairs of East and descended into an unknown adventure, high school. Walking the halls, we found our classes. Whether we were on time or late, we went to our first homecoming, our first East football game, and got our first taste of the amazing school lunch. We maybe made a few mistakes along the way, but through these mistakes, we learned. We learned how to become better writers, artists, mathematicians, scientists, and historians. We learned how to become better students and friends. But we ultimately learned how to become better people, contributing to a society that we will soon enter ourselves.
Let's just try and make it to Tuesday. Then we can worry a little as we leave west. Remember that it is our choices, not just our abilities that define us. Cherish these good old days while enjoying the ride of the journey itself rather than just racing towards the end. When opportunities arise, don't think, just do. And when always remember that change starts with you. I hope these reflections inspire you to make a lasting positive impact on your community in this next chapter. Congratulations, class of 2026. [cheering] [applause] >> [cheering] >> All right, graduates, families, faculty, and friends, look over your shoulder for a moment. Just a quick glance. That's what the rear view mirror is. Or isn't it a necessary tool, but one you only check for a second to know you have been what's behind you. In the months and years, your time here will recede into the rearview mirror.
Does look like Ava Cook. Uh, I've heard this name pronounced KOC pronounced in so many different ways. I've heard Cook many times as well. And it looks like Hammer as the number two. Cook taking this one quite easily. And right behind Hammer is going to be Macy Dehoff of J County as they do their little bit of adjustments on the hurdles. Who do we have competing in section two? In heat two from Southern Wells, Ellie from AC, Mey Fector from Heritage, Mallerie Airman from Heritage, Grace Lairman from Woodland, Lilia Breaker and from Adam Central, Abiro. and Mallerie Airman looking to be the favorite here in this first heat. Grace Lairman, teammate of Heritage, looking to be that number two runner here. Always cracks me up seeing the sprinters as a distance coach, just seeing how long it takes for them to get into their blocks.
At East, we found a home that will always welcome us back and made lifelong friends and memories along the way. >> [snorts] >> Today is a very important day because it is a representation of the hard work that we have put in the last four years. And although studying for tests and quizzes maybe didn't happen as much, especially for me in the last few months, we earned that right through working hard for all our years here. And as I look out into the crowd today, I can see people who I consider my friends. I see people who I've never talked to before. But more than anything, I see a class that's ready to graduate and get out of here. So my message today is to take this graduation day to enjoy your time with your friends, talk to that person you've never talked to before, and have hope for the future.
This chapter, which once consumed your entire life, will become smaller and smaller part of the road you're traveling. And like a driver, you have a choice. You can wonder what's behind you, or you can keep your eyes on the wide, expansive road ahead of your future. Here are three things to remember as you drive forward. Your past is your perspective and not for living. We all made mistakes coming through high school. Some of us have failed tests, missed a deadline, or maybe even gotten fired by a best friend. But just as every plan looks good in the rearview mirror, we celebrate success with always showing the winding, messy road that got us there. Remember these moments, but don't dwell on them. They were lessons. They gave you grit and determination. They are the armor that will protect you from the next bump in the road.
Distance runners just kind of step up to the line and they give them no time to get ready. Always thought that was funny. Yeah, >> as this second section is off and running, it does look like the seeds trying to hold true so far. Airman and looks like Fector Meny Fector of Adam Central going to be that second automatic qualifier and they will lock in those two spots. Very likely that Grace Lairman and maybe a little bit of a tactical decision of trying to reserve some of that energy for the finals of everything. >> and they will clear off the track. Sorry, they're moving the hurdles back to the Blues >> and they will bump it up I believe just one mark uh for the boys 110 meter hurdles and Elliot this is the one that you compete in and again it's just a fun event that just really compiles all the coordination the timing and speed.
And realize as we're all surrounded here by our closest friends and family, that today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. [applause] As we look toward tomorrow, I'll let you in on a secret. Nobody actually knows where we're going to be in five years. We spent our whole lives answering the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" And now that we're officially grown, the possibilities are still endless. Some of us may be paying $80,000 in college tuition, while others may be getting paid $80,000 a year for their jobs tomorrow. And that's the beauty of this next chapter. Whether you're heading to college, the military, or starting a career, tomorrow isn't a test you've forgotten to study for, it's an open door. We finally have the autonomy to change our minds, change our majors, and change our lives. We have the freedom to be whoever we want to be, even if that person changes three times in the next 6 months.
So glance back and appreciate how far you have come and keep moving. Your windshield is bigger than your rearview mirror. As you leave here today, you will have more control over your path than ever before. Your choices will no longer be dictated by a syllabus. The path ahead may seem hazy and even a little scary, but remember what you've learned in driver's ed. The windshield is a lot wider than the rear view mirror. The future is a lot larger and more important than the past. Embrace this uncertainty. It's a time of hope, fear, and accomplishments all rolled into one. And by embracing it, you will uncover and de develop that truly wonderful self that's been waiting to emerge. Lastly, someone is always watching in the mirror. Look in that mirror again and don't see the past. See those who look up to you. Maybe it's a sibling just starting their journey or just a younger student who sees you as the example.
>> This is the one Jeremy competes. >> Yes, it is. Sorry Elliot, we were talking. Yeah, I've got the brothers up here and it's just all which one am I talking to? >> We're basically the same person. >> As long as I'm not calling you Andrew or Leo, right? >> Yeah, just Yeah. >> Yeah, pretty much. >> Uh, so who do we have competing in the first heat for the boys? >> First heat from Adam Central, Jordan Shakir. Also from Adam Central, Quinn Powell from Woodland, Justin Kelly from Bluffton, Bodie Fector, and from Southern Wales, Cash Jenkins. It appears that Justin Kelly is the favorite with Bod Fector behind him. Lane from Jenkins. >> The meet record in this event is held by Logan Mlin of Adam Central set in 2015 at 16.75 seconds. So, it's going to take quite the PR for someone to get that today.
So, here's to the unknown. May we have the courage to try new things we may not even fully understand and the hope to enjoy every second of finding out. >> [applause] >> Many of you may not remember this speech, but we hope that you'll embody its message. Never be afraid to try. Through our past, we'll be able to grow into who we are today. But now, it's time to step into the future. Whether you go or wherever you go and whoever you become, it's important to stay curious. So go ahead, change your major three times. Apply for a different job. Dip nuggets into sauces you've never even heard of. Don't be afraid to fail because there will always be a way to pick yourself back up. You just need to be brave enough to try. High school's prepared you for success. Now it's up to you to achieve it.
As you forge your own path, keep a eye on those who follow. They will witness your triumphs and your failures. Show them what it looks like to be bold, be resilient, and to keep going even when things don't go as planned. Today marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. So turn your gaze forward. Openly embrace the future with wisdom. You have gained and the courage it takes to risk. Go forth and write a new bold story. Congratulations class of 2026. Now go full speed ahead. [cheering] [applause] I now certify the class of 2026 to the board of education and superintendent Dr. Marshon Warren as having met the graduation requirements of the state of Illinois, the board of education of district 201, the faculty of Belleville West, I now ask that Mrs. Nikki Brown come forward to present the diplomas to the class of 2026.
At least I'm pretty sure I went back first and And this first section is off and running. Look like Kelly of Woodland well out in front. And this is one of those situation. I think hurdles may be a little bit different than the 100 just because the timing between hurdles, but one of those like, hey, let up a little bit. Let up a little bit. You're well in first. You're well in second. You don't need to exert all that energy. It looked like Bodie Fector of Bluffton get in that second spot as well. But it's a tough thing, right? I mean, these are seventh like seven middle schoolers, junior high kids, and it's a learning experience to it. It's it's always something that's interesting in tracking people's like, "Hey, like know when to go 100%. Know when to kind of dial it back a little bit." >> So, what about heat two here, Jeremy?
And you will achieve it because once a Lancer, always a Lancer. Congratulations, class of 2026. >> [applause] >> It is now my honor to introduce the student council president Addison Warner for the class farewell. [applause] Good morning. For many of you, I may have just been another face in the crowd. You may have bumped into me fighting to get out of that building, or you may have seen me rushing to my first hour class after arriving late. Once again, sorry, Mr. Hennon. But when I first sat down to write this speech, I racked my brain for something inspirational that isn't just a regurgitation of everything we have heard about our futures for the last four years. I thought about what I had learned so far in my life and I came up with one honest truth. Nobody really cares. Nobody cares whether you're sitting in this gym as first or 515th in our class.
[cheering] Dr. Hill, please read the role. I ask at this time, please pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of those we have lost. Thank you. Chloe Deetsz, student council president. Jay Naylor, class vice president, graduating suma cumlad. Kayn Lutner, Eagle Award recipient, along with Khloe Deetsz and Jay Naylor. The next three students to receive their diplomas have earned the distinction of graduating Suma Klad having maintained a perfect 5.0 GPA. They ranked at the very top of the class of 2026. Brian Flannery Melson, [cheering] Isabella Fifer, Morgan Seagull, along with Kayn Lner. The next 16 students to receive their diplomas have earned the destination of Magnum Kumlad by maintaining a GPA between 4.99 and 4.5. Nora Hos, Savannah Haye, Jackson Henderson, Dakota Henry, Lillian Hurling, Elsa Hubble, Elias Hans, Dofur, Emma Johnson, [cheering] Kayn Kramer, Lana Kek, Landon Kinder, Christian Landon, Lillian Lieberman, Molly Merens, Trevor Muskov, Sydney Oliver.
>> From Southern Wells, Liam Thomas from J County, Aiden Lloyd from Bluffton, Harrison Brooker from Woodland, Malachi Long from J County, Marcus Denny. And from Heritage, Grayson Profodi >> and Harrison Broker is the favorite. >> Yeah. So, it' be nice for Bluffton who didn't get anybody in the open 100 on the boy side if they can secure two here in the hurdles. And it's always seems to be Bluffton like it's just a weird kind of pattern like it's like we get two solid hurdlers at the high school level. One tends to be like a junior freshman or senior sophomore that next year. And it seems to be like we're in a spot where Bllein may be in that similar thing like we're graduating Eli Burch, Parker Barnes move into a junior role, Harrison Broker coming in as a freshman. It just seems like a nice little system that Bluffton has developed in the hurdle side.
Nobody cares if your team lost the first round of the playoffs or if you made it to the state championship. Nobody cares if you're headed to an Ivy League school or a community college. Nobody probably even cares about this very speech except for my mom, of course. But these titles, the trophies, the accolades, the things we clutch on to to shape our identity are not permanent. The person who lives underneath all the stuff is what actually matters. It's what people actually care about. It can be so easy to get caught up in our own lives, especially during high school and across social media. We fret over likes on an Instagram post or second guessess every message we send. We spend too much energy fearing embarrassment or judgment or ridicule from our peers. And we let this fear of what people might think stop us from trying new things and taking risks.
The next 25 students have earned the distinction of graduating kumlad. They have maintained a GPA between 4.49 49 and 4.0 O Madison Hamilton, Michael Harris II, Ayana Hintfield, [cheering] Kelsey Henderson, Louise Herrera Zambbrano, [cheering] Kaylee Hodson, Ariah Heler, Lillian Hopper, Elena Jackson, Jaylen James, Kaden Jones, Lexi Kramer, Katherine Cayman, Kennedy Carson, [cheering] Andrea Kirk, Patrick, Maxwell Kizro, John Lucsky, Marley Maddox, Zion Marco, [cheering] Asia Massie, [screaming] Jawan Mosley, Samantha Nelson, Elijah Archard, Max Millow, Max, Millie, Ano, Ornanceless, Corduno, Paul over Turf, Terrell Hackett, Janyla Haggler, Khel Hall, Miracle Hammonds, Nicholas Henkins Jr. >> [snorts] >> Ricky Solomon III, Kennedy Harris, Corena Heler, Herbert Hera Duff, Noah Hernandez, Hunter Hernandez, Liliana Hernandez, Marquo, Dimmitri Hatton, Housing, Carlos Hicks, Alexander Hill, Chancellor Hogan, Rashad Hwell, Jonathan Holidayiday, Jeffrey Howard, [cheering] Grant Hubert, Andre Hudson Jr., Janiah Hudson, [cheering] Ariana Hughes, [screaming] London Hughes, [cheering] Lily Humphrey, Herena Hunter, Delena Hord, Katon Huley, Jayla Hurst, [screaming] [cheering] Aiden Idris, Nathan Irvin, Yahia Isa, Did I do it right?
>> I'm I'm here too, Vandy. >> You are. You are. I know you are. And again, but it's like learning from those guys and continuing that success. And Baro is looking clean through the first three, four hurdles as long of Woodland trying to keep close on him. So those two again very securely into the final round there are Baroque and Long. We'll find the others uh the other qualifiers here shortly. Again, you can catch all this live results on mileplit inmlitsplit.com. We'll be coming up to an event that I have really grown to love quite a bit, the 4x800 meter relay. This is relatively new still to the middle school competition. I believe this is the fourth year of the 3200 meter relay. Uh the record in this event is held by the team from Bluffton. Uh that was Corungle, Abigail Ramsey, Addison Sonics, and Grace Fry.
But the truth is everyone is too busy worrying about themselves to be worrying about you. So let me repeat, nobody cares. 10 years from now, don't look back and regret not being brave enough to follow your heart. Don't miss out on opportunities to live your life just because you're worried someone might think it's weird. Don't let the pressure of fitting in stop you from being happy. Because the more people you grant power over your life, the less of your life it becomes. Now, to be walking across this stage today is a huge achievement and one we should all be proud of. I mean, we did outlast three different principles. But while you're sitting in your seats thinking about what you're going to eat after all this is over, I want to highlight the importance of owning your lives. Throughout this next chapter, we will encounter thousands of moments that will test our limits, try our patience, and stretch our resolve.