So, as you come up to receive your diploma, see it for what it really is, your permission to never stop growing. We now have the privilege of hearing from Hannah Sterno, who will share her thoughts on cherishing the memories we've made. Hello everyone. First, I want to start with a quote from Winnie the Pooh. How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard? Today we are moving on from the people and places that we've once called home. If today were easy, it would mean that these past four years didn't matter. But saying goodbye today is hard because the friendships and the memories we have made actually meant something. So don't be sad it's over. Be grateful that you got the opportunity to experience something so special that it hurts a little to leave behind. Take a second to enjoy this moment.
Where do you put your runners >> and I truly don't know like which one's the best leg on any of these teams? I'm confident in Blton and Southern Wells as to where Ramsier and Newan Schwander would kind of fit in. Seems like Emmy Dmer like if it's in order would have been that first leg. So be kind of interesting if somebody can dig in on the anchor and just kind of find a way into position because it does seem like it's closing in between first and fourth and even fifth place. >> Yeah, it definitely is. I was going to point that out that it's now become anyone's game. It started out very strong for the first two, but there a shot for anyone here really. Yeah, it looks like I believe South Adams in fourth fifth place. Uh really just 40 meters behind her. So just basing on the football field looks like she may be fighting to get fourth over surpassing Woodland.
[applause] Please rise if able for the pledge of allegiance. After the pledge, please remain standing for the national anthem. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the stand. >> [music] [music] [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 and Mrs. Casey Ferris [applause] 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] to introduce all Bellow East retirees. Please stand when I call your name.
You've earned it. Congratulations. Now, I'm going to pass the mic off to Julia Stock, who's going to help us move past the moment to address what lies ahead. As we take a second to enjoy this moment, we are lucky to have had this experience and these friends in high school. You probably remember hearing from dozens of people that your time in high school is the most formative time of your life. That you figure out what you are and what you're going to be for the rest of your life. Personally, I find the sentiment very overwhelming. So, I look to one of my favorite books turn movie, The Outsiders. Johnny tells Pony Boy, "You still have a lot of time to make yourself be what you want. There's lots of good in the world. Now remember now that you always have the potential to grow and if you put your mind to it, there's nothing you can't do.
But this leg by the second leg is coming to its exchange. Going to be about halfway through this event coming in around 5 minutes and 30 seconds. So it's going to take quite an impressive couple legs to get a record here. But that leg there of the second leg for Heritage being about 302. Again, this just where things get really interesting. Where have you placed your people? And when you look at the meet as a whole, too, like you may be trying to reserve some people in these relays to save their legs and energy for the open events as well. And looks like that third leg for Heritage who may be Dakota Brains doing a nice job of maintaining even trying to separate here from the field. Southern Whale still sitting in second, Bluff in third, Woodland fourth, and South Adams in fifth. >> It does look like it's closing the gap just a little.
If you are present, please hold your applause until the end. Tom Acriman, maintenance. Al Daniel, assistant principal. Dr. Mrs. Andrea Ganon, director of human services. Mr. David 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 need your assistance with this 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 all those in attendance. >> [applause] [applause] >> In an effort to recognize the highest levels of academic achievement among our students at BEV East, we have implemented a distinguished honor stole program. Red stoalls are worn by students who have earned a GPA between 4.0 and 4.49.
To talk about facing the challenges ahead, please welcome Henrik Stubberg to the stage. I would agree that we are all feeling a little overwhelmed here today. But I also truly believe that the support each of us have received from our friends, family, and faculty have has helped us prepare for our next chapter. In the movie Miracle, legendary coach Herb Brook said, "Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that's what you have here today." Class of 26, that's what we have earned here today. So when you see that next opportunity arise, make sure to go out there and take it. Finally, Gabrielle Zang joins us to reflect on the next steps we will take and the choices that lie before us. Graduation isn't just about completing our journey and finishing school. It's about deciding who we want to become. We're all going in different directions, but we all have the same opportunity to live fully, to take chances, and to not waste the time we've been given.
I've always been very impressed with Willow Todd and her running. Um, especially the distance races. I mean, just her stride, even just with her height, like her stride always looks really strong and she just looks very comfortable out there and just I just can tell that she's given everything that she has. It'll be interesting to see if she can surpass this Southern Wells runner, this third leg here. Going to be about a 125 opening leg for that Heritage third. So right now, Heritage has about a 7se second lead over second place. So you just got to hope that she is 7 seconds faster. Your anchor is 7 seconds faster than the other team's anchor. And based on the entries, looks like Men Harris is the anchor for Heritage. and can confirm it's Aubrey Newan Schwander for Southern Wells and Aaron Ramseier for Bluffton. Now Aubrey was the middle school cross country champion and has had quite an impressive spring as well.
49 signifying the distinction of kumlani. White stoalls represent a GPA between 4.5 and 4.99 designating the honor of Magna Kumladi. Gold stores, gold stoalls are reserved for students who have achieved a perfect 5.0 GPA, earning the highest academic honor of suma kumladi and the title of valet dictorian. [applause] In addition to honor stoalls to celebrate students involvement in honor societies, academic programs, extracurricular achievements, military involvement, and leadership roles. Graduates have been awarded various chords. Each cord 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 was originally scheduled to share a few words this morning or this afternoon. However, we collectively felt it was only fitting to defer those remarks to someone who holds a special place in the heart of Belleville East. 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.
Time is the one thing we can't get back. So don't wait for the perfect moment to start your life. That moment is now. Wherever you go after today, I hope you remember one thing. Don't just settle for a life that works. As Robin William once said in Dead Poet Society, make your life extraordinary. The world is waiting for only you can offer. So carry your unique voice and everything we learned these four years into every room you enter. 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 toward the end. When opportunities arise, don't think, just do. And 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.
So be interested to see how much room she can make up. She will be getting the baton in second place for her Raiders. >> Like a 244 there for that third leg. A very strong impressive leg, but wondering if it's going to be enough as New Schwander will be getting the baton 10 seconds behind the lead runner. She's going out in a hurry to try to make up G. So is Aaron Ramseier. So, R New in Water already cutting down two seconds off this lead in just the first 150 meters. Now just a second behind. Looks like New Schwander may be able to take this lead on the first lap for the Raiders. >> Aaron Ramsey not too far behind either. And Aubrey New and Schwer does take that lead for the Raiders there. Aaron Ramsey are just 5 seconds behind that lead duo. But just the way that Aubrey's running right now is just very strong and impressive.
Her leadership, commitment, and impact on this school community has been truly remarkable. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to welcome Mrs. Andrea Ganon to offer remarks to the class of 2026. [applause] >> [applause] >> Good afternoon graduates, families, faculty, and friends. Standing here today with the class of 2026 feels especially meaningful because after 33 years in this district, this is also my final graduation at Beville East. We are both at a turning point. For me, this is closing a chapter a long and rewarding journey. For you, the story is just beginning. Your pages are blank and the future is yours to write. As you begin your next chapter, I want to leave you with three thoughts. First, be the author of your own story. The world will try to tell you who to be. The best lives are built with authenticity. Stay true to yourself and trust your unique perspective.
Congratulations, class of 2026. graduates, family, faculty, and friends. Look over your shoulder for a moment. Just a quick glance. That's what the rearview mirror is for, isn't it? a necessary tool, but one you only check for a second to know where you have been and what's behind you. In the months and years ahead, your time here will recede into the rearview mirror. This chapter, which once consumed your entire life, will become a 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, your future. Here are three things to remember as you drive forward. Your past is for perspective, not for living. We've all made mistakes coming through high school. Some of us have failed a test, missed a deadline, or maybe even gotten fired by our best friend.
Like she's got so much talent. So, Heritage having led pretty much wire like the first three legs all the way the first seven laps. Southern Wells though in that chess game give that baton to the best runner on the team and see what she can do with it. Ramseier >> 200 meters down, four seconds behind, but looks like Heritage's anchor has reserved some in the tank. >> And she's >> looking to get around New and Schwander here on the outside lane two. All the teammates coming down to cheer them on as >> it's a close race, that's for sure. >> And it's going to be coming down to the wire. That is for sure. Aubrey Newinwander pulling away just at the last moment. Southern Wells Raiders getting the first 10 points of the evening. Can't ask for a better start than that, guys. And that's the total of the 800 meter run.
Second, hold tight to the values. In moments of uncertainty, follow your morals, ethics, and values. Those are non-negotiable. If you stay grounded in these principles, you will never truly lose your way. And finally, remember where you came from. Your Lancer Belleville East helped shaped where you are today. And no matter where life takes you, the community will always be a part of your story. So, class of 2026, serving the 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 it a make your book a bestseller. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Mrs. Ganon. It is now my privilege to recognize two of our valadictorians. Please stand and make your way to the stage. Please welcome Paige Tru and Addison Wernern.
But just as every plan looks good in the rearview mirror, we celebrate success always showing the winding, messing road that got us there. Remember these moments, but don't dwell on them. They were lessons. They gave you grit. They gave you determination. They are the armor that will protect you from the next bump in the road. So glance back, appreciate how far you have come and keep moving. Second, 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 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.
No doubt about it. Make sure you're following the rest of the >> as South Adams and Woodland battling now for fourth and fifth. Looks like Woodland maybe passing at the last step. I mean again just one >> the last 10 steps of the race >> and those points can always be big. Still got a relay team Jay County coming around as well. But I mean, first finals of the evening. Just exciting race. Yeah, I can't get much more exciting than that one. Southern Wales Raiders coming away with the big one there. Not too sure what the official time was. I'll get that here shortly. and J County will be closing things out as well. This Southern Wells team though, like they it's got quite a few talented runners, so um I mean it's just an exciting way to get things started as well. Jeremy, who do we got here for the boys 3200 meter relay?
[applause] [applause and cheering] >> Good afternoon everyone. >> Before we begin, we would like to thank all the teachers and faculty and recognize them for their commitment to our education. We also want to extend a thank you to all the friends and family who have helped each of us in our journey towards graduation. However different that journey may be. Special thank you to my mom who woke me up every morning. 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. And as we take this next step, we'll leave you all with a piece from Albert Einstein. Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for the future. The class of 2026 has been known for showing up and showing that even when life gets hard, we don't give up.
It is a time of hope, fear, and accomplishment all rolled into one. And by embracing it, you will uncover and de develop the truly wonderful self that's been waiting to emerge. Last, someone is always watching in the mirror. Look in the mirror again and don't just see the past, see those who look up to you. Maybe it's a sibling just starting their journey or a younger student who sees you as an example. 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, to be resilient, and to keep going even when things don't go as planned. Today marks the end of one chapter and start of a new one. So turn your gaze forward. Only embrace the future with the wisdom you've gained and the courage to take risks.
We have Southern Wells, South Adams, Woodland, Jay County, and Bluffton Harrison. Appears Heritage has not made an entry. >> Interesting. >> Yeah. And sometimes it just kind of depends on again who do you have, how much have you run it, uh, who's looking to be the favorite seed here. >> It looks like Woodland. So, the Woodland boys coming away with their first ACAC championship at the high school level since I believe 1998 or 99, I believe. So, looking like these young Warriors trying to build off of that momentum and see what they can do here tonight. So the official time there in the 4x800 meter relay uh was 11 minutes 11.4 seconds. Second place 1111.73. So two very close marks there. Um but again can't get much more exciting than that one >> as we're here about to start the boys 3200 relay. Yeah, Woodland quite a heavy favorite here.