001Thank you. I'm good. body. >> I did. I don't think There she is. Aaron Wait. Hello. Heat. Heat. Down up down down. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Get it. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Oh, Christ. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Everybody for the morning. Okay, before I begin, I just want to let y'all know on the most important day, I somehow ended up losing my voice. So bear with me as it is a little bit raspy. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Heirs and members of the band, parents, family members, friends, family, faculty, honored guests, and graduates. Good afternoon. Welcome to the commencement exercises for the Rusber High School class of 2026. On behalf of the Student Council Association, we are honored and grateful that you could join us to celebrate this important milestone stone that lives in
002all of my classmates. Today is a celebration of hard work, perseverance, memories, and futures that await the class of 2026. As we gather together, I would like to thank the Rustford community, our school board members, superintendent Dr. Clay Stanley, administrators, teachers, parents, grandparents, family, and supporters for the encouragement and dedication that you have shown throughout this journey. Your guidance and support have helped make this moment possible. Now, would you please join me in the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early so proud we at the twilight stripes and bright stars through the fly or the
003red soare. The bombs bursting in gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled B and for the land of the free and the home of the brave. Alrighty. So, for those of you who don't know me, my name is Johanna Heddings and I had the privilege of being both class president and FFA president. I'm honored to stand here in front of you all today and deliver the speech. Though I may have rewrote it six times. Standing here today feels unreal. Not because we aren't excited or prepared, but because we now have to start memorizing our social security numbers instead of our lunch numbers. To be completely honest, I really did struggle trying to write this speech, and I'm still in shock at the fact that they're
004letting me speak. I kept asking myself, how am I supposed to somehow recap the past 12 years and appeal to everyone's individual experiences in one speech? People kept telling me to write about something deep and meaningful about these past years, using words I don't even know how to spell. Truth is, there is no way to describe these past years. Not a single one of us has experienced life the same, but somehow we share pieces of the same memories. We all started out on Dreambox and cool math, and now we're ending on Canvas and Google Classroom. We went from typing 26 at camplestudent.com behind our emails to now just having at@gmail. We began as little entrepreneurs selling slime and Pokemon cards to now creating LinkedIn accounts trying to find real jobs. What about the awkward visco
005emo gamer phases we all went through? Girls, I know y'all remember those white vans and checkered fans we had in middle school. Just recently, we got back our eighth grade letters where we wrote to our future selves. When I got mine back, I couldn't help but laugh. The very first two questions I asked my future self was, "Did you get Snapchat back?" and "Are you married and have a long-term boyfriend?" Well, for all y'all's informations, I did get Snapchat back. Thank you, Mom. And sadly, no, I'm not married, nor have a long-term boyfriend. The things we think are most important at the time, will most likely not even be relevant in four years. None of y'all will remember this speech in four years, let alone four minutes. But somehow, it's the most important thing in
006my life right now. In high school, most of us were still trying to figure out who we are and what route we take to class. Freshman year, many of us still had braces, or in my case, Invisalign. We started going to football games, not really because we cared about the actual game. Sorry, Ari and Alex. But because that's where everyone would end up on a Friday night. And of course, asking to use the teachers to use the bathroom, then taking a full lap around the whole school with whatever boy or girl we were talking to at the time. Sorry teachers. Somewhere between all of that though, we realized high school wasn't what we imagined it would be and not what it was portrayed like in the movies. Girls were mean, guys were stupid. Miss Carr's
007AP class was hard, but anatomy and physiology was way harder. Thank you, Mr. Peler, for not letting me fail. I think we can all agree how fast these years have went by and how much we've changed for better or worse. Think about the friendships that began and ended, the relationships we've been through, the glowups we've had, and the amount of times we've asked, "Are we actually going to use this in real life?" And if any one of y'all end up using logorithms after graduation, please send me a DM because I'd be surprised. Even though we aren't in the same building for most of high school, we aren't all living the same high school experience. Some of us were in every sport we could sign up for. Some of us were taking every CLA, club, and
008AP class Miss Harris would allow. Some of us were focused on music, acting, or art. And some of us went straight to work after school. On the surface, there is little we all have in common. But if you look back, there is one. We are all still trying to figure out the same things. Who we are, what we're good at, and what actually matters to us. At the end of the day, people will forget what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Sometimes the most important moments are the prayers no one hears, the effort no one notices, and the kindness that goes unseen. My dad always told me, you leave something better than you found it. So, as we step into the real world, I hope we leave people feeling
009valued, workplaces stronger, friendships deeper, and communities kinder. I hope we stop measuring our worth by how many people recognize us, but instead by the impact we leave behind through our actions. Life is too short to only love people when you love when they love you back. Stop every once in a while, cherish what you have because you truly don't know what you have until it's gone. Thank you to my mom and dad for their unwavering support. To my sister for her brutal honesty and for always looking out for me. Thank you to my best friend Kaye who was always there to make me laugh. And last but not least, thank you Rusber and my fellow graduates for trusting me this year. I have no doubt in the end you will all succeed. And before I
010end, may I recognize those who aren't here, William and Ila. Though those individuals weren't in our class, they were in our school and will forever be remembered. May you all trust in God and allow him to lead you onto the right path. Go Hokes and go Big Red. Thank you. Thank you, Johanna. Today, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of our graduates, but also the community that helped them succeed. I will now recognize the special awards recipients for this school year. When your name is called, please stand. Citizenship Awards, Justin Thomas and Jillian Mayberry. Lloyd C. Abbott Awards, Noah Wells and Jillian Jerkow. The Hu T. Pendleton Award of Excellence, Johanna Hedings. Teacher of the Year, Jamie WAC, Red Devil of the Year, Miss Moren Randolph, and the HUT. Pendleton Award for Community Service, Tanya
011Young Bloodood. Today is also a celebration of achievement, perseverance, and the journey that has brought our graduates to this moment. While today is certainly about our seniors, it is also about the many people who have supported, encouraged, and guided them along the way. At this time, I would like to recognize the teachers who have invested countless hours into the lives of these students, not only teaching lessons in the classroom, but also offering encouragement, support, patience, and care throughout the years. Teachers, would you please stand so we may recognize and thank you for the impact you have made on the class of 2026. I would also like to recognize the parents, grandparents, guardians, family members, counselors, coaches, support staff, mentors, and countless others who have helped shape these graduates into the young men and women they
012are today. Your love, sacrifice, guidance, and unwavering support have helped make this moment possible. Would all of you please stand so we may recognize you graduates. Please join me in thanking these individuals whose influence and encouragement have helped you reach this important milestone. Thank you. Good afternoon parents, family members, friends, faculty, honored guests, and graduates. One of the greatest traditions of graduation is recognizing the students who have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievements. The students we are about to honor have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and commitment throughout their high school careers. Their accomplishments reflect not only countless hours of hard work, but also the support and encouragement of their teachers, families, and classmates. Today, we are proud to recognize the top 10 students of Rusber High School class of 2026. These students have excelled both
013inside and outside the classroom and represent the very best of what it means to be a Red Devil. Their leadership, character, academic excellence have left a lasting impact on our school community and we are excited to celebrate their achievements today. At this time, we'll recognize the top 10 students of the class of 2026. Please stand as your name is called. And audience, please hold your applause until all students have been recognized. Vaness Chin, Braden Hall, Jillian Jerk, Quentyn Hubard, Kayen Davis, Kelly But McCormack, Jaden Johnson, Zeblon Goldman, and Claire Butler. Congratulations. You may be seated. At this time, I will recognize the honor graduates of Rusburg High School. These students have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher through the completion of their senior year and are identified today by the yellow
014stools they are wearing. Their achievement reflects years of dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. Honor graduates, please stand as your name is called. And audience, once again, please hold the applause until all students have been recognized. Summer Adams, Ariah Antrim, Spencer Baker, Blair Bae, Delaney Benzel, Eli Bigum, Isaiah Briggs, Aiden Brown, Claire Butler, Kelly Butani Charlton, Vaness Chen, Daniel Cleur, Zachary Coleman, Jame Crawford, Madison Cruz, Tyson Darity, Kayen Davis, Alexis Demit, Jason Dixon, Troy Dixon, Preston Douly, Caroline Franklin, Tristan Franklin, Hannah Frier, Zebulon Goldman, Ailen Gavia, Bravo, Rally Gunter, Braden Hall, Tanner Hall, Taylor Lhall, Taylor Inhal, >> Jason Hardy, Johanna Hedings, Carly Holt, Clinton Hubard, >> Aiden Hudson, Logan Hughes, >> Somaya Jackson, Maline Jenkins, Abigail Jennings, Jayen Johnson, Jillian Jerkau, Hunter Leonard, Emily Lden, Braden Marchie, John Marble, Jillian Mayberry, Bale Mayhew, Colton
015Maize, Cooper McCormack, Kase McCormick, Tim McIll, James Meline, Kayen Miller, Meredith Mily, Luke Nelson, Emily Nunees, Strider Parsons, Cameron Powell, Ari Reed, Haley Rig, >> Lucas Ripley, Lena Roser, Bruce Roundtree, Jacob Sigler, Aiden Ston, Michael Shupe, Bailey Slusher, Emily Stinett, >> Kayen Taylor, Justin Thomas, Annie Thompson, Ella Torres, Noah Wells, Logan White, Jacob Wingfield, and Wesley Wooten. Congratulations, You may be seated. Good afternoon. It is my honor to introduce the validictorian for Rusber High School, class of 2026, Vaness Chin. Throughout his time at Rusburg High School, Vaness has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in school activities. He has participated in chess club, national honor society, indoor track, steam club, and disc golf club, demonstrating a wide range of interest in a commitment to both academic and extracurricular activities. Excellent. Excuse me.
016Vanessa's accomplishments are truly outstanding. He has earned recognition as an AP Scholar, received the College Board Rural and Smalltown Recognition Award, and achieved certifications as a Microsoft Office Specialist Associate, Word Expert, and Excel Expert. Most notably, he graduates as this year's validictorian. This fall, Vaness will attend Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in computer engineering with plans to build a future in software development or computer hardware engineering. Please join me in welcoming the Rusber High School class of 2026 valadictorian, Vaness Chen. Wait. Okay. Does this work? Hello. Oh, okay. Howdy, my fellow Americans. I'm proud to be standing here as valadictorian alongside my vow pal Braden Hall. Uh the message I would like to deliver today is about the impact family and friends have had on my journey. Life can often times feel tough, difficult,
017challenging, especially when you have to face these trials alone. However, with the support of people, these times can become a little more enjoyable, even if they simply brighten your mood by playing Fortnite with you. Uh, which allows it to become less tiring, easier to get through, and allow an even better version of yourself. This is why I emphasize the importance of camaraderie, love, and compassion, as they are what can drive us to accomplish some of the greatest feats. Without the support of others, will we really have achieved all that we have? As the visionary leader and transformer Optimus Prime once said, "Family is not only defined by our blood, but by those who stand beside us in our greatest moments. Remember the people who have helped you along the way. Whether it be friends, family,
018or anyone else. Strive to give back to those who have supported you, and you may find yourself achieving greatness." Anywh who, I'm proud to be part of this year's graduating class of 2026 and good luck in your future endeavors. Hey, what's up? There are places I have changed. Some forever not for better. Some have gone and some remain. All these places have their moments with loved ones and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living. in my life. I love them all. D D. But of all these friends and love, there is no one compares with you. And these meories lose their meaning. When I think of love as something new, though I know I'll never lose affection for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and
019think about them. In my life, I love you more. In my life, I love you more. It is my honor to introduce our co- valadictorian for the Rusber High School class of 2026, Braden Miller. Hall. During his time at Rusber High School, Braden has demonstrated dedication, discipline, and excellence both in the classroom and through athletics. He has competed in the varsity indoor and out outdoor track for four years, varsity cross country for three years, and varsity swim for one year. Showing commitment and perseverance through his high school career. Braden's academic and technical accomplishments are equally impressive. He earned nocti and Microsoft office specialist certifications and received an honorable mention from the Virginia Junior Academy of Science for his research project titled the effect of filament type on the tensil strength to mass ratio of a
0203D printed object. In addition, he has been recognized as an AP scholar for his outstanding academic achievement. This fall, Braden will attend the United States Naval Academy where he plans to pursue his interest in nuclear engineering while preparing to serve his country. Thank you, Braden. We made it. I'm glad to be standing here in front of you guys alongside my Val pal, Vaness Chen. I'm not really qualified to give any professional advice. So, here are my two cents. When you all wake up tomorrow, remember that one day you won't. The gift of life is promised to no person, regardless of status. This simple fact is troubling, but I believe we should all use it as motivation to achieve great successes in our future. Seize every opportunity and never let any person put you into a
021situation you do not wish to be in. Life is all too short to confine yourself to someone else's standards. If you want to do something, do it. If you want to be something, do everything in your power to be it. And most importantly, be happy. The only thing to gain in life from being a complainer and a Debbie Downer is a headache and some lost time. I'd like to reference a quote by artist Kanye West on his track titled Homecoming. Reach for the stars, so if you fall, you land on a cloud. Music has had a major impact on my life. And I believe this verse highlights a motive that all of us should share as we go into our next steps. Strive for excellence in all that you do, regardless of how insignificant it
022may seem. as small wins often add up to major successes. And when failure inevitably arrives, as it will for I and every other person in this room, we may find that we are much further along than we thought we ever could be. I'd also like to shout out my barber, Lucas Ripley. If you ever need a fresh cut, just hit him up. On a serious note, I'm grateful to have been a part of the Rusber High School class of 2026. Thank you and go Big Red. Good afternoon and welcome to the graduation ceremony for the Rusber High School class of 2026. My name is Jillian Mayberry and I am honored to serve as the vice president of the Brusburg High School Student Council Association. On behalf of our senior class, thank you for joining us
023as we celebrate this special milestone and recognize the accomplish accomplishments of the class of 2026. Tonight, it is truly an honor to introduce someone whose story began right here in Rusburg. Born and raised in our community, Steve Farmer graduated from Rusburg High School in 1980. Continuing a proud family tradition that includes his mother, sister, and many other members of the farmer family who have also walked these halls as a red devil. Mr. Farmer has dedicated his career to expanding educational opportunity and helping students su succeed. Since 2020, he has served as the University of Virginia's vice provost for enrollment where he has worked to strengthen student access, success, and community across the Commonwealth and beyond. Under his leadership, UVA has expanded partnerships with community colleges and high schools, increased opportunities for first generation and lower
024income students, and continued its commitment to ensuring talented students can pursue higher education regardless of financial circumstances. Prior to returning to UVA, Mr. Farmer served as vice provost for enrollment and undergraduate admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his time there, UNCC rech achieved record high levels of academic excellence and student diversity while also creating nationally recognized programs designed to support students from community college and lower income households. Throughout his career, Mr. farmer has received numerous honors recognizing his leadership and service including UNCC's CN Knox Massie Distinguished Service Award and induction into the Ordin of the Golden Fleece, the university's highest honorary society. A graduate of Duke University and holder of a master's degree from the University of Virginia, Mr. Farmer's accomplishments are remarkable. But what makes tonight especially meaningful is
025that at his core, he is one of our own, a red devil whose journey from Rusburg High School has impacted countless students across the country. Please join me in giving a warm Rusber welcome to our graduation speaker, Mr. Steve Farmer. Jillian, thank you. That was so nice of you. That was that was really a kind introduction and you made me sound much better than I am. And uh thank you Dr. Shields for the honor of spending time today with this amazing class, the class of 2026. Um and all the people who love them and are here to support them and the faculty and staff who made it possible for them to be here. I am just going to say Dr. Shields, you didn't tell me I was going to be speaking after really great student
026speakers. Um, and if you had, I might have declined, but um, they set a high bar for me and I hope I hope not to pass under it. Um, and finally, and maybe most importantly, class of 2026, thank you. Thank you and congratulations. I am really really happy and really grateful to share this moment, which is your moment with you. I'd like to start um this little talk with some good news and then some bad news and then some more good news. So, the good news is that this will not be the worst speech ever given at a Rusber High School graduation. That speech has already been given in June 1980 in the Rusber High School gyms. That's the good news. The bad news is that I'm the one who gave that speech. And it
027was not just bad, it was bad, bad. Here are the actual note cards I use for that speech. I can't tell you why I saved them because I can barely bring myself to look at them. In fact, I'm not. Back home, I have a picture of myself giving this terrible speech. I am waving my arms around. I have a really wild look on my face. Principal Hugh Pendleton is sitting behind me just shaking his head. So, that's the bad news. But the good news is that I have tried to learn from that mistake and from the many other graduation speeches I've heard since then. And the main thing I've learned about a good graduation speech is that a good graduation speech is one that nobody remembers. So, I'm actually hoping this speech will be good
028enough for you to forget. But there are other things, more important things that I hope you will remember. First, I hope you will remember that you have learned. You have all taken your own paths through Rusber High School. So, none of you has learned exactly the same thing as any of your classmates, but when you add it all up, it's really pretty amazing. Which is to say that you are pretty amazing. You have learned how to read poetry, make sense of history, solve for X. You've learned how to landscape, to weld, to write, to code. You've learned how to drive. You've learned how to take vital signs. You've learned how to draw blood. You've learned how to cheer and block and tackle. You've learned how to hit the three and the curve. You've learned how
029to work jobs, whether for spending money or to put food on the table for your families. You have learned how to shovel snow. And you've learned that when the snow turns to snowcrete and it cannot be shoveled, you can chop it into pieces with an axe. You've learned how to love your friends and to let your friends love you. Now, if you're like the rest of us, you won't remember everything you've learned, but I hope you will remember the things that will bring you joy and the things that will help you find your way. Three days ago, I was talking with a colleague of mine and I was telling her about a lesson Bill Skinner taught me in 11th grade English at Rusber High School. A lesson I have used almost every day since 11th
030grade. The day before that when I was working on a presentation, I remembered for probably the 10,000th time something that Anne Green taught me in yearbook. And every day, every day, I benefit from the things that Ray Wade and Robert Miller, two great coaches, taught me about being a good teammate. Remembering the things I learned from these wonderful teachers and coaches has given me a better life. And it's helped me do at least a little bit of good in the world. And so I hope remembering what you've learned will do the same for you. And even when you forget something you've learned, as you will, I hope you'll remember that you actually had to learn it. With everything you know now, everything you know now, there was a time when you didn't know it. The
031difference between that day and today is that you tried and you kept trying. A few weeks ago, I was visiting a high school. I found myself standing next to a high school senior, a really big guy dressed in black, dark shades, hat pulled low. I asked him what he was looking forward to after graduation, and he told me he loved art and was headed to college to learn how to teach it. And when I told him I was in awe of artists because I had and have no artistic ability whatsoever, he looked at me really hard. He looked down at me for what felt at the time like a very uncomfortably long minute. And then his face softened and he said to me in the kindest of voices, "That is just not true. The only
032difference between you and me is that I've picked up a pencil every day since I was five and tried to draw. You just have to try and keep trying. So, class of 2026, I hope you'll remember that you've learned what you've learned because you tried and kept trying. And I hope that will give you confidence that you can keep learning whatever you need to know for the rest of your long and I hope very, very happy lives. Second, I hope you'll remember your mistakes. It might seem strange to hope that because we're often told to forget our mistakes and move on. That's not bad advice in the sense that we shouldn't let our mistakes define us or hold us back. But I actually think that remembering our mistakes can make us want to do better.
033And it can remind us that we're human, which can help us show grace to all the other humans around us. I've already mentioned that terrible mistake I made back in June 1980 in the gym at Rusber High School. Since then, I have made too many more to count, including some really, really big ones over the course of the last two weeks. The ones that have stayed with me the longest are the times when I was mean to someone or when I saw someone struggling but didn't try to help them or when I didn't ask for help. when I was the one who was struggling. As painful as those memories are to me, and they are painful, I think they've made me at least a somewhat better person. The memory of my meanness has made me
034kinder. The memory of my not helping has made me more helpful. The memory of my struggling has reminded me to reach out when I'm not doing well today and to encourage others to do the same. Now, of course, my mistakes aren't your mistakes, but I do hope you will remember yours. Not dwell on them, not punish yourself for them, but remember them, because remembering them will help you become the person you are truly meant to be. And third, and finally, I hope you'll remember that you did not get to this day alone. It is impossible to list all the people who made it possible for you to be here. The people who believed in you, your parents and guardians, your grandparents and aunts and uncles, your mentors, your neighbors, the people who taught you and
035coached you and counseledled you at Rusber High School and before you came to Rusber High School, the people who cooked the food you ate and mopped the halls you walked and mowed the fields you played on. And the people, your classmates, who studied with you and laughed with you, who picked you up and pushed you forward, who felt your joys and your sorrows as if they were your own. The people who are here beside you right now as you celebrate all you've accomplished and as you lift your eyes to the road ahead. the people, the Rusber Red Devils, who will always be with you, always. Because you will remember them and because they will remember you, too. Class of 2026, I hope you will forget this speech. But I do hope you will remember. And
036I hope you will trust that I am so so grateful to you that I had the honor of sharing this moment, your moment with you this afternoon. So thank you again and congratulations again and good luck and God speed. Thank you so much Dr. Farmer. That was truly inspirational. Um, I swear this is the last time you guys will have to hear from me. I'm so sorry. Anyways, I'm so honored to stand up here and introduce this person because he has significantly made an impact on my life. It's hard to put into words what Mr. Torrance truly means to me. And thus why I couldn't be more honored or grateful to introduce him today. There are certain people that will come in and out of your life, but there were some that will stay and
037leave a mark on who you become for forever. When I first walked into Mr. Mr. Torrance's classroom with my dad for orientation as a little freshman. I figured I would just be signing up to learn about more agriculture and FFA. Little did I know would I be stepping into the place where I would learn some of the most important lessons in my entire life. through every early morning at the courthouse cafe if I was able to get up on time, every competition at tech, every field trip to his farm where he would pull grasses and crops from the ground and ask what is this and what is everything about it where any simply conversation you simply had with him. It was all a part of one of his great lessons. I don't think Mr. Torrance
038will ever realize the impact he has had on the lives standing in this room. Because sometimes the people who change your lives are the ones who do it quietly without praise. His patience, consistency, sacrifice, and simply showing up for people and his students day in and day out is what makes Mr. Torrance truly honorable. He trusted and allowed me to create this day called Farm Day that had never been done before and stretch stretched across three elementary schools in the county. Then this year, he allowed me to extend that to five days in five elementary schools. During one of the farm days, we somehow were missing half of the supplies needed for four out of the eight stations. And for those of you who know me, you know how much of a perfectionist I am.
039Mr. Torrance physically dropped everything that he had in his hands that second and rushed to the store. He bought and replaced everything that was missing. And to top it off, he got back with all the supplies before the event even started. I'll honestly never know how to truly repay him for all that he's done. But Mr. Torrance, thank you for everything. And just know that it has been a privilege to know you and now an even priv an even bigger privilege to introduce you today. Faculty, graduates, the audience, would you please welcome Mr. Johnny Torrren? Well, I didn't know Johanna was going to be introducing me. So, parents, faculty, and the class of 2026, I stand here today representing each of the teachers who have poured into your lives, not just over the past four
040years, but spanning back to that first day in kindergarten. It's an honor to be able to speak to you today and attempt to drive home a few of the things that I imagine every teacher who ever taught you has wanted you to know. So, let this be your last lesson from your years at grade school. This will mostly be a review. One of the things I think your teachers would want to make sure you know is that from a here on out the list of things that you are in charge of will grow. But there are three things that I can guarantee you will be held responsible for. The first is your actions. You will not have much control over your circumstances but you will be held responsible for your actions. You might have to
041learn this. You might have learned this in the first grade when you got in trouble for talking even though the rest of the class was talking too. The second thing that you are responsible for are your thoughts. Certainly you can always control you can't always control the thoughts and the ideas that pop into your head. But you and you alone are responsible for the mental narrative that you create. If you think of yourself as a loser, you will act like a loser. If you give in mentally to every whim and urge, you will begin to be guided by those whims and urges. You have the responsibility to train your mind and cultivate your thoughts. This is why I might add that all of us have watched carefully as you've struggled with how to handle your
042phones. Too often time on your phone is where you your mind and thoughts are at ease, relaxed. The problem is you are holding something in your hand that is not neutral in the fight for your mind. You are responsible for training your mind. So be vigilant. Guard your mind from the things that will negatively influence it. The third thing that you are guaranteed to be responsible for are your emotions. You can't always control the emotions you feel, but it is your responsibility to become aware of them. Handle them well and make sure they are expressed in a way that is appropriate. Know yourself and develop a healthy curiosity about why you feel the way you feel. A good rule of thumb is that when you have an emotion that is stronger than seems appropriate to
043the situation, be curious enough to find out why. This you have been growing in this skill since kindergarten. Let that growth continue. This will serve you well in life. I give you this advice not because I think your generation is particularly bad off and needs to be corrected, but because I recognize that these are the things every mature person must master. In fact, when I think of this class, I am pleased with who you are. There are very few there are few things that stand out to me. You are a class that seems to really enjoy the community of which you are a part. You actually dance at a dance and cheer at a pep rally. You've exhausted us teachers, but you've given us so much life. We've watched you grow and are so proud
044of you. Please know that we are here for you and we are in your corner. Thank you. Well, class of 2026, you're almost there. For 13 years, you have sat in classrooms with teachers pouring lessons into you day after day. But today I want to take a moment to share some of the lessons you have taught me. Over the years I have watched this class grow not only academically but as people. You have learned that success is important but character matters more. You have learned that failure is not something to fear but something that teaches us, shapes us and often redirects us towards something greater. Class of 2026, one of the lessons I hope that you carry with you from your time at Rustburg High School is the understanding that learning does not end today.
045A diploma is not the finish line of education. It is simply proof that you are prepared to continue learning in new ways. Learn from your successes, but also from your failures. Learn from the people who think differently than you do. Learn from your experiences, your mistakes, and from the challenges life places in front of you. Never become so confident that you stop asking questions. Never become so comfortable that you stop growing. Continue seeking wisdom, seeking understanding, and seeking opportunities to come better than you were yesterday. Today is not the end of something. It is only the beginning of something. You have already made an impact on so many people, including me. My challenge to you is this. Continue to use your talents, your passions, and your gifts to positive positively impact your communities and those
046around you. The future is brighter because of you, and I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. Congratulations, class of 2026. And always remember, once a red devil, always a red devil. Dr. shields. The seniors before you have met the graduation requirements of the Virginia Department of Education, the Campbell County School Board, and the faculty of Russellberg High School, and are eligible to receive their diplomas on this 30th day of May, 2026. Honor marshals, please escort the class of 2026 to the podium. Johanna Lynn Hedings >> Vaness S Chen, Braden Miller Hall, Jillian Michelle Jerkow, >> Clinton Robert Hubard IV, Kayen Gail Davis, >> Kelly Elizabeth Butt, Kase Gage McCormick, >> Jaden Harley Johnson, Zebulon Lebron Goldman, >> Claire Elise Butler, Summer Lynn Adams, Deja Love, Allen Aiden Dallas Almanza, >> Joselyn Nicole Alonzo
047Bazera Javvon Isaiah Andrews, >> Hunter Wayne Angel, Ariah Divine Antrum, >> Brandon Edward Bailey. Brian Christopher Bates. >> You got it, buddy. Haley Marie Boatright. Hayden Amber Bailey, Key Sha Bailey. Matthew Delwit Baker, Spencer Austin Baker, >> Dakota Ethan Belaloo, >> Blair Elizabeth Bae, Michelle Benzel, >> Michael Gavin, Bess, Eli Grayson, Bigum Nicole Marie Blankenship >> Isaiah Robert Briggs Bryce James Ray Berford, >> Emmanuel Velasquez Cabalero Casey Aaron Cameo, >> Jaquin Elwood Campbell Caleb Elijah Cash Carly Lynn Cash >> Chamani Unique Charlton Matthew Amos Cheek, >> Kayla Renee Childers, Quentyn Parker Clemenson, >> Daniel Joshua Clemer, Zachary Reed Coleman, >> Zamir Keith Coleman, Austin Randolph Kohl's >> Tristan Renee Perea Laredo Ansley Elizabeth Cox JC Kalin Cray. You're amazing. Jameson Grace Crawford, >> Caitlyn Marie Casy, >> Madison Rain Cruz, Robert Daniel Cromwell, >> Arieli
048Quaar, Bryce Leland Denhart, >> Tyson Lee Dockerty, Alexis Marie Dement Yashi Hares Desai Alexander James Cornelius Durr >> Jason Deont Dixon Jr. Noel Marie Dixon. Troy Alexander Dixon, >> Preston Allen, Douly, Olivia Paige Driscoll, Alexander Jaden Nathaniel Dunn >> Dominic Christopher Ryan Easley Jordan Blake East >> Ardan Kain Island. Payton William Elliot Carly Loving Floyd played, >> Logan James Fox, >> Caroline Elizabeth Franklin, Kendra Ayana Franklin, >> Tristan Lucas Franklin, Hannah Rose Frier, >> Nicole Anne Garrett, Ethan Lee Gilbert, >> Ailen Natasha Goa, Bravo, >> Evan James Graham, Jacob Hunter Granzo, Colobby Blake Griffin, Dne Isaiah Grooms, >> Noah Clay Grubs, Riley Christine Gunter Jqu's Avon Haley Caitlyn Paige Hall, >> Tanner Frank Hall, Taylor Lee Hall, >> Taylor Nicole Hall, >> Amaran Rayquan Hamlet, >> Jason Stanley Hardy, >> Stephen Dwayne Hajj Jr. Carly
049Francis Hol Madison Cheyenne Hol. Emma Gail Horn, >> Brody Ray Horsley, >> Courtney K. Hubard, Aiden Scott Hudson, >> Logan Ramsey Hughes, William Craig Humphre, >> Somaya Olivia Jackson, Mattaline Marie Jenkins, >> Abigail Lynn Jennings, Carter Blake Johnson, >> Kendan Lee, Kellum, John Nicholas Kimmel, >> Payton Lily Bell King. Christy Fay Klein, >> Ryan Hunter Knight, >> Hunter Blake Leonard, Hannah Angel Lloyd, >> Emily Grace Lden. Nicholas Preston Lman >> Braden James Machi John Isaac Marple, Leah Katherine Martin, Logan Douglas, Big L. Martin, >> Jillian Paige Mayberry. Belle Iona Mayhew Colton Ridge Mazize Daniel Taylor Mazize >> Cooper Adam McCormick. Leslie Keith John McCoy, >> Tim Arnold McIll, >> Samuel Daniel Luke Maguire, >> James Ernesto Medlin, >> Abigail Marie Miller, Kaden Elise Miller, >> Dallas, Michael Miller, Ronald Lee Milner, >> Meredith Grace Mily,
050my Damian Bradley Mitchell, >> Shayla Marie Moody, >> Melvin W. Mullins Jr. >> Luke Martin Nelson, >> Emily Anne Nunees, Amber Michelle Osmond, >> Sydney Allison Paige Strider Reigns Parsons. Caris Nicole Patillo, >> James Paul Haley Elizabeth Pierce, >> Kaani, Unique Pink. Jason Tyler Posey, Cameron Alexis, How Roy Elliot Pew III, >> Lanson Michael Ramsey, Ryan Daniel Ramsey, >> Kiierra Grace Redmond, Ari John Reed. Love you boy. Zoe Nicole Reynolds >> Haley Alexis Rig I love you. >> Lucas Dean Ripley, >> Riley Victoria Roglin. Lena and Roser, >> Bruce Alexander, Roundtree. Jared Yosiel Salvador Balddro, >> Mario Santiago Herrera Lacy Elena Schultz, >> Jacob Devin Seagal Aiden Walker, Sexton, >> Micah, Levi, Shoot. Alyssa Faith Shortidge >> Grayson Thomas Schaw. Bailey and Slusher. Love you. >> Javvante Levi Smith. Camari Lavantes, Spinner, >> Elena Naen
051Stansfield, Emily Claire Stinett, >> Sophia Grace Stinson, Ammani Stone, >> Kayen Bryce Taylor Kayen Pierce Taylor. Justin Taylor Thomas, >> Annie Katherine Thompson, Dylan Dwayne Thompson, Kaden Jeremiah Tomlinson, Ella Jade Torrance, >> Anna De Jani Torrance Tmaine Deshawn Vassel, >> Elizabeth May Wade, Landon Michael Wade, >> Rosar Alyssa Nicole Wells, >> Noah Bradley Wells, Logan James White, >> Ethan Robert Williams, Lily Anna Wilson, >> Jacob Ryan Nordon, Wingfield, Aiden Michael Wood Skyler Rose Woody Yes. >> Wesley David Wooten, >> Ashlin Elizabeth Workman, Tamarian Dorelle Worsham, >> Kase Michael Wright. Class of 2026. By the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Campbell County School Board, I hereby declare you graduates and alumni of Rusber High School. Congratulations. Families and guests, please stand and remain standing as the graduates recess out. After
052the recessional, please meet your graduate outside the Vine Center so we can prepare for the next graduation. Congratulations. Heat. Heat. Good morning. Good morning. Here we are. There you go. Thank you. Heat. Heat.