001I'm already I'm sorry. I'm >> Wow! All right, family. >> [music] >> Wow! Wow! [music] Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [bell and music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] [music] >> Thank you. >> [music] [music] >> Hey! Oh! >> [cheering] [music] [cheering] [applause and music] [cheering] >> You may be seated. We love you, Dad. Good morning. I'm Dr. Ben Martin, principal of Jefferson Forest High School, and I want to welcome to the Jeffersons Jefferson Forest High School class of 2026 commencement ceremony. To our families and
002friends, dedicated faculty and staff, honored guests, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2026. Thank you for joining us today. It is an honor to stand before you as we celebrate this remarkable achievement and look ahead to the opportunities that await each of you. The theme for today's ceremony is a quote from C.S. Lewis that states, "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." For many of you, this moment may feel like it's arrived sooner than expected. Today, you leave behind the hallways where you grew up, the teachers you knew well, and the friends who became like family. Yet, as this chapter closes, a new one begins. One where you will shape your path and begin building legacy you will carry forward in this life. Today marks a culmination of of
003years of perseverance, growth, and achievement. Each of you has contributed to the legacy of excellence at Jefferson Forest High School. In the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and through your leadership and service. Of the 319 graduates today, 126 of you have earned a GPA of a 3.75 or above. >> [applause and cheering] [applause] >> The class of 2026 has also accumulated over 2.8 million dollars worth of scholarships that goes towards colleges and universities. >> [cheering] [applause] >> When nearly 40% of a class reaches that level of academic distinction, it isn't just individual talent, it's a culture of excellence that you have built together. Your foundation of academic excellence was developed when most of you entered school in Bedford County, and it was cultivated throughout your academic career. Beyond academics, you have distinguished yourselves
004in athletics, and the arts, and countless extracurricular activities, continuing continuing the proud tradition of Jefferson Forest High School. As you leave today, your paths will begin to take shape in different ways. Some of you will attend colleges and universities, some of you will enter the workforce, some will serve in the military, and others will pursue technical or trade careers. No matter the direction you take, the foundation you have built over the past 13 years has prepared you well. Take pride in what you've accomplished, and take a moment to truly celebrate this achievement. Before you move forward, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on those who had helped you reach this milestone. Your parents, your guardians, your family members, who have supported and encouraged you every step of the way. Your teachers, counselors,
005coaches, nurses, custodians, librarians, and staff have guided you, they've challenged you, and believed in your potential. Success is never achieved alone. Take a moment today to express your gratitude to those who have supported you along the way. If I can offer you one bit of advice, it would be this. Your character and your relationships that you build will matter far more than any title, achievement, or destination. Your values, your integrity, and the choices you make every day will shape the impact you have on this world. There will be challenges ahead, but there will also be incredible opportunities. Embrace them both. Learn from your mistakes, continue to grow, and stay committed to making a positive difference wherever you go. You have built a strong foundation, and beginning today, you will shape your legacy of who you
006are and how you want to be remembered. Class of 2026, you've already proven that you're capable of great things. Go forward with confidence, knowing the best is still ahead of you. Congratulations on all your accomplishments, and best wishes for everything that next. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Good morning. My name is Philip Thane and I serve as the vice president of the National Honor Society and overall SCA secretary. Through these roles, I've had the privilege of serving our school community and I'm honored to continue doing so today. Now, please rise if you are able and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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. And you
007may now be seated. Good morning, everyone. My name is Triet Ngo and it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this graduation ceremony. On the behalf of the graduating class, I would like to thank you for being here with us today to share this special occasion. First and foremost, we extend our appreciation to the families, friends, teachers, and staff that supported the graduates throughout their journey. Your guidance, patience, and encouragement have played an essential role in helping each student reach this milestone. Today marks an important transition. Graduation is not only a conclusion, but also a recognition of years of effort, learning, and growth. Each graduate sitting here has reached this moment through dedication, persistence, and determination. While the path may have been different, the commitment to reaching this day is shared by all. Over
008time, this journey has also been about building connections and discovering who we really are. Beyond assignments and exams, we have shared experiences that brought us here today as classmates and as a community. These moments, both big and small, have helped us shape the memories that we take with us and the perspective we carry into the future. At the same day, today is a celebration of community. No achievement is made alone and every graduate has been supported by people who believe in them, challenge them, and help them grow. And for that, we are sincerely grateful. As we begin the ceremony, I encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate how far the graduates have come and to look forward with optimism towards what lies ahead. Once again, welcome and thank you for joining us today. >>
009[applause] [applause] >> Good morning, everyone. My name is Elizabeth Johnson. Today, we take a moment to recognize a group of individuals whose courage and sacrifice make gatherings like this possible. The freedoms we celebrate today, the ability to learn, to grow, and to stand here as graduates have been protected by the dedication of our veterans. These men and women answered a call greater than themselves. They committed to something bigger, often putting themselves on the hold, and in many cases putting themselves in harm's way so that others like us could live in peace and opportunity. As we celebrate this milestone, it's important that we pause in gratitude because while today is about our achievements, it is made possible by their service. If you are a veteran, on active duty, or member of the reserves, please stand so
010that we can show our appreciation for your service. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you for your service and dedication to our freedom. The decision to serve our country is not one taken lightly. Now, we would like to honor those members of our graduating class who have chosen to serve in our country's armed services. Please rise and remain standing when I announce the branch of military that you will be serving. Army. >> [applause] >> Navy. >> [applause] [applause] >> Air Force. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Marines. >> [applause] >> And Coast Guard. >> [applause] >> We thank you for your commitment to service, your valor and sacrifice, and we wish you the best of luck. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Good morning. My name is Leo Chain, and it is my honor to introduce the student participants
011for the Jefferson Forest Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony. When I call your name, please stand and remain standing until everyone has been recognized. Philip Thang. >> [applause] [cheering] >> Chew up? No. >> [applause] >> Liza Johnson. >> [applause] >> Myself, Leo Chen. >> [applause] >> Spencer Sloan. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Cooper Wolf. >> [applause] >> McKenzie Duncan. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Rida Zahra. >> [applause] >> Daniel Shea. >> [applause] >> Caden Froelich. >> [applause] >> And our senior class president, Audrey Stinnett. >> [applause] [applause] >> Good morning. My name is Spencer Sloan. It is an honor to stand before you today, and an even greater honor to celebrate the remarkable achievements and transformation of the class of 2026. I would like to share a brief passage with you. The lesson of the butterfly by Paulo
012Coelho. A man spent hours watching a butterfly struggling to emerge from its cocoon. It managed to make a small hole, but its body was too large to get through it. After a long struggle, it appeared to be exhausted and remained absolutely still. The man decided to help the butterfly and with a pair of scissors, he cut open the cocoon, thus releasing the butterfly. However, the butterfly's body was very small and wrinkled and its wings were all crumpled. The man continued to watch hoping that at any moment the butterfly would open its wings and fly away. Nothing happened. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its brief life dragging around its shrunken body and shriveled wings incapable of flight. What the man, out of kindness and his eagerness to help, had failed to understand was
013that the tight cocoon and the efforts that the butterfly had to make in order to squeeze out of that tiny hole were nature's way of training the butterfly and of strengthening its wings. As we reflect upon this passage, I challenge you to view the obstacles that we will inevitably encounter as we enter college or the workforce differently. I challenge you to see them as opportunities to build strength, to build resilience, and to grow. I challenge you to have faith that somewhere, somehow, these opportunities are designed to make us better students, to make us better employees, to make us better neighbors, and empower us to shape the next generation as parents. Class of 2026, we have emerged from a cocoon filled with lifelong memories, commendable achievements, and opportunities for growth. And each of us is stronger
014and more resilient for having shared this cocoon with each other. We may spread our wings at different times and in different ways, but there is no doubt that each of us will emerge from this cocoon and soar. And I cannot wait to see what each of us and what the class of 2026 will accomplish. Go Cavs. >> [applause] >> Hey guys. My name is Cooper Wolf. And I'm so grateful for the opportunity to speak to you guys today. I would like to share a story with you by Brian Hinckley that has helped shape my life. It is bringing me comfort in times of change, loss, and sacrifice. Such is the time that us graduates face right now and the time that we will face uh throughout the rest of our lives. An older boy and
015his young companion were walking along a road which led through a field. They saw an old coat and a badly worn pair of shoes by the roadside. And in the distance, they saw the owner working in the field. The younger boy suggested that they hide the shoes, conceal themselves, and watch perplexity on the owner's face when he returned. The older boy thought that would not be so good. He said the owner must be a very poor man. So, after talking the matter over, at a suggestion, they concluded to try another experiment. Instead of hiding the shoes, they would put a silver dollar in each one and see what the owner did when he discovered the money. Pretty soon, the man returned from the field, put on his coat, slipped one foot into his shoe, felt
016something hard, took it out, and found a silver dollar. Wonder and surprise shown upon his face as he looked at the dollar again and again. He turned around and could see nobody. Then he proceeded to put on the other shoe. When to his great surprise, he found another dollar. His feelings overcame him. He knelt down and offered a loud prayer of Thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife being sick and helpless and his children without bread. He fervently thanked the Lord for this bounty from unknown hands and invoked the blessings of heaven upon those who gave him this needed help. The boys remained hidden until he had gone. They had been touched by his prayer and felt something warm within their hearts. As they left to walk down the road one said to the
017other "Don't you have a good feeling?" Just like these boys decided to give up something that they cherished we are all giving up a part of our life that is familiar and full of so much good that we cherish. But in giving it up >> [snorts] >> we are finding how much good there is ahead. We may feel as though we are making a sacrifice but we will find just as these boys did that giving sharing our love and sharing our care only brings us greater fulfillment and joy. We are giving up our silver dollar to someone else. And as we step into our own shoes we will realize we are taking on something so much greater. Although we are leaving so much good behind there are far, far better things ahead. Thank you. >>
018[applause] >> Good morning, everyone. What does it mean to look ahead with complete hope? to live with undeniable joy and remain steadfast in the face of the unknown. How do we press forward into new chapters when we long to hold tightly to what we are leaving behind? And what are we doing each day intentionally to plant healthy seeds for the future we cannot yet see? These are questions I believe every one of us should be asking. And I wonder if C.S. Lewis asked something similar when he penned those words. They are not easy questions, but they are worth exploring. The past 17 years of our lives have been filled with an abundance of joy and sorrow, learning and growing. They have formed precious memories, built deep roots, and shaped us as who we are as
019children of God. Before we run toward what lies ahead, I want to pause and invite each of us, graduates, families, teachers, and this beautiful community gathered here today, to be genuinely, intentionally grateful for every single one of those moments. In Galatians 6, Paul reminds us that we reap what we sow. Sowing seeds of grace, goodness, love, and mercy is not passive. It is intentional work practiced daily. So, the question before us is not simply what lies ahead, but how we choose to step into it. Will we sow with joy? Will we sow in community and help cultivate the communities that we are about to join? The seeds we plant today determine the harvest we walk in tomorrow. I think of my band director, Mr. David Webb, who has spent years intentionally growing people in good
020character. His example has reminded me that achievements and accolades, as exciting as they are, cannot compare to the worth of who each of us are at our core, a person made in the image of God, fearfully and wonderfully formed. That is something truly priceless. And yet, the road ahead will not always be painless. C.S. Lewis wrote, "We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us. We are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." That honesty is both sobering and deeply comforting. Suffering is real. Uncertainty is real, but so is the faithfulness of the one who holds our future, and that makes the perseverance worth it. Because here is where things get truly exciting, the harvest. This is where the seeds sown in faith, the roots grown in community,
021and the character built through difficulty begin to bear fruit in abundance. This is the place where undeniable joy is not just possible, it is the overflow of a life lived with purpose and intention. So, as we step into college, trade school, the military, the workforce, or whatever extraordinary next chapter awaits each of you, I want to leave us all with this. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, led by someone far greater than ourselves into far, far better things than anything we leave behind. >> [applause] [applause] >> Good morning, everyone. My name is Rida Zahra. Standing here today, looking at my classmates, our families, and staff who have supported us every day, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the memories we have all made, the challenges we have overcome, and the growth we didn't
022notice in the moment, but can't ignore now. We have spent 4 years walking the same halls, sitting in the same classrooms, and building our lives in a place that felt so permanent. If there is one thing my time at JFS taught me, it is that nothing stays the same. And while it can feel uncomfortable, it allows us to become who we are meant to be. We have seen that clearly in the friendships we've made along the way. Some of those friendships become the people we laugh with every day, the ones that have made us laugh at the hardest times. They're memories that we'll carry along with us forever. But not every friendship stays the same. Some people who once meant everything to us are no longer walking besides us. And while that can be difficult,
023it doesn't take away from the fact that those friendships once meant something. They shaped us, taught us, and helped us grow as people. Sometimes change means learning when to hold on and when to let go. Through all of this, we start to understand that change isn't just happening around us. It's something that is happening within us. As John F. Kennedy once said, "Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future." Right now, we are living that change. It's easy to look back, to wish for one more ordinary day, one more conversation, one more moment we didn't realize would matter so much. But if we stay focused on what's behind us, we begin to miss everything that's waiting ahead of us. Because
024change isn't just an ending, it's a chance to explore ourselves. Every late night, every exam, every moment we thought we weren't good enough, but had the courage to keep going, are the moments that built us. They taught us resilience and strength. And even after we leave this place, those lessons lessons stay with us. The future is uncertain. There is no single path anymore, no road map telling us where to go. But that uncertainty is where possibility lies. Some of us will be following long-planned dreams, others will discover new dreams along the way. Some will feel sure of what's next, and some won't, and that's okay. What truly matters is that we keep moving forward, willing to change, and be brave enough to step into the unknown. Because the future isn't something that's waiting for us
025to find, it's something we have the power to create. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Hello. My name is Daniel Sia, and I would like to thank my friends, families, and teachers for all the contributions. I am pleased to introduce our honored guest who contribute to the operation of all Bedford County Public Schools. Thank you for your service to our students, faculty, and staff. When I call your name, please rise to be recognized if you are in attendance. From our school board, representing District 1, Mr. Jordan Karnes. >> [applause] >> Representing District 3, Mr. Steven Hill. >> [applause] >> Representing District 4, Ms. Jill Dobson. >> [applause] >> Representing District 5, Mrs. Dora Pervis. >> [applause] >> Representing District 6, Dr. Kurt Heuberg, vice chair. >> [applause] >> Representing District 7, Mr. Christopher Daniels, chairman. >>
026[applause] >> And from our school board administration, Dr. Karen Woodford, deputy superintendent. >> [applause] >> Mr. Randy Hagler, assistant superintendent of finance and operations. >> [applause] >> Dr. Leanne Calvert, executive director of human resources and talent development. >> [applause] >> Dr. Josh Cornett, Executive Director of School Administration. >> [applause] >> Mr. Justin Tucker, Director of Student Support Services. >> [applause] >> Mrs. Kelly Jennings, Director of Special Education. >> [applause] >> Mr. Barry Sexton, Director of Information Technology. >> [applause] >> And Superintendent of Bedford County Public Schools, Mr. William DuPree. >> [applause] >> Now, I'd like to introduce our senior class president, Audrey Stinnett. >> [applause] >> Good morning, everyone. My name is Audrey Stinnett, and I had the great privilege of serving as your senior class president for the class of 2026. I'm truly honored
027to stand before each and every one of you today and be addressing this year's graduating senior class. My fellow graduates, faculty, friends, and family, I know it sounds cheesy and a bit cliché, but we made it. When I sat down to write this speech, I honestly had no idea where to start. Partially because, in full transparency, my senioritis was definitely in full swing, but more so because I wasn't sure how to encapsulate the last four years of amazing memories and life lessons into only a couple of short minutes. When I received the year 2026 in my Bedford County email, I had doubts that these would really be the quickest four years of my life. Again, cliché, but I blinked and somehow it's already all over. So, when I began writing this speech, I realized that
028I can view not only high school, but life through three different lenses: where we've been, who's traveled with us, and our final destination. If we take a moment to look back, we realize just how far we've all really come. Every late night assignment submitted minutes or even seconds before the deadline, stressful exam weeks, and moments we did not think we would make it to the finish line, we did. But just as important as looking behind you is looking beside you. Everyone go ahead, look beside you, give everyone a little wave. I promise no one's going to bite. Whether this person is your best friend or an individual you barely know, believe it or not, they have helped you get to where you are right now and have been a crucial part of your high school
029journey. Maybe you've bonded over receiving a bad test grade or they've seen you trip up the stairs from the cafeteria. Guilty. If you see me do that, please don't let me know. In all seriousness though, I want you to think of someone who's carried you through the journey we all call life. Whether this person is a parent, a loved one, a best friend, the Lord, or maybe it's even yourself, let us take a moment to appreciate and extend gratitude to them because not a single one of us got here alone today. With this being said, not everyone knows the journey, the trials, or the challenges that you've had to face throughout these last 4 years. All the difficult moments and rough days led us here, sitting in these chairs, ready to turn our tassels, and
030be showered in congratulations. The truth is is that we walked through the same halls every single day for the past 4 years without realizing that the people next to us were carrying battles we knew absolutely nothing about. Yet they still managed to come to school every single day with a smile on their face, even encouraging others to smile as well. It is so easy to underestimate the different hardships others are managing. Yet despite this, we're all seated in the same place, graduating from the same high school, and sharing the same amazing milestone. And I personally believe that this deserves an immense amount of congratulations and honor. We did not all follow the same path to get here today, but nonetheless, this day belongs to us all equally. And finally, I want us to look ahead
031towards a future that is exciting, intimidating, and uncertain all in one. The scary but reassuring truth is that no one truly knows what comes next. Some of us do have a plan, college, careers, the military, but there are some Some us who are still trying to figure things out, and that is okay. There is no wrong choice. Not knowing what the future holds for us doesn't make us any less of a person, it simply makes us all human. What I know for certain though is who holds my future. Deuteronomy 31:8 says the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. If there's two things that my dad reminded me of for certain in a world of uncertainty, it
032is that one, God holds our future and is the same God today, yesterday, and always. One of great purpose and intention. And two, the world will try to convince you that you are not good enough to succeed. But today, I want to encourage you to listen to the voice of God, and with this, we are given the strength to achieve anything he has planned for us. Because of this truth from my dad and the Lord, I can hold on to the reminder of Corrie ten Boom, never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. So, as we step into this new exciting chapter of life, I want to leave you with one last remark. A quote, something my beautiful mother, one of my biggest cheerleaders, would always tell me before gymnastics meets,
033big moments, or even the smallest of events. Do your best, try your hardest, and have fun. This quote would give me such peace and was a constant reminder of how my life would work. It is not always going to be easy. Life is meant to challenge you, push you in ways you never knew possible, and help you grow into the person you aspire to become. But I also want to remind you that life is so incredibly precious, and we only get one chance to have it on this earth. So, enjoy it, laugh through it, and celebrate often. And today, my fellow graduates, is definitely something worth celebrating. Be proud of how far you've come, be grateful for the people who have helped you get here, and be excited for these new seasons of life and
034everything that will lie ahead. Thank you and congratulations to the class of 2026. We did it. >> [applause] >> Hey guys, how we doing? Good. Uh if you're a little bored, I'm sorry about that, but you know, it's graduation. Anyways, uh my name's Kaden Froelich and I am going to be introducing our administration people. So, as I call your names, please stand to receive your applause. Dr. Ben Martin, principal. >> [applause] >> Mrs. Kim Morris, assistant principal. >> [applause] >> Mr. Ryan White, assistant principal. >> [applause] >> Mrs. Caitlyn Wood, assistant principal. >> [applause] >> And Ms. Cynthia Taylor, world language teacher. >> [applause] >> All right, perfect attendance, guys. Thank you. Before we begin calling names of our graduates, we will have a moment of silence in memory of our fellow classmate, Carson Lee
035Sammon. Please join me in a moment of silence at this time. Thank you. Ms. Taylor, you may now call our graduates. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Good morning. Will the class of 2026 please begin lining up to receive your diplomas? And if everyone could hold your applause until all names have been read, we would appreciate it. Thank you. Tyler Isaiah Adair >> [cheering] [applause] >> Reagan Christine Alber, high honors >> [cheering] >> Dylan Trey Allen Curtis Paul Allison >> [cheering] [applause] >> Leila Michelle Allen Catherine Isabel Alves >> [applause] >> Matthew Zane Anderson >> [applause and cheering] >> Samuel Joseph Anderson, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Sarah Ann Antron. >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Samantha Arredondo. >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Caleb Eddie Arizon, high honors. Eden Kirkley Baber. Liliana Grace Baldwin. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Mackenzie
036Brooke Ballard. >> [applause and cheering] >> Yesenia Nicole Barajas Rodriguez. High honors. >> [applause] >> Mackenzie Ann Barker, high honors. >> [applause] >> Corban Gabriel Barksdale. >> [applause] [cheering] >> Nolan Maxwell Barrick, high honors. >> [applause and cheering] >> Joy Elizabeth Baston. >> [applause] [cheering] >> Jayden Daniel Bigler high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Marshall Cole Blankenship high honors. >> [cheering] >> Sophia Rose Blendowski high honors. >> [cheering] >> Kyle David Bliss. >> [cheering] >> Marie Rose Boatner. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Trent Edwin Bowles. >> [applause] >> Caden Michael Bonderant. Marshall Lennon Bosworth. Isabella Olivia Bowles. >> [cheering] >> Dottie Adele Branson high honors. >> [applause] >> Shane Jackson Bright high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Connor Hagan Britain. >> [applause] >> Pearson Van Brooks, high honors. >> [cheering] >> Dareon Imani Brown. >> [screaming]
037>> Braden James Bunkley. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Atticus Jude Byrum, high honors. >> [applause] >> Andrew Michael Camarda, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Dakota James Campbell, high honors. >> [applause] >> Alexis Noel Capen, high honors, AP Capstone recipient, AP Diploma candidate. >> [applause] >> Addison Faith Caro. Nathaniel Harrison Carter. >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Jackson Jones? Okay. [cheering] Jackson Carter. Lexi. Lexi Renee Catron >> [cheering] >> Leo Wang Chang, high honors >> [applause and cheering] >> Ashley Caitlin Chase Joshua Alfred Chavez >> [applause] >> Taylor Marie Tuning >> [cheering] >> Tristan Asher Childress Samuel Lucas Christiansen >> [applause] >> Andrew Carter Clark, high honors >> [applause] >> Ava Grace Clark Nora Grace Clark, high honors Christian Thomas Cobbs >> [cheering] >> Hunter Ray Coughlin >> [screaming] >> Richard Joseph Cole, high honors >> [cheering] >>
038Ava Delaney Compton, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Piper Grace Cook. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Macy Ann Kopp. >> [applause] >> Cody Grayson Cox. >> [cheering and applause] >> Ryan Jack Daffner. >> [screaming] [applause] >> Skyler Gail Daily. >> [cheering] >> Spencer Leonard Eugene Davidson. >> [applause] >> Mariella Margaret De Santis, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Maya Lynn Derricott. >> [cheering] >> Madison Renee Deuce. Evan Douglas Dexter. >> [applause and cheering] >> Gatlin Lennon Dickens. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Jackson, Wyatt, Dolan, high honors. >> [cheering and applause] >> Mawani, Koevary, Domingo. >> [cheering] >> Aidan, Paul, Dooley. Kaylee, Dawn, Doss. >> [applause and cheering] >> Nina, Marie, Dudley. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Connor, David, Duffer. >> [cheering] [applause] >> McKenzie, Grace, Duncan, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Clara, Rose, Eaton, high honors. >>
039[cheering] [applause] >> Jacob, Riley, Eckert, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Brody, Aaron, Epperson. >> [cheering] >> Oscar, Stewart, Esposito, high honors. >> [cheering] >> Edward, Jeremiah, Everhart. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Brody Garrett Falwell >> [applause and cheering] >> Hania Farooq >> [cheering] [applause] >> Naomi Ephraim Fentahun high honors >> [applause] >> Amaya Lee Ferguson >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] >> Madeleine Elizabeth Ferguson >> [cheering] >> Jonathan Omar Fernandez Jr. >> [cheering] >> Noah Joseph Fink >> [cheering and applause] >> David Fabio Freire Jr. >> [cheering] >> Caden James Froehlich high honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Gardner Caden Tanner Gagnon I don't have him. Tanner Gagnon Tanner Gagnon >> [cheering] [applause] >> Noah Harris-Gardner >> [cheering] [applause] >> Amelia Cassidy-Geeman >> [cheering] >> Caden Emerson-Gerhardt >> [applause] >> Julie Ann Marie Gibbs, high honors >> [cheering]
040[applause] >> Wyatt Joseph Giles >> [cheering] >> Beckett Scott Gilliland, high honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Caden Aubrey Glass >> [cheering and applause] >> Madison Marie Goff Henry Hilliard Gooch the VI >> [cheering and screaming] [screaming] >> Isabelle Lee Gooch, high honors Javian Xavier Grayson Javian, excuse me. Javian Xavier Grayson >> [cheering] >> Sophia Eleanor Grulik Riley Riley Breelle Griffin >> [cheering and applause] >> Catherine Ava Groomes Zamir Mikael Hairston >> [cheering] [applause] >> Gavin Arthur Harrington, high honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Rowan Barrett Harrington, high honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Evan Parker Harrison >> [cheering] >> Tucker John Hartzell >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Caden James Harvey, high honors >> [applause] [cheering] >> Sky Hadley Heap Sophia Grace Heishman >> [cheering and applause] >> Cesar Andres Hernandez Montano >> [applause] [cheering] >> Jedediah Gage Hickey
041Cole Wesley Hinant high honors >> [applause and cheering] >> David Matthew Hiss high honors >> [applause and cheering] >> Gage Alden Hogan high honors >> [cheering and applause] >> Ethan Christopher Horning >> [applause and cheering] >> Christian Lawrence Horvath >> [applause] >> Logan Joseph Houlihan high honors >> [applause] >> Ashley Nicole Emily I don't have Jaylen Howell Howell Jared Wayne Houston >> [cheering] [applause] >> Ashley Nicole Huffman >> [applause and cheering] >> Emily Christina Hughes, high honors, AP Capstone diploma candidate. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Austin Joshua Ifill. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Carter Reed Irvin. >> [cheering and applause] >> Lydia Grace Isaacs. >> [cheering] >> Samantha Jacobo Chonchez, high honors, Sanchez. Genevieve Marie Jaeger, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Kendra Lashawn Jamerson. >> [cheering] >> Braden Matthew Jennings, high honors. >> [applause and cheering]
042>> Cohen Nathan Jokum. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Elizabeth Grace Bradshaw Johnson, high honors, AP Capstone recipient. >> [applause] >> Lena Janae Johnson. Lucas Gabriel Johnson >> [cheering] [applause] >> Cameron Maurice Jones >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Jade Marie Jones >> [screaming] >> Jason Jackson Jones >> [cheering] [applause] >> Michaela Abigail Jones >> [cheering] [applause] >> Kylie Noel Kaufman >> [cheering] >> Slade Austin Kazee high honors >> [applause and cheering] >> Chloe Abigail Keith, high honors, AP Capstone recipient >> [applause] [cheering] >> Jacob Jacob Matthew Kelly >> [cheering and applause] >> Sean Colin Kennedy, high honors >> [applause] >> Ruhama Kasakaraga >> [cheering] >> Ethan Tyler Keys Addison Remi Kidd, high honors Kevin Jun Chen Kim Kevin [cheering] Jun Kim >> [applause] >> Mark Han Min King >> [cheering] >> Alexandria Leanne King, high honors >> [cheering]
043>> Lillian Grace Kirby >> [cheering] [applause] >> Benjamin Walker Koback, high honors >> [applause and cheering] >> Christian Daniel Kolb >> [cheering] [applause] >> Catherine Ann Kovarik, high honors Carter Xavier Kowal >> [applause] >> Zachary Carlton Krebs >> [cheering] >> Breanna Marie Kusnetz High honors Zoe Renee Labor High honors >> [cheering] >> Alexis Claire Lane High honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Claudia Linda Lebeau >> [applause] >> Abigail Grace Lee Ronald David Leporati the third >> [applause and cheering] >> Justin William Lester >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Sarah Naveah Link >> [cheering] >> Judson Thomas Lynn >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Ashley Lane Excuse me, Ashley Jane Logan High honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Grayson Lee Long >> [cheering] [applause] >> Nehemiah Raiden Long >> [screaming] [cheering and applause] >> Emily Parker Laucks, high honors >> [cheering] >>
044Elijah Colton Lucas, high honors >> [cheering and applause] >> Laura Leigh Lee Moss, high honors >> [cheering] >> Gabriel Elise McGee, high honors >> [cheering] >> Brylan Ramsey Marr >> [cheering] >> Mallory Holland Marsteller, high honors >> [applause and cheering] >> Diary Armani Martin [screaming] >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Nolan Lee Mata >> [cheering] [applause] [screaming] >> Jonathan Edward Mayberry, high honors Chloe Barbara Mays Kaya Elizabeth Mays >> [cheering] >> Brooke-Lynn McHugh is not here. Uh Star Mays >> [cheering] [applause] >> A lit Excuse me, Brooke-Lynn McHugh, high honors >> [cheering] >> Maya Noel McKendry >> [cheering] >> Travis Gray McLaughlin, Jr. >> [cheering] >> Maya Lou McMillan >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Christian Andrew Malika >> [cheering and applause] >> Princess Rayla McWhirter May >> [cheering] >> McKenzie Francine Messerelli >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Lindsay Alyssa
045Meyer, HIGH HONORS PATRICK MICHAEL MILLER >> [cheering] >> WHO? Joseph who? Joseph Baber. Now, what's your last name, dear? Maynard. Okay, excuse me. >> [cheering] >> Okay. Lindsey Emma Grace Milner L Elizabeth Minor >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Riley Morgan Morrell >> [cheering] >> Michaela Rae Morris >> [cheering] >> Harmony Jayla Mosley >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Terrence Joseph Muliano Battle Jason Michael Musser >> [cheering] >> Alexander Logan Narain Callie Marie Nesbitt >> [cheering] >> Jonathan Wynn >> [cheering] >> Nathan Quang Son Wynn >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Rachel Autumn Nicholas >> [cheering] [applause] >> Allison Christine Knoll, high honors >> [cheering] >> Jub Noe Jub Noe high honors >> [cheering] >> Parker Precy North >> [cheering] >> Cooper Owen Olson, high honors >> [screaming] >> Caitlin Jewel O'War Ariana MICHELLE PAGE >> [cheering] [applause] >> BENNETT NEAL
046Paris >> [cheering] >> Audric Runak Patel, high honors >> [applause] [cheering] >> Bot Key Shailesh Patel, high honors. >> [cheering] >> Kavya Brajesh Patel, high honors. >> [cheering] >> Robert Christian Penrod, high honors. >> [cheering and applause] >> Lilly Madison Powell, high honors. >> [applause] >> Josephina Rose Preston. >> [cheering] >> Kalia Marie Preston. >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Natalie Grace Putney. Kefan Key. >> [cheering] >> Emma Jewel Queen. >> [cheering] >> Isabelle Grace Queen. >> [cheering] >> Emma Yulie Radick. >> [applause and cheering] >> Aaron James Ranger, high honors. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Dev Sugar Raval >> [cheering] >> Romiel MARIE REYNOLDS >> [cheering] >> ASHER ALLEN Roberts >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Amelia Rain Robinson >> [cheering] [applause] >> Alyssa Renee Romero Shay Elizabeth Rowland >> [cheering] >> James Paxton Rowland III high honors >>
047[cheering] >> Abigail Joy Rumrill high honors >> [cheering] >> Adeline Katherine Saville >> [applause] >> Knox Andrew Saville high honors >> [applause] >> Noah Andrew Saville Alexander James Sistina. >> [applause] >> Aaron Scott Michael Schilling. >> [screaming] >> Isaac Jude Shook. >> [cheering] >> Elizabeth Grace Schrader, high honors, AP Capstone recipient, AP Capstone diploma candidate. >> [screaming] >> Josiah William Schultz. >> [cheering] [laughter] >> Hailey Elizabeth Scott. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Ava Grace Shafer. Mahi Katang Kumar Shaw, high honors. >> [cheering] >> Naomi Ruth Shalev. Cleo Clarabel Shaver. >> [screaming] >> Max Maximillian Randolph Shay. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Noel Kate Shelton, high honors. >> [applause and cheering] >> Allie Elizabeth Shepherd. >> [cheering] >> Olu Oluwajomilaju Samuel Shobayo. >> [applause and cheering] >> Ava Christine Simmons. >> [cheering] >> Spencer Morrison Sloan, high honors.
048>> [cheering and applause] >> Colin Hunter Wayne Scott Smith. >> [cheering] >> Jonathan David Smith. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Macon Joshua Smith. >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] >> Sanaiya Faith Sullivan high honors. Charles Phillips Spence, high honors. [cheering] Destiny Renee Starks, high honors. >> Giana Lynn Stewart >> [cheering and screaming] >> Abigail Jade Stronza Stall high honors >> [cheering] >> Delaney Rae Tanner >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Jesse Lynn Taylor high honors >> [cheering] >> Philip Van Lian Thayne high honors >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Michael David Tharp >> [cheering] >> Emily Grace Thomas Julian Michael Thomas >> [cheering] >> Helen Wentworth Thompson >> [cheering] >> Mason Scott Thornes Ellie Grace Tibbs high honors >> [cheering] >> Nicholas Colton Tibbs Aaron Michael Tinsley Caitlin Leanne Tomlin Jacobs >> [screaming] [cheering] [screaming] >> Alyssa Bell Trent >> [cheering] >>
049Adler Reagan Trost >> [cheering] >> Jonas Oyston Wakefield Tyree >> [cheering] >> Stephanie Michelle Olman Sally Michelle Uran >> [cheering] >> William Gary Vance Vaughn >> [cheering] [applause] >> Robert Ian Bosson >> [cheering] >> Gabriel Ryan Ward >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Benjamin Ashley Weathers the fifth >> [applause] >> Logan Elizabeth Webster >> [cheering] [applause] >> Landon Scott Willis >> [cheering] >> William Lawrence Witt >> [cheering] [applause] >> Hayden Thomas White Madison Grace Wilkinson >> [cheering] >> Andrew Gaston Williams >> [screaming] >> Della Marie Williamson High Honors >> [cheering] >> David Matthew Wilson Jr. >> [cheering and applause] >> Ella Jolie Winn High Honors >> [cheering and applause] >> Caleb Christopher Winterfeldt McKenzie Addison Witt >> [cheering] >> Cooper John Wolfe High Honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Cameron Emerson Wood High Honors >> [cheering] [applause] >>
050Avery Caroline Wyatt >> [cheering and applause] >> Daniel Hong Sheng Sia high honors McKenna Sarah Renee Young >> [applause and cheering] >> Rita Zara high honors >> [cheering] [applause] >> Gabrielle Michelle Zamperini Madison Sky Zigarelli >> [cheering] >> Marcus Wolfgang Ziesak >> [screaming] >> Alan Zeng high honors Benjamin Ryan Ziegler high honors >> [cheering] [applause] [screaming] >> Emily Hope Oswald >> [cheering] >> high honor student and your senior class president Audrey Elizabeth Stinnett. >> [applause and cheering] >> Dr. Martin, these seniors have completed the requirements for their high school degree as prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education. I present to you the 2026 Jefferson Forest High School candidates for graduation. >> [applause] [cheering] >> Will all the candidates of the 2026 graduating class of Jefferson Forest High School please stand? >> [cheering and applause]
051>> I, Dr. Ben Martin, principal of Jefferson Forest High School, by the authority vested in me from the Virginia Board of Education and the Bedford County School Board, do hereby confer upon you the designation of high school graduate as indicated with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto. Please move your tassel to the left. >> [cheering] >> On behalf of the Forest to Safe, congratulations, graduates. >> [cheering] >> Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! >> [music] >> Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! >> [music] >> Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! >> Mhm.