001How's it going? >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Yeah, [music] Lord. >> [music] >> We did all we did. [music] Looks like [music] huh? >> [music] [music] >> birthday. [music] Where are you? [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] You might [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Oh yeah. >> [music] >> that out. [music] How are you? [music] Hallelujah. How are you? [cheering] [music] Hallelujah. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Where are you? [music] >> [music] [music] >> There are city Where are you? [music] Brother. Hallelujah. >> [cheering] >> Please remain standing for the presentation colors by the Greensville County High School JOTC Eagle Battalion and the playing of the national anthem by GCHS symphonic band. Okay. >> [music] [music] >> Hallelujah.
002[music] Hallelujah. >> [music] [music] >> Where are you? Thank you. You may be seated. [music] I just start now. Good evening. It is my distant honor to welcome friends, loved ones, community members, Greensville County High Public School staff, superintendent, school board members, and the remarkable graduates of the class of 2026. [cheering] Y'all, we have done it. Yesterday it felt like our very first day of high school. We were nervous hoping to see each other in our new classes or having to work with people we had never met before. It felt like be forever before we graduate. And now here we are dressing in cabinet gowns. ended a school story with a bang and turned the page to the next big adventure. To the class of 2026, today is more than just the end of high
003school. It's the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, challenges, and growth. We would not be here without the support of our families, teachers, and friends. I want to thank the class of 2026 for making my high school years memorable. I love you all and hope the paths you all take will have many blessings. And with that, I would like to welcome you all to the Greensville County High School class of 2026 commencement ceremony. [cheering] [applause] >> [screaming] >> I will now bring to the podium Tyler Wales for the saludiatoran address. [cheering and applause] Good evening. Good evening everyone. I don't got much to say. Um, as you would know, um, I want to give a shout out to my cousin Giana. Uh, she helped me write some of this speech, so if it's
004bad or don't make sense, blame her. Um, but I'd like to begin by saying congratulations to the class of 2026. [cheering] >> [screaming] >> Tonight we celebrate the late nights, the early mornings, the hard work, and all the moments in between that carried us here. This day isn't just about growth. It's about change and about stepping into the next chapter of our lives with open arms and open hearts. Standing here now, it's hard not to wish that the future would slow down for just a moment. There are times when everything felt like it was coming too fast. deadlines, decisions, expectations, and all we wanted was a little more time. Time to breathe, time to figure things out, time to feel ready. But life doesn't wait for us to feel prepared. It keeps moving, even when
005we want to hold it still. And maybe that's the point. I mean, these past four years have shown us just how quickly everything can pass. One moment we're walking into school for the first time and now we're here realizing that the past has already slid behind us. Life isn't something we're meant to freeze. Last time I checked, none of us were God. Trying to stop change is like trying to redirect a river with our bare hands. The water is going to move, but it's that movement that carries us where we're meant to go. God has never asked us to redirect that river. He asked us to trust him enough to be swept away by it because our time here on this earth is limited. And once it slips by, we can't rewind it. We can't
006go back and choose another option. All we can do is choose how we move with it. Not rushing past the moments, but passing through them with intention and faith. So, as we step forward into whatever comes next, I want us all to remember to live fully. To stop dreading the future and start embracing it. the trust that even when we don't know what's ahead and but God does and he will guide us. So let's take our journey in stride knowing that every moment even this one is something we'll carry with us long after today. And once again congratulations to the class of 2026. We made it and this is only the beginning. Thank you. >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Thank you, Tyler. At this time, validictorian Jayla Mason will deliver her message. [cheering] Good evening to
007the administration, faculty, staff, family, friends, honor guests, and the 2026 graduating class of Grizzen County High School. [cheering] Before I say anything else, I want everyone in this room to pause for a second. Look around. Look at the people beside you. Look at the families in the audience. Look at the teachers who pushed us. and look at the classmates who walked this journey with us. Because this moment would never happen again. Years from now, we will remember tonight. Not because of the cap and gowns, but because this was the moment we realized we survived every single thing that tried to stop us from getting here. Because behind every smile in this room is a story nobody will fully know. There are students sitting here tonight who fought battles silently. Some struggle with pressure. Some struggle
008with loss, some struggle with anxiety, doubt, responsibilities, and simply trying to hold themselves together while the world expected them to keep going. And somehow we did. We learned that strength is not pretending that everything is okay. Strength is getting up every morning when life feels heavy and choosing not to quit. There were days some of us wanted to give up and days we questioned our future. But tonight proves something different. We are stronger than every obstacle we face. Graduation is very deep to me. Graduation is proof of resilience, proof of growth, and proof that even when life became difficult, we found a way to keep moving forward. And tonight, I need my classmates to hear this. Do not let one bad chapter convince you or your story is over. Some of the most powerful people
009in the world once felt unsure of themselves. And some of the people sitting in these seats tonight are going to accomplish things nobody sees coming yet, including you. Before I continue, I need to thank the people who carry me through this journey. To my mom, thank you. Thank you for pushing me even during the moments when I wanted to give up on myself. Thank you for every sacrifice, every prayer, every word of encouragement, and every time you reminded me who I was when I forgot. There were moments when I felt exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically. Moments where I doubted even if I was enough or not. But your love and your strength kept me going. This accomplishment may have my name on it, but it belongs to you, too. And to my sisters, Desire and
010Michaela. Thank you. [snorts] Thank you for being part of the best and hardest moments of these years. Thank you for the laughs, the conversations, the memories, and for reminding me that I never had to go through any of this alone. And to the teachers of Greon County High School, thank you. Thank you for seeing potential in us beyond our mistakes. Thank you for challenging us to grow. Thank you for refusing to give up on students who sometimes wanted to give up on themselves. Class of 2026, tonight is not the end. Tonight is the beginning of our lives where we are about to create. But no matter where life takes us, never forget this. Your circumstances do not define your future. Your setbacks do not define your worth. And your past does not does not determine
011how far you can go. You are capable of more than you think. One day somebody will hear your story and decide not to give up because you didn't. And one day you will look back on this moment and realize that this was not the feeling finish line. It was the moment your life truly began. And as Mariah the scientist once said, and finally some doors were closed, but here's the open windows. And that's exactly what tonight is. Yes, one chapter of our lives is ending, but another one is just beginning. So tonight, walk across the stage with pride. Walk knowing you earned this. Walk knowing you overcame things nobody else may ever fully understand. And [snorts] most importantly, walk knowing that your story is still being written. Congratulations to the class of 2026. We made
012it. [cheering] Thank you, Jayla. As we continue the program, we will now have a musical selection by the GCHS symphonic band featuring select marshalss, junior marshalss, and members of the class of 2026. [music] >> [music] [bell] [music] >> Goodbye. >> [music] >> Daddy la. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Wonder. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Today [music] you >> [cheering] >> I love you. At this time, I bring to the podium Mr. Philip Deans, Greensville County Public Schools 2025 2026 Teacher of the Year. Class of 2026, my Eagles, today you just don't walk across this stage. You rise because that's what eagles do. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who wait on the Lord," Huh, y'all? Somebody know, Somebody know shall renew their strength and rise up with wings like what? >> Eagles. That means
013your strength isn't in what you know, it's in who you know, >> who you trust, >> and how you persevere. >> And when life gets heavy, and it will take some time to look to the heels from which cometh your help, knowing that your help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. Your help is your strength, is your direction and is a greater than yourself. There are four things I want to leave with you tonight. As eagles, you have characteristics of number one is vision. Keep God first. Look to God for everything. Number two, courage. Don't run from storms. Rise above the storm. Number three, resilience. Turn your test into a testimony. [cheering] Number four, responsibility. That's why you're here. Take ownership of your life without excuses. I've seen you do it. I've
014seen you walk the halls for the last four years. Some of y'all scared. I hate math. I know. Good. You're in the right place. We're going to make sure you learn math. And in that math and that confidence built your courage, turn your fixed mindset into a growth mindset. That's why you sit where you are today. Learn this lesson. Please learn this lesson. Sometimes there's a fall season in life. That season simply means there are some things that you have to leave. Just like the leaves fall off the tree, you have to leave some friends that distract you from your purpose. You have to leave some folk that doubt you. You have to leave people, anybody that doesn't believe in you. Not out of anger. Don't do it out of anger. Do it because it
015fulfills your calling and your purpose. Lastly, listen, Eagles, you were not meant to stay on the ground. If you do have to come down though, come down to help another eagle. Come down to lift somebody up. Come down to say an encouraging word. Class of 20 26, y'all hear me? >> I can't hear y'all. Class of 2020, y'all hear me? >> Keep rising, keep soaring, and keep achieving. For the race is not given to the swift, nor to the strong, but is given to the one who finish. Finish strong. So with eagle pride, can you say with me? When I say eagles, you say so. Eagles. >> Eagles. So >> God bless you. >> And now we will have remarks by Southside Virginia Community College spe special assistant to the president of legislative and community
016outreach, Dr. Alfonso Stewart. Good evening, Greensville County. >> I'm Dr. Alfonso Su and I would like to bring you all greetings on behalf of Dr. Quinton Johnson, the current president of Southside Virginia Community College and the community college family as a whole. I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2026. Today marks a significant milestone and accomplishment in your life. It comes with opportunity, responsibility, and an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to your community. Whether you plan to continue your education, enter the workforce, I encourage you to pursue excellence in all that you do. Strive not just to succeed, but to lead, inspire, and make a difference. It is my distinct honor to recognize a remarkable group of 48 seniors from Greensville County High School who have completed the rigorous academic requirements
017of Southside Virginia Community College. [applause] These academic requirements have led to an associate arts of sciences degree or the uniform certificate of general general studies through Southside Virginia Community College. These are university parallel programs designed to transfer to a 4-year college and university and are a result of the strong partnership between Greensville County Public Schools and Southside Virginia Community College. These students have earned both high school and college credit. In doing so, have already completed the equivalent of one to two years of college. In addition, 46 students have completed career focused college coursework, earning career study certificates and industry recognized credentials in specialized fields such as culinary arts, cosmetology, HVAC level one, nurse aid, and welding. Their hard work and commitment reflect a high level of dedication to their personal and professional growth. At this
018time, would all of Southside Virginia Community College graduates please stand and families, please give them a round of applause. [cheering] [screaming] [cheering] You all may be seated. Once again, congratulations to you all and good luck with your future. Finally, we will have remarks by our superintendent, Dr. William Wright, Jr., good afternoon, almost evening. How y'all doing? How's everybody? Uh ladies and gentlemen, I want us to do something. Whenever we get together um and we're talking about young folks, sometimes in 2026, it is not such a grand occasion, but tonight we're here to celebrate these young folks. I want us to make some noise in honor of these folks. [cheering] That That was real cute. But if Michael Jordan walked through that door, you all would make some noise. Let's try that again on behalf of
019these young folks. [cheering] Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Thank you. Thank Thank you for helping me do that. Okay. All right. Now I'm talking. Thank Thank you for that. Why did I ask us to do that? Because these folks are not just at the end of a journey, but they're also about to begin one. and they're going to need us to celebrate them outside of uh just now and the next day or two. They're going to need us 6 months from now, two years from now when life starts lifing. >> So, graduates of 2026, I want to say simply there's a quote from a man named Henry David Thorough. It's called, it says, go confidently in the direction of your dreams. So, I'm going to encourage you really quickly to to dream. That's what you got to
020do in this next step. And so, as the new superintendent here, we won't talk a lot about that. I'm just getting to meet you. I'm certainly very proud of you. But I used to be a DJ. Yeah. Back in the day. So way way way before you all were born, there was a song named Fantasy. It is by the elements of the universe. Your grandmama would call them earth, wind, and fire. Yeah. Old school. And so I'm encouraging you to dream just as the song says. And I'm not going to give you all the words. Uh tell mama to play it on the way home. You you you'll get it. If you if those of you that are going to an HBCU, by the way, too, you will hear this song next year on the
021yard. But here are some of the words. Every man, and I substituted and woman, has a place in his heart. There's a space and the world can't erase his fantasies. Take a ride in the sky on your ship. fantasize. All of your dreams will come true right away. Y'all remember that, right? Grandma probably bopping her head a little bit right about now. And we will live together until the 12th of never. Our voices will ring forever as one. You all will always be one, the graduating class. Every thought is a dream rushing in by a stream bringing life to the kingdom of doing. Take a ride in the sky on a ship fantasize. All of your dreams will come true miles away. Come to see victory in the land called fantasy. Loving life, a new
022degree, bring your mind to everlasting liberty. My favorite part. With the wind as you fly away, give a smile on your lips and say, "I am free. Yes, I'm free now. I'm on my way." And there are some more words in there, but the bottom line is you're not at the end of something, but at the beginning of the rest of your lives. So, take it from me. Dream big. Go forth and be amazing. Don't settle for anything less. Congratulations. >> [cheering] >> In my last duty of mistress of ceremonies, I now turn the program over to GCHS administration for the moment we have so patiently waited for. The presentation of candidates by Mrs. Aronda Bell and Dr. Benedict Bagierro along with the awarding of diplomas by Dr. Yardley Farlson. right up here. [music] [cheering]
023>> Turn them over. I want to make sure. >> I just want to make sure the names are right. >> I know this light is bright. >> Anasia Barnes >> [screaming] >> Ayana Belton, [cheering] Shatavia Bennett, [cheering] Ula Bowman, [cheering] Tasia Bird, Briasia Kane, [cheering] >> Celia Carr, [cheering] Yadia Castanos, Gonzalez, [cheering] Annayia Collier, Desiree Darden, [cheering] >> Tia Do, Nyla Doohart, [cheering] Jak Ka Fields, [cheering] Jaylen Francis, >> Jennifer Franco, Ribon, >> Jada Franklin, >> [cheering] >> Janelle [screaming] Franklin, [cheering] the Stephanie Garcia Sodto, Samantha Gillum Micaia Glisten, [screaming] Nadia Guru, [cheering] Ralia Graves, Gracie Grizzard, >> Annayiah Harris, >> Tasha Haskins, [cheering] Marqua Naasia Hawkins, >> [cheering] >> Jakiah Hicks, Amaya Hill, [cheering] Jalissia Johnson, Mandy Johnson, >> Reanita Johnson, >> Taylor Johnson, [cheering] Alyssa King, Ariana Night, [cheering] >> Hayden Lackey, Shantia
024Lee, [cheering] Jakira Lewis, Rajane Lewis, [cheering] >> Marie Lopez Powell, [cheering] Paris Manning, Rainey, Maryland, [screaming] Zoe Matthews, >> Ashlyn melana miles, Shante Moody, Dream Moore, Jordan Morgan, Aaria Moss. I got just Joanna Nicholson. [cheering] Donasia Parker, [cheering] >> Stephanie Patterson Gordon, Zakayia Pearson, Jakaya Pierce, >> Desiree Petri, >> Caitlyn Porch, [cheering] >> Angel Pooh, Kimaya Powell, [cheering] >> Zaka Powell, Tania Reigns, >> Raqua Sam Rice, [cheering] Paige Singleton, >> Taylor Smith, >> Adriana Smith, [screaming] >> Addison to Haley Sour. >> All right. >> Cana Sykes. >> Hey, you got it. You got it. >> Jet Taylor. Sahavia Terry, >> Micaia Thomas, >> Hannah Trailer, >> [screaming] >> Katie Turner, [cheering] >> Charna Marie Turnup Seed, [cheering] >> Dariana Userie, [screaming] >> Janiah B, Zakira War, >> Anasia Washington, >> Annayia Web, Alice Wales, Net
025Whitfield, [cheering] >> Aaria Woodson, >> Jan Anderson, >> [cheering] >> Titus Annie, >> Cardian, Amen, >> Jan Baker, [cheering] >> James Belchure, Damon Bolton, >> Tyrone Bradley, [cheering] >> Kan Brown, [screaming] >> Patrick Brown, >> [cheering] >> Braden Bulock, >> Travis Kane, [cheering] >> Xavon Chappelle, [cheering] >> Zamir Chapman, Roy Clayborn, >> Charles Cook, >> Aris Council, >> Dylan Dean, Michael Joy, >> William Joy II, Kan Jongo, Brian Juban Ramos. >> [cheering] >> Maris Edwards, >> Adam Fuse, >> Eddie Franklin, >> [cheering] >> Tommy Gardner, >> Jaden Gillis, >> Tavon Given, Javier Camari Hog Lamad Harris, [cheering] >> Dakari Harrison, Carson, Troy Hawkins, Samuel Hazel, >> Tavon Hicks, [cheering] Caleb Ivy, >> Desan Jefferson, Jatavian >> [cheering] >> James Jones, [screaming] [cheering] >> Josiah Jones, >> Zel Lewis, [cheering] >> Eric Lopez, Batista, [screaming] Jamaria
026Landy, >> Lynch, >> Romeo Mcclenny Jr. >> Jaylen Miles, Marqu >> [cheering] >> Cuaderian Zahim Nicholson, [cheering] Cameron Obama, >> Ethan Agorn, Troy Phillips, >> Mai Phillips, [cheering] Cameron Picket, [cheering] Kamar Pillo, [cheering] Sir P, >> Jean Pollen, >> Azar Porter, Addis River, Eric River, Tylen Robinson. >> Kaij Kaijs [cheering] >> Tony Osbor [cheering] Tony Squire [cheering] Daria Stew, >> Camaro, TAFF, [cheering] >> JAMES, TANNER, >> TYLER, TISDALE, [cheering] Caleb Troyer, >> Nathaniel Tucker, [cheering] >> Kamaj Walker, >> Naim Waller, [cheering] >> Nad Waller, Jamaria Lamonte Walton, [cheering] >> Michaela Andrews. [screaming] [cheering] Narin Salah, >> Tyler Wells, >> Ja Mason, [screaming] Now we have a special message from our head eagle, Dr. Posie James. >> Good evening, class of 2026. Make some noise one last time for yourselves. Okay, okay, that's enough. Calm down.
027Tonight is your night, champs. Tonight we celebrate your hard work, your sacrifices, your growth, your resilience, and every obstacle you refuse to let stop you. You made it after 13 years of hard work, late nights, early mornings, tests, practices, games, performances, friendships, memories, and challenges. You are almost official graduates of Greensville County High School. Class of 2026, I need you to understand something tonight. You did that. In a few moments, you will officially be graduates of Greensville County High School, and no one can ever take that accomplishment away from you. You are a class that continued the tradition of excellence at Greensville County High School. You represented the Eagle Spirit with pride, determination, and perseverance. As your principal, it has truly been an honor to watch you grow into young adults ready to take on
028the world. Some of you are heading to college. Some are entering the workforce. Some are joining the military. Some are still discovering your path. And that is okay. Just remember this. Your future is bright. Your purpose matters. And greatness already lives inside of you. parents, guardians, families, teachers, and staff. Thank you for pouring into our students, encouraging them, supporting them, and helping them reach this incredible milestone. Class of 2026, never forget where you came from and never, never underestimate where you are capable of going. Continue to soar above every obstacle. Continue to believe in yourselves and continue to walk proudly in your greatness. NOW REPEAT after me one last time our morning chat at Greens High School. We walk like, talk like, act like, AND WORK HARD like a champ. Class of 2026, this is
029not goodbye. It's simply see you later. No matter where life takes you, you will always have a home here at Greensville County High School. Congratulations graduates. And remember, once an eagle, always an eagle. I love each and every one of you so, so much. Enjoy the rest of your graduation ceremony. [cheering] Now, to the class of 2026, please stand up. [cheering and screaming] Dr. Wright, Mr. Jesse, and members of the school board. These are candidates for graduation that have completed the necessary coursework, have met the Virginia standards of learning, and have met all the requirements for graduation as set forth by the Virginia Department of Education and Greenville and Greensville Public Schools. Therefore, the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Greensville County School Board, I proudly pronounce them graduates of
030the class of 2026 [cheering] graduates from Tasses. CONGRATULATIONS [cheering] Happy birthday.