001Wonderful. She's not Don't feel like right now. Can I get her? And will 30 seconds. Thank you guys. Heat. [music] Heat. for Get over here. It's okay. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [bell] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] >> Good morning. Please remain standing for the playing of our national anthem. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Please be seated. Welcome to the 2026 commencement ceremony. It is a pleasure to introduce senior class president Miss Shelby Ray to bring greetings. [applause] >> Good morning everyone. >> Good morning. Welcome families, parents, friends, guests, and the
002incredible class of 2026. If you don't know me already, my name is Shelby Ray, and I'm honored to speak as this year's senior class president. Before I get started, take this moment in because it's almost over. Thank your families in the stands, your teachers up front, and your friends sitting around you. Today is proof that none of us got to this moment alone. We are here to recognize and celebrate the students of the class of 2026 and we have a tradition of holding a respectful ceremony. Please be considerate toward towards all graduates and their families as we are each individually honored. At this time, I ask that you silence or turn off all cell phones. Thank you. I may not have grown up in Matthews, but on my first day of 8th grade, I walked
003through the doors of Thomas Hunter Middle School and I was terrified because I didn't know anyone. I quickly came to realize that the people around me weren't the type to judge me. They were the type to invite me to sit at their lunch table and ask me questions to make me feel more comfortable as a new girl in school. This year's senior class gift was cleaning the fishbowl next to the cafeteria by powerwashing and refreshing the garden with new plants. But just as we helped that garden grow, there are staff members here who have spent the last four years helping us grow. As a thank you to those who made our high school experience worth it, the senior class collectively signed a gown for one staff member to wear today. The staff member chosen was
004Mr. Corrian because of the dedication he has shown to our class as a whole. [applause] At this time, Dr. David Daniel, our school superintendent, will introduce our special guests. >> [applause] >> Hi, good morning. I would just reiterate it is just a great day. It is the just the culminating of what we do as educators, the pride of being able to celebrate the achievements of the young people of this community is is one of the things we we look forward to as educators. Um, so it is um my my responsibility to recognize our special guests in attendance today. So if the guest would please uh stand when I call your name. Linda Hodes, one of our school board members. Calvin Morgan, school board member and vice chair. [applause] Amy Bohannan Stewart, also part of our
005school board. >> [applause] >> Janice Hudgins Phillips from our board of supervisors, [applause] David Walsh from our board of supervisors, Tom Bowen from our board of supervisors, April Edwards, our county sheriff, [applause] Wendy Stewart to Matthews County Treasurer. She >> [applause] >> Elizabeth Brown, clerk of the circuit courts. Leslie Hunley, our assistant superintendent, Jenny Sanford, our director of special education, Michael Anthony, our director of technology, who's in the sound booth helping us out. Taran Thomas, our school social worker, and Philip Sanderson from the Chespig Bay Governor's School. [applause] It really is a community effort today to celebrate all of our all of our students. And now, Mr. Ken Nunan will introduce our saludiatoran. [applause] It is great honor that to introduce the salatoran ma of Matthews High School class of 2026. The recipient of this
006great honor is Ella Bailey Ward. Ella, will you please come to the stage? [applause] Ella has achieved the second highest average in the class with a grade point average of 4.54. [applause] Ella is the daughter of Howard and Susan Ward. Will the parents please stand and be recognized? [applause] Ella will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall to study meteorology. While at MA while at Matthews High School, Ella was a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a member of the National Beta Club and Key Club. She also served as a student representative for the Matthews County School Board her senior year. Ella also participated in volleyball, cross country, and varsity tennis where she was a captain for the past two years. Ella has been on the honoral list throughout all four years
007of M MHS as well as attaining straight A's not only at the end of each school year for every quarter throughout the last four years. Ella is recognized as a Governor's Early College Scholar for completing at least 15 college credits while in high school. >> [applause] [applause] >> Ella was chosen by faculty and peers to attend the American Legion Virginia Girls state leadership citizenship and governatorial education program. She was also chosen for the way Mary Leadership Award her junior year. Ella was selected to attend the Governor Bay Governor the Chesapeake Bay Governor School where she attended the PE for the past three years. While at the governor's school, she was on the director's list of high academic honor each semester. She was a part of the five theta Kappa honor society at the governor's school.
008Ella received the outstanding presentation award at the governor's school science symposium for her senior research presentation. She also received second place for her presentation at the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences. Ella was team captain for the Blue Crab Bowl through the Governor School. She also completed 40 plus hours of community service. Ella was chosen for a paid internship in the summer program for the aquaculture training at Oyster Seed Holding. And lastly, while in high school, Ella earned her associates degree through RCC. >> [applause] >> It is [applause] it is with great honor I present Matthews High School's class of 2026 Saludatoran L award. [applause] >> All right. Good morning everyone and thank you all for coming to celebrate this amazing class of seniors who I'm proud to call my peers and my friends. To all
009the teachers and administrators here today, thank you from all of us for pushing us through to this moment, no matter how hard it was or how much we procrastinated those last few assignments. To the parents and guardians, thank you for the support and love that you've given us, which is the biggest reason we're all sitting here today. And to the graduates, congratulations. You've pushed through one of the most challenging chapters that we faced yet, and made it here today for a celebration. In a season of change like this one, we've all been saying a lot of goodbyes. Some are happy, most are sad. Often, when someone's telling you goodbye and sending you off to live your life, they'll give you some advice that they think you'll need. It's safe to say that we've all received
010a good amount of advice recently. Our teachers may tell us to keep working hard and being ourselves. Our coaches may tell us to believe in ourselves because they know we can do hard things. And our family members may tell us to keep in touch and stay safe. Through this time, I've received some advice from my favorite role models that I'd like to share with you all if you'd let me. First, I want to share with you something that my math teacher taught me. He quoted a famous speech by Jim Valvano which said to live every day to the fullest. He says, "We can achieve this by laughing, thinking, and having your emotions move you to tears every single day." I've taken this to heart, and I hope it resonates with some of you, too. It's
011important to realize, however, that we can't live each day to the fullest if we spend four hours scrolling on Instagram, which I've definitely been guilty of from time to time. My science teacher gave me another important piece of advice, which is to put your phone down and experience life to its fullest, realist potential. I think you'll come to realize that those things that you're watching videos about are a lot cooler face to face. We need to go out, make meaning for our lives, and most importantly, form human connections. So now I've shared advice that I received from others, but I want to personally give you all some advice, too. The thing that has benefited my life the most has been to love everything and everyone, no matter how difficult it may be, and to be
012grateful for all the wonderful people that life has offered me. We all have a tendency to guard our hearts from fear that we'll be hurt or that all the love we give out won't be reciprocated. If I could leave all of you with any advice, it would be to let yourself feel all of the love. While yes, there's a chance that it could leave you heartbroken and sad, you'll also be happy, if only a tiny bit, knowing that you felt so much for someone that it could leave you feeling so sad after. Love and forgiveness are the two concepts that I base all of my decisions on and try to live by. I can personally tell you that I've lost nothing by doing this. In fact, I've gained an immeasurable amount of connections and people
013to love. From two girls who are the best friends I could ever ask for to a tennis team that I love and a doubles partner who never fails to make me laugh to a boy I met junior year and even an entire class of marine science nerds. I've been lucky enough to love so many amazing people who I'm unendingly grateful for. And yes, the thought of leaving most of that behind makes my heart sink and brings tears to my eyes. But I welcome that feeling, too. I see it as a sign that I've loved to my fullest potential. I know that these people have loved me too. I can feel it. That's another benefit of giving away your love. You receive a good chunk of it back. It's important to mention that allowing yourself to
014be loved by others starts with loving yourself. There's a delicate balance between being selfless and losing your self-respect. And it's always and it's easy to tip to the negative side if you're not careful. One thing to remember is that there's always someone who loves you, proving that you do deserve all the love. And if you ever feel like you have nobody to love you, think again. Because Jesus Christ loves each and every one of us for who we are. No matter what we think we deserve. The sad side of love is that in my opinion, it goes unspoken far too often. You lose nothing from telling someone that you love them. It may be awkward at times or it might not feel right in a specific moment, but you have to say it out loud.
015I'm sure a lot of us have memories of moments when we wish we would have told someone how much they mean to us. Whether it's your favorite teachers who you might not see again, your grandparents, your best friend, or even your dog, it's so important to let them know how you feel while you can. It's easy. It's easy to think that the people you see every day will not be there will always be there for you to love. But that sadly is not the case. Telling them that you love them will make a big difference in their day and yours, too. I think it's easy to take all the people that we have to love for granted. When you take a second to look at the world through grateful eyes, you'll see how blessed you
016are to be here. You'll realize that laughing with your little sister is such a privilege. You'll see the love that your parents give you in a new light. You'll realize that the boring old house where you grew up is really your favorite place. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to love your life and all the things, big and small, that it has to offer you. [sighs] Today's a day where we realize how much we appreciate the people we've been in school with for the past 13 years. We realized that it'll never again be this convenient to see them every day, have a meal with them, or have a casual conversation with them. Maybe today is also the day to tell our friends how much they mean to us. To tell them how much we'll miss seeing
017their faces every day. Now, since we're closing out the biggest chapter of our lives so far, big changes are happening and our emotions are high, it's a relief to know that some things never change. There will always be something for you to love in your life, no matter what stage you're at or how you may feel. The last piece of advice that I can share with everyone is to find something to love wherever you are. As you go out and start your new life, I encourage you to love every step in the process and every person you meet along the way. Go find your new favorite people, your new favorite hobby, your new passion, and your new home. And love every bit of it. And I'll admit, loving everything isn't always easy. Love and kindness
018often take effort and can be really tiring. But in my opinion, that effort creates such a large reward when you can go home and say, "I was kind to everyone today and I live my life to its fullest potential." So, class of 2026, I encourage you to laugh, think, cry, and most importantly, love every single day. I strongly believe that making an effort to do this will make living your life feel as special as it truly is. And lastly, I just want to say that it's been a blessing to grow up with you all. This class is so unique and has so many different personalities, but we all blend together to form a really good group. I'm forever grateful to have been a part of this, and I hope that you all are, too. Thank
019you. [applause] >> [applause] >> At this time, the Matthews High School band will play a musical selection. Senior band members, please come to the stage. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> It's >> [music] [applause] >> We will now present the Matthews High School Senior Awards. When your name is called, please come to the stage or stand and be recognized. Please hold applause until all names are called. The DAR good citizen award is sponsored by the local chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution. This student is nominated by faculty and chosen by the senior class. This award is based on dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The recipient the recipient of the DAR good
020citizen award is L a Ward. [applause] Mr. John Corgan will now present the English award. >> Right. The English department had a really difficult job this year selecting just one student. I say that every year, but this year really was difficult. There was probably 20 students we could have named. Um, we considered all the facets uh that comprise a strong English student, mostly critical thinking, strong and clear writing, technical skill, and classroom engagement, which is really important. And with these factors in mind, the English department is delighted to name Cole Spate as our student of the year. [applause] Cole Cole has excelled in all of these areas. He's been a fantastic student and I've been very blessed to have him in the classroom the last two years. Pardon? Where's It's right here. Here it is.
021Cole. There you go, buddy. Thank you. Thank you very much. All right. All right, Paul. Great. All right. And next, Mrs. Franny Hubard will present the journalism award. >> As faculty has um so kindly pointed out, um I speak a little bit longer than anybody else, so hang tight um for just a minute. Um, the Excellence in Journalism Award is presented to graduating seniors who excelled in our journalism and production programs here at Matthews High School. Showing great leadership, determination, integrity, dedication, commitment, and teamwork. The journalism program at MHS produces the monthly Anchors Away newspaper, annual Matthews Mayhem Sports Magazine. In addition to being part of those publications during their time at MHS, one of our recipients this morning um has contributed to our yearbook program at the high school as well, which produces our
022annual clipper. The first recipient of the Excellence in Journalism Award is Miss Shelby Ray. [applause] Shelby journed journalism her freshman year and dedicated all four years of her time at MHS to the program. From the start, it was clear she was committed to our publications and learning as much as she could. She quickly moved from the role of photographer and advertising manager into an editor position. Became editor-inchief her senior year, supervising both the newspaper and magazine. In the last four years, Shelby has definitely become my right-hand person. She is our go-to for ideas and execution of those ideas. Shelby never shies away from a task like working with myself and Mr. Applegate to make the senior slideshows for the past four years. Um her own class being her final slideshow. I hope you guys enjoyed
023that today. Um I've watched Shel's confidence, creativity, and photography skills grow. Shel's a true leader. She's honest, confident, and very capable of anything she sets her mind to doing. I know I speak for our entire staff when I say we'll miss your dependability, your enthusiasm, your school spirit, and your energy. I'm very proud to say that Shelby will be attending Christopher Newport University in the fall where she is going to major in communicating and broadcasting. A little writing in there as well. I look forward to seeing you in the captain's log. I know you'll do great. Thanks. [applause] The second recipient of our excellent in journalism award is Miss Abigail Ramsey. >> [applause] >> Abigail joined our journalism staff her sophomore year on our layout staff. She worked as head editor for our sports magazine
024for the last two years. In addition, um she joined our Clipper staff this year and she boldly took on the role of editor-inchief. With her experience in journalism and her creativity, the role fit her well. Abigail is a self-procrastinator. Self-proclaimed, sorry, procrastinator. Self-proclaimed. Yeah. All right. Um, she It's no secret. And when you work in a world of deadlines, like a newspaper or a yearbook, it can be a little stressful. Um, she may have received some panic messages or emails from me from time to time, but when it came down to it, her work was quality and we always met our deadlines. She had a clear vision for both the magazine and the yearbook this year. and both turned out incredibly well. I am so proud of her growth in the last three years. I
025know she'll continue to be successful as she moves on and shares her talents with others outside of Matthews High School. Both teams will miss her honesty, her humor, and most of all, her unwavering commitment to capturing the memories here at Matthews High School. I know you're ready to move forward, and I wish you the best at Randolph Min. Thank you, Abigail. [applause] Mrs. Sanderson will now present the math award. The Leland B. Machan Excellence in Mathematics Award is presented to a senior who shows excellence and outstanding achievement in each math course they take throughout their high school career and who shows a deep appreciation and a love of mathematics. This year, the math department is extremely pleased to give this honor to Felicity Hartlo. [applause] Not only does Felicity excel in mathematics, but she also
026demonstrates a true sense of enjoyment for learning [music] new mathematical concepts. She has earned an A in every math class she has taken from algebra 1 up through dual enrollment calculus. Her calculus teacher, Mr. Sanderson showed shared some fun facts about Felicity. Phil Felicity's love for beautiful mathematical ideas was evident in the way her eyes lit up when presented with an especially elegant concept. While she prefers to absorb new content quietly, she was at times so intrigued and delighted that she had to share answers and thoughts with the class. Even this morning, she was overheard discussing some math with classmates. [gasps] Felicity plans to attend James Madison University in the fall, where she will major in physics and minor in mathematics with an ultimate goal to earn a PhD in astrophysics and pursue her passion
027for studying celestial bodies. Congratulations, Felicity. [applause] Miss Caitlyn Dodge will now present the CTE completers and early college scholars. A CTE completer is a student has met the requirements for a CTE concentration, career and technical education sequence and all requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program. So when I call your name, please stand and face the audience to be recognized. For early childhood education, Kristen Hudgens, Hannah McBurnie, and Morgan Sterns. [applause] >> [applause] >> for teachers for tomorrow. Billy Henry, [applause] welding, Aiden Cauldron, Salvador Cardinus, Flores, Lu Davis, Akquila Shakez, Jonathan Jenkins, [applause] >> Aiden Ashberry, Hunter Brown, and Nick Martinez [applause] in engineering. Nolan Swan, Emily Richardson, Gavin Patrick, Nora Suard, Ron Gray, Sydney Coller, Braden Larson, and Justin Presnell. [applause] for carpentry, Bryce West and Dominic Winters. [applause] And
028for nursing, Ellie Congrove. [applause] The Early College Scholar Program allows and encourages high school seniors to complete their high school diploma and concurrently earn at least 15 hours of transferable credits towards a college degree. In addition to the 15 college credits, these students must have a B average or better and be on track for an advanced diploma. As I call your name, please stand and face the audience to be recognized. Ellie Congrove, Hannah Davis, Llaya Duff, Ron Gray, [applause] Felicity Hartlo, Rayanne Hellbig, Ray Hudgens, Liliana Humbles, Sydney Coller, Abigail Ramsey, Shelby Ray, Ivan Shyel, >> [applause] >> Emma Scaza, Cole Spate, Nora Suard, [applause] Jada Thomas, Sophia Verer, Casey Walker, and Ella Ward. [applause] Mr. Mark Given will now present the John Philips Souza Award. The John Philips Soua Band Award honors a graduating band
029senior recognizing superior musicianship, dedication, and leadership within the band program. Is often viewed as the highest honor a band member can receive. This award was presented to this student at our final concert of the year, but I would like to recognize him on this special occasion. This year, the award is presented to a student with exceptional musicianship who has also shown exceptional dedication and has shown incredible leadership for the band. The recognition of this the recipient of this award is Toby Eskins. Toby, please stand to be recognized. [applause] Mrs. O'Neal will now present our athletic awards. The athlete of the year award recognizes male and female student athletes who excelled in their athletic pursuits, accomplishing the most outstanding success in athletics during the four years here at Matthews High School. First, I'd like to give
030you a little um stats on our female athlete of the year. Seventime track indoor and outdoor state qualifier. Two-time outdoor track region triple jump champion. Three-time indoor track region triple jump champion. Two-time outdoor track district triple jump champion. Outdoor track district long jump champion. Two-time outdoor track allstate triple jump. Two-time out indoor allstate triple jump. Two-time indoor track Allstate long jump. 2025 indoor track allstate high jump. 2025 indoor track state triple jump. Runner up 2026 indoor track allstate 4x200 team 2026 all region in the 300 meter hurdles 2026 all region 4x400 meter relay 2026 all region and long jump volleyball twotime all district volleyball twotime all region congratulations Miss Norah Suard >> [applause] [applause] >> Now for our male athlete of the year, four sport athlete in cross country was three-time individual all district, three-time
031individual all region, three-time individual state champion, threetime region champion, Two-time state runnerup in football, all district and all region. in wrestling. Four-time individual all district, four-time individual all region, fourtime individual allstate, fourtime team district champion, threetime team regional champion, 100 high school career wins, and soccer four-time individual all district, threetime individual all region, and 2026 team district champs. Congratulations, male athlete of the year, Sal Cardinas. >> [applause] [applause] >> Let's go. [applause] Dr. Grieve will now present a final awards. The General Excellence Award is the highest honor given at Matthews High School. This award is given to the senior who exemplifies all of the following criteria. High academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, citizenship, and a cooperative attitude. This year, the general excellence award goes to Ella Ward. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> It is an honor
032to introduce the valadictorian of Matthews High School, class of 2026. The recipient of this honor is Sterling Ray Hudgens, Jr. [applause] >> [applause] >> Ray has achieved the highest average in the class with a grade point average of 4.58. Ray is the son. Yeah, that's that's worth a round of applause. [applause] Ray is the son of Katherine Tatterson and Sterling Hudgens. Will the parents please stand to be recognized? [applause] Ray will be attending Columbia University in the fall where he will study architecture. While at Matthews High School, Ry has had many accomplishments. He was a member of the National Honor Societ Honor Society at MHS, National Beta Club, the Key Club, where he served as vice president his junior year. Ray was a longtime member of the rowing team where he served as team captain
033and team event organizer. He received accolades while rowing such as the SRAA national semi-finalist, a two-time Vazra state silver medalist, and fourtime regional EVSR champion. Ry has been on the honor role list throughout all four years at MHS as well as attending as well as attaining straight A's. Ry is recognized as a governor's early scholar college scholar for completing at least 15 [music] college credits while in high school. Ray was chosen by faculty and peers to attend the American Legion's Virginia Boy State, a leadership, citizenship and governmental education program. He was he also received the Harvard Book Award as a student who exemplifies excellence [music] in scholarship and high character. Ray was selected to attend Chesapeake Bay Governor School which he attended the past three years. During his time at CBGS, he was on the
034director's list of high academic honor each semester. Ray was chosen to compete in the Virginia Junior Academy of Science and received honorable mention for his presentation. He has received the CBGS Community Service Gold Chord for completing 120 hours of community service. Lastly, while in high school, Ray has earned his associates degree through RCC. It is with great honor I present Matthews High School's class of 2026 valadictorian, Sterling Ray Hudgens, JR. [applause] Good morning and congratulations to the Matthews High School class of 2026. I would like to start off by think saying thank you to my family, friends, and everyone at Matthews High School for giving me the honor to speak this morning. For many of us, this journey began as soon as we stepped foot through the doors of the elementary school and continued throughout
035all 12 years of persistence and dedication that have brought us to achieve this milestone. reflecting on the ordinary moments each day that have made up our time at Matthews High School. They have become the moments we wish we could run back to the most. As each of us start on our new journey, it is important to take with us and appreciate the time and experience we have shared together. The strongest aspect of the school is the community we have all built together. Whether working together in class, sweating while playing sports, or gossiping in the halls or at lunch, in such a small town, it is impossible to hide. Every face is seen. And as scary as this might be in moments, it is what makes us strong. Our support for one another when times get
036difficult or our joy for when someone succeeds is what makes our small community special. In such a polarized time where history is happening every time you look at the news, the most valuable thing is the community that we have built together. It is important to take our diplomas with pride as we are a part of the small class that is personally ours. With these experiences, it is important to know that we are ready for our next step. Looking forward, many of us want to work for a successful life. Many of us want to measure this in ways we are advertised to us but as the blueprint for success. Whether that be money, fame, or attainable accomplishments. We all see these things as how to make a mark in history. However, the greatest difference that each
037of us can bring to the world may be the small acts of good that we bring to our community, which may not always be seen for or claimed for greatness. No matter how big or small your actions may be, know that greatness is what you make it. So I challenge us all to approach our future with actions of service to improve our world and make sure you take time for yourself to enjoy yourself while doing so. My fellow classmates, no matter where life takes us next, never forget where we came from, the people who helped us get here, and the community that raised us together. Congratulations, graduates. >> [applause] [applause] >> Miss Caitlyn Dodge and Miss Shannon Dove will now present this year's scholarship recipients. At this time, on behalf of Matthews High School, it
038is my pleasure and distinct privilege to announce and present the scholarship recipients of the class of 2026. This presentation also honors all of the organizations, institutions, churches, families, andor individuals who support each of these scholarships and in many situations honors the memory of a person who made a difference in the community. These scholarships are listed in a separate program insert as a tribute to these generous comp contributions to support our students continuing education. As I call your name, please stand and face the audience and remain standing until all scholarships are announced. Please hold your applause until all the scholarships have been read for each student. Salvador Cardinez. Salvador has been awarded the Matthews High School Athletics Booster Award in the amount of $500. Ellie Congrove. Ellie was selected to receive the Central Village Homemaker Scholarship
039in the amount of $1,000. She was also chosen to receive the Gwins Island Civic League Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was also selected to receive the Kingston Parish Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Emily Coons. Emily was chosen to receive the Richard Pritchette Scholarship in the amount of $500. She was selected to receive the Leslie and Loretta Hinton Educational Fund in the amount of $1,000. She was also selected to receive the William F. and Katherine Owens Foundation scholarship fund in the amount of $1,000. Laya Duff. Laya was selected to receive the Bill Hudgant Student Athlete of the Year Award in the amount of $500. She was also selected to receive the Judy G. Ward Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. She also received the Thomas W. and Lily Gale scholarship in the
040amount of 14,000 payable 5,000 the first year, 3,000 the next three years. She was chosen for the Let Wisdom Rise Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. And Laya was awarded the Randolph College Wildcat Commitment Merit Scholarship in the amount of $18,000 per year. This award package totals $72,000. Felicity Hartlo. Felicity was selected to receive the Betty and Kim Kinley Voting Award Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was also chosen to receive the John H. and Annie C. Miles Scholarship in the amount of $6,000. She was also selected to receive the Kingston Paris scholarship in the amount of $2,000. She also received the Matthews chapter of the Continental Society Scholarship Book Award in the amount of $500. She was also chosen to receive the Matthews Insurance Agency Richard Sadler Memorial Scholarship in the amount of
041$1,000. She was also chosen to receive the Moss Henderson scholarship in the amount of $2,000. She was chosen to receive the PEO Chapter CA scholarship in the amount of $500. She also received the Thomas W. and Lolita Gale Scholarship in the amount of 4,000 payable 5,000 the first year and 3,000 the next three years. She was chosen to receive the Westville Christian Church scholarship in the amount of 750. And she was also awarded the JMU Second Century Scholarship 14,500 for four years. And this award package totals $58,000. [applause] Rayanne Hellbick. Rayanne has been selected to receive the Gloucester Matthews Farm Bureau Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was selected to receive the Dr. Dorothy Cosby Cook Scholarship Endowment in the amount of $5,000. Elias Salago. Elias was selected to receive James R. Lewis Memorial
042Scholarship in the amount of $300. Isaac Johnson. Isaac was chosen to receive Alvin S. Knight Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. He was also selected to receive the Pianka Tank Ruitten Club scholarship in the amount of $1,500. He was also chosen to receive the service scholarship given by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Rapahhanic in the amount of $4,000. Isaac was also chosen to receive the Thomas W. and Lee Gale scholarship in the amount of 14,000 payable 5,000 the first year and 3,000 the next three years. [applause and cheering] Hannah McBurnie. Hannah was selected to receive the Central Village Homemaker Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was also awarded the class of 1967 scholarship in the amount of $500. She was also selected to receive the Westville Christian Church scholarship in the amount
043of $750. Addison Morgan. Addison was chosen to receive the Athetherton Family Fund scholarship in the amount of $600. She also received the Courthouse Players Dick Lusher Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500. She was chosen to receive the Harry and Margaret Ward scholarship in the amount of $750. She was selected to receive the Fred D. Durham Scholarship and Fund for Engineering Excellence in the amount of $2,000. Addison was also chosen to receive the William F. and Katherine K. Owens Foundation Scholarship Fund in the amount of $1,000. Abigail Ramsay. Abigail was chosen to receive the Elizabeth H. Hudgens Memorial Scholarship given by the American Legion Matthews Post 83 in the amount of $500. She also was selected to receive the Deans Award from Randolph Min College in the amount of $31,000 per year. The award package
044totals $124,000. [applause] Shelby Ray. Shelby was selected to receive the Kingston Paris scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Emily Richardson. Emily was selected to receive the Lions Club scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was awarded the Pianka Tank Ruron Club scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Emily also was selected to receive the Chesapeake Bay Circle of the King's Daughters Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Ivan Shyel. Ivan was selected to receive the Bill Hudgens Athlete of the Year Scholarship in the amount of $500. He was also chosen for the Betty and Kim Kenley Citizen Voting Award Scholarship in the amount of $500. He was selected for the Kingston Parish scholarship in the amount of $1,000. He was awarded the Lacy Norman's I believe memorial scholarship fund in the amount of $1,200. Ivan also received
045the Millersville University Award in the amount of $10,000 per year. This award package totals $40,000. [applause] Emma Scaza. Emma was selected to receive the William F. and Katherine K. Owen Scholarship Fund in the amount of $1,000. Morgan Sterns. Morgan was chosen for the Betty and Kim Kenley Citizen Voting Award Scholarship in the amount of $500. She was also selected to receive the Georgin B. Laws Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was chosen to receive the Gwyn's Island Civic League league scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was also selected to receive the Kingston Paris scholarship in the amount of $2,000. She was chosen to receive the Lions Club scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was selected to receive the Matthews Rotary Club Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. She was chosen to
046receive the Matthews Women's Club scholarship in the amount of $1,000. And Morgan was also awarded the Virginia Owens Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Norah Suard. Norah has been awarded the Matthews High School Athletics Boosters Award in the amount of $500. Jada Thomas. Jada was selected to receive the Matthews chapter of the Continental Society Award Scholarship in the amount of $500. She was also selected to receive the ODU Monarch Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 per year. This award package totals $10,000. Sophia Verer. Sophia has been awarded the Lacy Norman's I Believe Memorial Scholarship Fund in the amount of $1,200. Ella Award. Ella was selected to receive the Captain Orel Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. She was also chosen to receive the Gazette Journal Scholarship in the amount of $500. She was
047also selected to receive the Kingston Paris Scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Anna West. Anna was selected to receive the Pianka Tank Rurton Club scholarship in the amount of $1,500. This afternoon, we have recognized 51 local scholarships representing 32 different organizations and individuals associated with Matthews County. This overwhelming community support for our students totals $99,550. Our students have earned various other scholarships totaling over $261,500. On behalf of Matthews High School in the class of 2026, we would like to express our grateful appreciation to those individuals and organizations who efforts whose efforts and support have allowed these seniors the opportunity to continue their education. Lastly, we want to personally congratulate each of you on your success through this chapter of your life. We look forward to watching and hearing about your future successes. [applause] Dr. Andrew
048Grieve and Mrs. Susan Sanderson will now conduct the presentation of diplomas. Row one. Row one. Please rise and approach the stage. Shelby Don Ray. [applause] Abigail Jan Ramsey, [applause] Jada Renee Thomas [applause] Hannah Brooke Davis, [applause] >> Llaya Kalin Duff, [applause] >> [applause] >> Aiden Phillip Ashberry, [cheering] [applause] >> Hunter Rodney Brown, [applause] Silus Blake Lane Kudi [applause] Aiden Matthew Calderan REYES [cheering] Salva Idor Cardinz Flores, [applause] [cheering] Bryce Adam Clark, [applause] >> Elizabeth Grace Congrove, [applause] Emily Lynn Coons, [applause] >> LOL Eugene Davis II, [applause] Adam Richard Dustin, >> [applause] >> ANNAYIA Rashelle Ellison, [screaming] [applause] >> Toby Ray Essins, [applause] [cheering] Franklin Uriah Forest [applause and cheering] Charles Williams Frasier Jr. >> [applause] >> James Ran Gray III. [applause] [cheering] >> [applause] >> Row two, please rise and approach the stage. Thank you.
049Richard Ricardovich Han, [applause] Felicity Fay Hartlo, [applause] Ryanne Rose Hellbig, [cheering and applause] William Benson Henry Jr. [applause] Elias Caesar Hadalgo [applause] >> [cheering] >> Holden Chance Higenbotham, [applause] Daniel Sterling Hog, [applause and cheering] Sterling Ray Hudgens Jr. >> [applause] >> Joseph Aaron Hudgens, [applause] Kristen Brookke Hudgens, [screaming] Liliana Marie Humbles, >> [applause] >> ROBERT Blake Hunley, [cheering] [applause] >> Noah Alexander Hurst, [applause] Gustavo Achila Hakez Valdivia, [applause] Jonathan Kbble Jenkins, [applause] >> Isaac Jeremiah Johnson, [cheering] >> [applause] >> Sydney K. COLLER [applause] Braden Dale Larson, [applause] Addison Eileen Low, >> [cheering] >> Nicholas Danger Martinez, [applause] Hannah Jane Mcburnie, [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> row three, please rise and approach. Approach the stage. Addison Dale Morgan [applause] Bradley Matthew Lynn Murphy, [applause] >> Gavin Tyler Patrick, [applause] Justin Joseph Presnau, >> [applause] >> Emily
050Michelle Richardson, [applause] >> Rachel Cabell Reeves, >> [applause] >> Ivan James Shyel, [applause] >> Emma Louise Scaza, >> [applause] >> Andre Terrell Smith Jr. [applause] [cheering] >> Cole Joseph Spate >> [applause] >> Morgan Elise Sterns, [cheering] [applause] Nora Lee Suard, [applause] Nolan Xavier Swan, [applause] Michael Allen Dale Thomas, [applause] Sophia Elizabeth Verer, [applause] Casey Jade Walker, [applause] Ella Bailey Ward, >> [applause] >> Anna Avery West, [applause and cheering] >> Ryan Bryce West, [applause] Destiny Elaine White, [applause and cheering] [applause] >> Charles Yuan Williams, [applause] >> Josiah Dewan Williamson, Dominic Aiden Winters. [applause] >> [applause] >> Members of the class of 2026, Please stand. You can clap for them. [applause] [cheering] Okay. Okay. Okay. [applause] As principal as principal of Matthews High School, it is my privilege to have the honor of certifying in front of
051the faculty of Matthews High School and those assembled here today that all of you have met the requirements set forth by the Virginia Department of Education and Matthews County Public Schools necessary to receive the diplomas that were issued here today. Please remain standing for the conferring of diplomas by the chairman of the Matthews County School Board, Dr. Maryanne Gibbs. [applause] Good morning, class of 2026. By the power vested in me by the board of education of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Matthews County School Board, I hereby confer upon you your high school diploma. You may now move your tassel from the right to the left. Congratulations. [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] [cheering] >> Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and privilege to introduce to you the Matthews High School graduating class of 2026. [cheering
052and applause] Audience members in the auditorium, please remain seated during the recessional. Audience members in the gymnasium, please stand as the senior class of 2026 will be presented to you immediately following our recessional. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music]