001Heat. Heat. Glory. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [applause] [music] [applause] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> At this time, please stand for the presentation of colors and remain standing for the national anthem and lift every voice and sing. Oh, say [singing] Can you see by the dawn early light [singing] what so proudly we held at the twilight [singing] last gleaming who brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the ramp parts we watched were so gallently [singing] streaming and the rockets red. [screaming] Bubbles bursting in air
002gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled bender yet way [singing] or the land of the free and the home of the brave. [applause] >> [applause] >> Lift every [singing] voice and sing till earth and heaven [singing] ring ring with the harmony of liberty. [singing] Let our rejoiceing rise high as [singing] the liing skies. Let us resound loud as the rolling [singing] sea. Sing a song [singing] full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing [singing] a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. [singing] Facing the rising sun of [singing] a new day beun, let us march on [singing] till victory is won. >> [applause] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and
003To the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may now take your seats. Good evening, Superintendent Cameron, school board chair Fernandez, members of the Richmond School, City School Board, Mayor Aula, distinguished guests, faculty, staff, families, and most importantly, the Franklin Military Academy class of 2026. [applause] Welcome to our 42nd commencement ceremony. It is truly an honor to stand before you this evening as we so celebrate a milestone built on years of effort, growth, and determination. It is my pleasure to introduce our stage participants. I ask that you hold your applause until each section of participants have been introduced. And I also ask that each participant remain standing until all have been acknowledged. Beginning on my left, Dr. Jennifer Smith, assistant principal. Cadet Jaden Harrington, class
004validictorian. Cadet Cadet Sonia Marquez, class saludiatoran. Dr. Tiffany Fersonen, school counselor. Please recognize the stage participants at this time. [applause and cheering] You may be seated. Second row, Major Nikitra Walker, senior class sponsor. Major Melanie Ree, senior class sponsor. Captain Harawn Green, senior class sponsor. Major Nia Smith, senior class sponsor. [applause] And most importantly of all, Lieutenant Colonel Robinson, [cheering and applause] our PTSA president, Miss Lewitch. [applause] You all may be seated. And now it is with great honor to welcome our superintendent Jason Cameras. He joins us to introduce the school board and division leadership whose advocacy and dedication have ensured our graduates have every resource needed to succeed in the next chapter. [applause] Good afternoon. >> Can we please first show our love and appreciation to Colonel Hudson? It is [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause]
005>> [applause] >> It is nothing short of a miracle to have you here today and we are so blessed uh to have you leading and showing the graduates today what is possible. So thank you. I am thrilled to be here this afternoon. I did not get attacked by tomatoes because this great class of 2026 has achieved a 100% graduation rate [cheering] [applause] [cheering] as I have done for other schools. I have dyed my hair. They did not have Franklin Maroon, so this is as close as it's gonna get. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] I got one supporter. Thank you. All right. I am thrilled to introduce our stage guests, my esteemed colleagues. First, from the school board, please join me in recognizing the school board representative from the 9inth district and the chair of the
006Richmond City School Board, Mrs. Shiovanda Fernandez. [applause] Next, someone I'm sure you all know from the seventh district, Mrs. Cheryl Burke. [applause and cheering] >> [applause] >> from the eighth district, Mr. EMTT Jafari. [applause] And we are thrilled today to be joined by the mayor of the city of Richmond, Danny Avula. [applause] Thank you all. You may be seated. We are also joined by members of the RPS leadership team, beginning with Dr. Leslie Wiggins, chief academic officer. [applause] Dr. Danielle Green Bell, chief engagement officer, [applause] Miss Renisha Parks, Chief Wellness Officer, [applause] and Mr. Patrick Herald, Chief Operating Officer. Thank you. [applause] You know, before I start, there is something that I want to say, and this is definitely off script. As I look in the audience, I see some of you all that actually
007been with me since kindergarten when I was your principal at Lynwood Holton. I am so so proud of you all. It is truly truly an honor to stand here before you this evening as we celebrate a milestone built on years of effort, growth, and determination. It is truly an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate this major milestone, the graduation of the 42nd class. This is more than just a c ceremony. Today we recognize years of effort, growth, and determination. To the class of 2026, your journey here wasn't always easy, but you made it. Your pres your presence today shows your strength, your discipline, and leadership. At Franklin Military Academy, you live by values like integrity, service, and purpose. You set an example for those who will come after you, and we couldn't
008be prouder of you. You didn't just finish school. You completed a tough academic leadership program that gave you more than just knowledge. You gave skills, values, and experiences that will guide you through life. As you move on, whether it's to college, military, or a job, go with courage, confidence, and hope. The world needs people like you. People who will lead with purpose and care deeply about others. To our families who I greatly appreciate and love and loved ones. Thank you. Your support, your love, your sacrifices help shape these graduates. This moment is yours, too. To the parents and the caregivers, thank you for trusting us with your children, some since middle school and others starting in high school. You've given us your very best and we seen them grow into strong capable leaders. To our
009amazing faculty yourself, could you mind standing for me who's been with me for a long period of time. [applause] Your dedication means everything. You've gone way beyond the lessons and textbooks. You shown our student what it means to live with honor, courage, and accountability every day. As we reflect on this special day, let's remember the friendships made, the challenges faced, and the moments that helped shape these this class. The class of 2026 is leaving behind a legacy, a legacy of strength, character, and unity. Graduates, as you head out into the world, take Franklin values with you. Live with integrity, lead with purpose, and serve with heart. The world is ready for you, and I know you're ready for it. Congratulations to the class of 2026. We celebrate you. We believe in you and we'll always
010be proud of you. Thank you. [applause] This evening we are joined by a leader who serves our city and who like many fathers here today celebrate a personal milestone as a parent of one of our graduates. Our parent Dr. David Avula. could you join me to the stage as you give your remarks? [applause] >> Thank you, Colonel Hudson. And congratulations, Franklin Knights. It is super exciting to see you all here today. Um, it is really like an honor to celebrate this day with you. And I would say that about any graduation that I would normally come to. Uh, but this one's particularly sweet because as Colonel Hudson just said, um, my son David is graduating today. [applause] Proud of you, my guy. Uh, but also that three of our five Avula kids are Franklin alum
011at Middleland High School. And so over the last six years, uh, we, my wife and I, have just been so grateful for the community that this place has been. Um, you know, I think Colonel Hudson, the environment you've created, the place where teachers feel supported, where parents feel connected, where kids feel loved. I mean, it is all part of the secret sauce that makes Franklin what it is. And, uh, our city is better for it. So, thank you. Uh, I want to start with you guys because this day is about you. Uh, and I wanted to say that we celebrate you. I know there's so much hard work that went into getting here, juggling school and sports and family responsibilities. Uh, congratulations. You have made it. It is really an incredible day. I'm going to
012leave you with a couple of takeaways. First, none of us get to where we get alone. Around you, you see a room full of family and teachers and staff and mentors and neighbors who have helped you along the way. and they are full of pride because they've all played a part in your journey. And so I want you to just take a moment, look around the room, and honor what this community has done for you. [applause] Second big takeaway that while your role models have been a part of how you have got here, you all are now role models for other people. And that uh was never made clearer to me than when my oldest daughter graduated from community college. I'm going to embarrass her a little bit. She's actually here today. Um my oldest
013daughter is adopted. She came to us as a teenager and she would probably tell you that like college wasn't really on the radar for a long time. Uh but she had a hustle and a fight in her and every time she got knocked down, she got back up and she just kept persevering and persevering and persevering. And on her graduation day at community college, we were in a big auditorium. She gets up, she walks across the stage just like this. And an entire section of the auditorium erupts cheering, hooting, hollering, people stomping on the bleachers. And the president of the university actually takes her and positions her so that she can just take it in. Uh the there was a picture taken that was the front page of the local paper the next day. But
014it was this incredibly powerful moment because in that section of the auditorium were 60 to 70 people. Her adopted family, her bio family, uh teachers, coaches, social workers, lots of different adults who had just been a part of her life and a part of her journey along the way, the village that helped her get there. Uh but also in that crowd were about 10 to 15 of her younger siblings and cousins. And what she was doing that day was as they looked at her across that stage, she was making something possible that they didn't think was possible for themselves. And now many of them are following in her footsteps. And so whether you all realize it or not, you are role models for your younger siblings, for your cousins, but also for old people like
015me who are watching you guys navigate an incredibly complicated world, way more complex than when I grew up. And so I want to say that the world needs you. It needs your energy and your ideas. It needs your courage and your leadership because I don't know if you all have noticed, but the world's a little crazy right now. And I think we need you all to help make it a little more stable. And I'm ask I'm going to ask you to do one thing to to lean into that. And that is to lean into the power of human connection. So much of our life is dictated by this, right? That computer in your pocket uh that just tells you who you should fear or who you should like or who you should not. Uh that
016algorithms that are driving our behavior that are filling our minds full of uh what camp we're in and what group we're not a part of. And we've got to do differently, guys. And so I want to ask you to put down your phones to lean into human connection because technology is an incredible tool, but it can never replace human relationship. And I think our social media and our algorithms and our feeds have all created a world where we will do and say things to people on social media that we would never do face to face, that we would never do in the context of a real relationship. And so that's a huge step that we can take towards building face-to-face connection. Sitting with a friend who's hurting, laughing together, looking into someone's eyes and really
017hearing their story. So I'm asking, I'm begging you guys to build lives that are deeply connected. Invest in your friendships. Invest in your families. Invest in your neighborhoods and your communities. And I want to close by saying that as your mayor, Richmond sees you not just as high school graduates today, but as the leaders and the authors of the next chapter of our city's story. It's why your generation matters so much. Because the world doesn't just need smarter technology or faster innovation. It needs people that live with integrity and empathy and the courage to build a world that is more compassionate and more just and more human. So, congratulations, class of 2026. Know that your city is proud of you. Know that I am proud of you. And I cannot wait to see what comes
018next. Congrats, everybody. [applause] [applause] We are now thrilled to have remarks from our school board chair, Mrs. Shiovanda Fernandez. [applause] Good afternoon, everyone. >> We're going to try that one more time. need a little bit more energy in the room. Good afternoon, everyone. Yes, it's a celebration. I'm so glad to be here. My name is Shiovana Fernandez. I am chair of the board for Richmond public schools along as as well as the ninth district school but representative. I am joined by my colleagues, Miss Burke, who is the representative for your illustrious school as well as uh Mr. Jafari. I just want to say that I'm really excited to be here today to celebrate each and every one of you. All right. On behalf of the Richmond Public School Board, it's my honor to celebrate the
019graduating class of 2026 for Franklin Military Academy. Today we celebrate a class that may be small in number but mighty in strength, character, leadership and determination. Some people think greatness is measured by size. But history has shown us that some of the most powerful forces begin with just a few committed individuals willing to lead, serve, and step up to the plate. Steve Jobs once said, "It only takes a few people with passion to change the world." That quote reflects this graduating class perfectly. In a school community as close-knit as Franklin Military Academy, you have learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, accountability, and lifting one another up. You know each other's names, stories, strengths, and some struggles. You did not simply attend school together. You grew together. Every single one of you mattered. Every voice counted.
020Every effort was seen. Every accomplishment made an impact. Graduates, you are leaving this chapter with something the world desperately needs. Resilience, honesty, integrity, and courage. Franklin Military Academy has prepared you not only academically but as leaders ready to serve your communities with honor and purpose. As you move forward into new opportunities, never underestimate the power of one. One voice, one light, one spark. Because a single spark can light an entire room. And a small group of determined people can change a city, a community, or even the world. Continue to stand tall. Continue to lead with confidence. Continue to carry yourselves with the discipline and pride that Franklin Military Academy has instilled in you. To the families, teachers, mentors, and loved ones, thank you for the sacrifices, encouragement, and support that helped these graduates reach this
021milestone. And to the class of 2026, we are proud of you. We believe in you and we cannot wait to see the mighty impact you will make. Congratulations graduates and may God bless each of you on your journey ahead. Thank you so much. [applause] Good evening, parents, families, distinguished guests, faculty, and cadets. It is my honor to present the top 10 graduates of the class of 2026. When I call your name, please stand and remain standing until all names are called. Cadet Jaden Harrington with a GPA of 5.02. He will be attending the University of Virginia. Cadet Sonia Marquez with a GPA of 4.94. She will be attending the University of Virginia. [applause] Cadet Daryl Vaughn with a GPA of 4.91. He will be attending James Madison University. [applause] Cadet Carlos Melendez Minarz with a
022GPA of 4.80 will be attending Virginia Tech University. [applause] Cadet Fatima Johnson with the [cheering] with a GPA of 4.4A will be attending Hollands University. [applause] Cadet Desire Goodman [cheering] >> with a GPA of 4.44 44 will be attending Northark State University. [applause] Cadet Maria Guerrero [cheering and applause] >> with a GPA of 4.42 will be attending Holland University. [applause] Cadet Michael Amaretti Ramos with a GPA of 4.40 will be entering the workforce. [applause] Cadet Christopher Thomas with a GP [cheering] with a GPA of 4.35 will be attending Hampton University. [cheering] [applause] And Cadet Xavier Jones with a GPA of 4.33 will be attending Virginia Tech. Please acknowledge these wonderful students. [applause] We extend our deepest congratulations to each of these remarkable students. You may be seated. [applause] Thank you. It is my honor to
023recognize the graduates of our early college academy who through the partnership with Richmond public schools in J Sergeant Reynolds Community College have earned their associates degree alongside their high school diplomas. Please stand and remain standing until we complete them. Cadet Jaden Harrington >> [cheering] >> Cadet Sonia Marquez, [applause] >> Cadet David Avula, [applause] Cadet Michael Amaretti Ramos, [applause] Cadet Daryl Vaughn, [applause] [cheering] and Cadet Brigade Commander Commander Carlos Melendez Lamares. [applause] We proudly recognize and congratulate each of these outstanding students. You may be seated. [applause] [applause] The class of 2026 has shown incredible effort, growth, and determination. Your presence today as a class is a testament to your hard work and excellence. Together, this graduating class has secured $9.1 million in scholarships and grants. [applause] We are incredibly proud of these students and all that
024you have accomplished. At this time, it is my pleasure to welcome Cadet Sonia Marquez Ford for the Saludiatoran address. [applause] Hello family, friends, staff, distinguished guests, and fellow graduates. I am proud to stand here today as the class of 2026's saludiatoran, someone who has shared in the ups and downs of this incredible journey. It feels like just yesterday we were walking into middle and then high school unsure of what the future would hold. And now we're here ready to take a step into the next chapter of our lives. I stand here today not only as the saludiatoran of the class of 2026, but as a proud representation of my Hispanic community. We live in a world where many families face fear and challenges just to exist freely. This reality has shaped me and it has
025fueled me. Throughout my high school years, I often found myself in spaces where no one looked like me. In classrooms, programs, and opportunities where representation was limited, I carried not only my own dreams, but the hopes of my family and community. And I learned something important. Being different is not a weakness, it is strength. This year at Franklin Military Academy, I was the only girl to graduate with an associates degree. In many spaces, I was again one of the few. But instead of letting that define my limits, I let it push me forward. And to Irvin, thank you for always telling me that I could do this, even when I wasn't so sure myself. I love you. [applause] As I move on to the University of Virginia, I know that experience will continue and I
026will still find myself in rooms where few people look like me. But I also know I belong there. I carry my family, my community, and everything I've worked for with me. Class of 2026, we are more than just our obstacles. We're proof that hard work and hope can exist in the same space. Some of us carry the dreams of our families. Some of us are the first to cross the stage. Someone fought Some of us fought by battles no one else could see. But they don't define us, but they shape us like the brightest constellations of the sky. And as we move forward, don't shrink yourself to fit into spaces that weren't meant for you. Expand them. Congratulations, class of 2026. This is only the beginning. [applause] And at this time, Cadet Jaden Harrington, our
027class validictorian, will deliver his address. [applause and cheering] >> All right, guys. Let's quiet down a little bit. Um, good afternoon graduates, family, faculty, and staff. Um, I just wanted to start off by saying that everybody looks amazing and I'm sure everybody's going to want to take pictures, so please no crying. Um, so I never would have thought that the day would have come where I'll be standing before everyone giving a speech as the acting validictorian of the class of 2026. Um, it felt like just yesterday we all came back from CO all burned out and ready for the next catastrophic event. Nonetheless, we all showed up every day, put in all the same work that we needed to get to this moment. That's crazy, huh? Everything we did, every step we took, it all
028led to this. I will forever be grateful for the bonds we made, the games we played, the time we shared as a family. I couldn't imagine a better class to have been in than our class of 2026. I know we all remember that one chemistry class where every day we came back be a new development about Nas and Daryl's Madden rivalry or the wild challenges between S'mores and Doug. A little backstory, S'mores is a group formed by Brandon Petrus Sterling, Kevin Irvin, Marky Jordan aka Demarcus Acres and me. And Doug is Kyle, Gabe, Xavier, Darius, and Daryl. Anyways, now that we got out out the way, it's safe to say that the s'mores are better. And >> Yep. It's okay, though, cuz we all had a smug team up game during that one uh senior
029Sky Zone trip. So, really, both teams won. Um I'm grateful to everyone who believed in us. They all saw the potential that we possess because they know that the people that we are and people who we will become. I'm grateful to all the families out there for raising such amazing and talented young men and women. This isn't just a graduation for the students. This is a testament for all the hard work and effort that you guys put into the success of our futures. So, I think I can confidently say on behalf of our class, thank you. Before I close out, I wanted to address a few things. Irvin, thank you for being my best friend and sticking with me through everything. We have been friends since the fourth grade, and I'm truly grateful to have
030you. >> Brandon, it's been a twoman show ever since the eighth grade. >> The dynamic duo. >> Seriously though, I love you, bro. Petrus, I'm glad we connected when we did because I'm more than happy to say that I've been part of your life and I hope I made an impact because you certainly have in mine. Go be great, my guy. Demarcus, I missed the days after practice where we would hang out for hours. We didn't even have to do anything. Our humor is just so similar that we could talk about nothing and laugh uncontrollably. >> Deami, I'm so grateful to have you in my life and I couldn't imagine a better person to share my time with. Thank you for being here today. To my dad, I just wanted to express how much I
031appreciate everything you've done for me. You came to all my football games and supported me for the last two seasons. Even when you had work, you were there anytime I needed something. And even now with everything that's going on, you still find a way to be involved. So, I just wanted to say thank you. Um, and I know you think we look the same, but I look better. So lastly to my mother, everything I have done is because of you. Me being up here is because of you and your sacrifices. You and you alone got us out of the projects. You have kept us from growing up how you did. You provided us with a chance you never had. Nights where I had to watch the kids cuz you couldn't come home. You would have
032to go to your second job right after clocking out of your first. I hope you know that I am more appreciative than you can ever imagine. and I'm sorry if I haven't shown it more. I love you more than life itself and I will prove to you that it wasn't for nothing. I will make you proud. [applause] [cheering] >> [applause] >> I don't know everyone's path or the direction they will go, but one thing I do know is that this amazing and talented group of young men and women will do amazing things. With that being said, this is the class of 2026 signing off. [applause] [cheering] At this time, please join me in welcoming Major Walker to the podium as we proceed with the change of command. [applause] >> Good evening, parents, family, and guests,
033faculty, and the graduating class of 2026. It is my honor to begin the cha change of command. The comm the change of command is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. The history, tradition, and accomplishment of the command are embodied in the colors. The passing of colors from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures that the unit and its soldiers are never without official leadership, represents a continuation of trust, and signifies an allegiance of soldiers to their unit commander. Today we witness the relinquishing of the duties of outgoing commander of Franklin Military Academy. Cadet Brigade Commander Carlos Melendez Lonarz relinquishes his duties to the incoming Cadet Brigade Commander. The new brigade commander of Franklin Military Academyy's JRTC program is Cadet Colonel Angelie Flores Mendano. Cadet
034Command Sergeant Major Ashley Alles Kalito is assigning the passing of the colors. With the passing of the colors, the change of command is now complete. Thank you. [applause] At this time, we welcome. [applause] At this time, we welcome Principal Husband back to the podium. [applause] Superintendent Camerons, having met the high standards of scholarship and character required by the Richmond public school system and the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am very proud to present the class of 2026 of Franklin Military Academy. I verify that each student has completed the prescribed courses of study and has earned the right to be awarded their diploma. >> Should we make it official? [cheering] By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Richmond City School Board, I hereby certify that the class of 2026 from Franklin
035Military Academy has met all of the requirements for graduation and are eligible to receive their diplomas. Congratulations, >> [applause and cheering] >> Marquez. Sonia Marquez. [applause] Alia Anderson, [applause] Jessica De Jesus Pinsson, [applause] Maria Guerrero, >> Julisa Munoz, Cruz, >> [cheering] [applause] >> Allison Garcia Bosada, >> Emily Garcia Sanoval, >> Katherine Urutia Molina, [applause] Desiree Goodwin, >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Fatima Johnson >> Kamaya Paige [screaming] [cheering] Asia Lansa Guara [applause] Emily Mahia Delid >> [applause] >> Brian Reyes, Ernnandez, [applause] >> Irvin Bagawaga, >> David Avula, [applause] Carlos Melendez, Linarees, Brandon Williams, [cheering] [applause] >> Brighton Crawford, [applause and cheering] Christopher Thomas, [applause] Julian Moya, [applause] Kyle Kimler, >> [cheering] >> Gabriel Jones, [applause] Daryl Bond, [applause] Nazir Adams, [cheering] >> Darius Hogan, [cheering] >> [applause] >> Xavier Jones, [applause] >> Israel, Deron, Perez, [applause] >>
036Demarcus Acres, [applause] Sterling Franklin, >> [cheering] >> Demetrius Davis, Petrus Dan Howard, Pata Ahmed, Jaden Harrington, >> [cheering] >> Ira Ehart, [applause] Kevin Mosby, [cheering and applause] Addison Rickman, [cheering] Michael Amaretti Ramos, [cheering] Oh, [applause] >> [screaming] [applause] [cheering] >> Give them a hand. Go ahead. [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Graduates, graduates, please move your tassel from the right to the left. [cheering] This act symbolizes your transition from cadet to graduate. A milestone earned through discipline, perseverance, and pride. By the authority vested in me, I now recognize you as graduates of Franklin Military Academy and Richmond Public Schools. Congratulations graduates of 2026. [cheering] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Hallelujah. Here it is.