001Thank you everyone. Hallelujah. together. That's Hallelujah. Amen. Oh my god. Good morning. >> My name is Mike Hosenfuss and I teach history at Open High School. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our 2026 commencement ceremony. Uh we expect to have a safe and joyous celebration of our graduates. Please help us honor them in an appropriate manner. Upon the announcement of names acknowledged with applause should be used to recognize the graduate. Please refrain from continued noise or t talking so that all our graduates names can be heard. Thank you for joining us and enjoy the commencement program. We will begin in just a moment. Congratulations. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Everyone, please remain standing for the presentation of colors and remain standing for the national anthem and the black national
002anthem. 6. Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hail at the twilight last gleaming, who brought stripes and rides through the perilous fight. All the ramparts we watch were so gallently streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that a flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangle anger yet. or the land of the free and the home of the brave. Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring. Sing with the harmonies of liberty. >> Let our rejoiceing rise high as the liing. >> Let us resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has
003brought us. They see the rising sun of our new day becomes part till victory is won. You may now be seated. Good morning families, friends, faculty, and most importantly the class of 2026. I am Candace Vinie Chaplain and it is my absolute honor to welcome you to Open High School's commencement exercises for 2026. At this time, please welcome Superintendent Jason Cameras to the podium to introduce participating schoolboard and leadership stage participants. Good morning everyone. >> I know I look like a clown. So, let me explain real quick. Uh because open and the two subsequent graduations from community and Franklin all have a 100% graduation rate. I decided to do my hair in the colors of the three schools. You might be wondering why there's no yellow. Well, there's gold in the middle. It just doesn't
004look like yellow. So, my apologies. I'm yellow in spirit with open. I am thrilled to announce our stage participants, beginning with our school board chair representing the ninth district, Mrs. Shiovanda Fernandez. and representing the fifth district in which open resides, Miss Stephanie Rizzy. Many thanks to our school board representatives. And behind them, we have members of the RPS leadership team, beginning with Mr. Patrick Herrell, our chief operating officer. Dr. Daniel Green Bell, our chief engagement officer, Miss Reisha Parks, chief wellness officer, and Dr. Leslie Wiggins, chief academic officer. Thank you. It is now my pleasure to introduce Open High School participants. Please stand to be recognized and remain standing until your group has been introduced. On the stage to my left, school counselor Micah Davis, English teacher Victoria Carl, Open High School's co-validictorians Diamatu Ba
005and Elliot Vanvulenberg. Open High School Saludiatoran Kim Meyer King and the class of 2026 President Khloe Charlton. In the audience, the dedicated faculty and staff who supported, challenged, inspired, advised, and occasionally signed the extra essay when the students least wanted it. Open High School's teachers, staff, staff and team, please stand to be recognized. You may be seated. Behind every successful graduate is a foundational team of love, patience, and endless support. To the parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers in the crowd. This milestone belongs to you, too. You were there for the late night homework meltdowns, the early morning wakeup calls, the countless pep talks in the quiet moments of pride. You cheered the loudest from the sidelines of their lives. Parents and caregivers, please stand to receive the profound gratitude of your graduates and the school
006community. Thank you. You may be seated. >> And finally, we turn our attention to the reason we are gathered here today. You have persevered through the years of hard work, navigated challenges with resilience, grown as individuals, and finally reached the finish line. Look around you, at each other. You did this together. Class of 2026, please stand and be recognized. You may now be seated. >> I think they love you a great deal. I know we're excited, but we will get there. Stepping into young adulthood brings a natural mix of anticipation and uncertainty, but it also opens up a an incredible amount of possibility. Class of 2026, as you take this step, I want to remind you of something grounding. You do not need to have the entire map figured out today. The path ahead will
007have its twists and turns and there will be moments that require more patience and effort than expected. But those moments aren't de detours. They are simply part of how we grow. When things get challenging, meet those challenges with curiosity rather than fear. Let the unexpected moments clarify what you care about, what you stand for, and what you want to focus your energy on. True fulfillment does not come from a flawless easy easy journey. It comes from navigating the rough patches and realizing just how capable you really are. You have already proven your resilience, your intellect, and your heart right here at Open High School. As you walk across the stage today, carry the quiet confidence with you that came from this journey. Trust your ability. Build a life that feels meaningful to you. And stay
008open to the possibilities. At this time, we will receive greetings from our school board chair. >> Good morning everyone. >> Good morning. My name is Siobhan Fernandez. As shared, I am chair of Richmond Public Schools School Board and also the 9inth District School Board Representative. I'm joined by my colleague, Miss Rizzy, who also uh represents uh you at open as the school board representative. On behalf of the Richmond Public Schools School Board, it is truly an honor to celebrate Open High School class of 2026. Today is about achievement, determination, and finishing strong. There's a quote by Michael Jordan that we all know that says, "Some people want it to happen. Some wish it would happen. Others, make it happen. Graduates, you made it happen." Yes. You stay committed through deadlines, very long nights, challenging courses,
009changing circumstances, and moments when the finish line may have felt very far away. But today, you stand here having accomplished something very, very important. You finish what you started and you finished strong. Open High School has always been known for producing students who think deeply, lead boldly, and challenge themselves academically and personally. And that spirit is clearly reflected in this graduating class. As you prepare for your next chapter, whether it's in college, careers, entrepreneurship, military service, or just discovering a new path, remember this. Finishing strong is not just about how you end one season. It's about building the discipline, resilience, and character to keep showing up for every season ahead. There will be moments in life when things become difficult. Moments when quitting may seem easier, but your journey has already proven that you have
010the ability to persevere, adapt, and rise to the occasion. Carry that confidence with you. Continue to lead with integrity. Continue to pursue excellence. Continue to use your gifts to make a difference in this world around you. And never forget that today is not the end of your story. It is the launch of your future. Class of 2026, we are proud of you. Congratulations and may you continue to finish strong in all that you do. Thank you. Hey, Richmond Public Schools class of 2026. It's your mayor, Danny. I'm not just your mayor, but I'm also a proud Richmond public schools dad. And I am so excited and honored to be celebrating you today, RPS graduates. You did it. Graduation is a huge milestone and I want you to know how proud I am, not just as
011your mayor, but as someone who believes deeply in the power of our young people. You've shown strength and determination and a whole lot of heart to get here. Through every challenge, every late night, every test, every new experience, you kept going and today you're walking across that stage as a graduate. That is no small thing. That is amazing work. Some of you have overcome big challenges, family struggles, health issues, school pressures, or just figuring out who you are and what's next. And yet, here you are. You didn't give up. You kept moving forward. And we see you. To the families, the teachers, the school staff, and everyone who supported you, thank you. It truly takes a village, and you have been that village for these incredible young people. Class of 2026, your future is bright.
012Richmond needs your energy, your creativity, your passion, and your voice. And whether you're headed to college, a career, the military, or something uniquely your own, I hope that you carry with you pride in who you are and where you come from. You are a part of the story of this city. And I believe in you with my whole heart. Congratulations, graduates. Go out and shine. Richmond is cheering you on. >> Good morning, >> ladies and gentlemen. I'm very pleased to share that the class of 2026 is a very accomplished group of students. They have completed over 5,000 hours of community service, earned five associates degrees. Six have earned a seal of biiteracy, attaining proficiency in at least two languages. 17 were named AP scholars by the college board. Several of them are scholar athletes participating
013in basketball, cheering, football, softball, track, volleyball, and soccer. Many have received full rides or partial scholarships to pursue higher education with a total of over $2.4 million. Members of this class will attend colleges and universities in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. while others are entering the workforce or going to the Air Force. Wherever the future takes them, we are certainly proud of the class of 2026. At this time, we want to recognize 10 outstanding scholars who have demonstrated academic excellence and achieved the highest GPA in this year's graduating class. Their accomplishments reflect countless hours of hard work, tenacity, and personal sacrifice. I ask that you stand as your name is called. Lily Beldy will be attending St. Katherine University. Justin Futrell attending George Mason University. Sophie Baldy attending the University of Minnesota.
014Naomi Hill attending Penn State. Lydia Worley attending Appalachian State. Hazel Senator attending Virginia Tech. Maria Finch also attending Appalachian State. Our saludiatoran Kamari King who be attending Spellelman College. Our co- valadictorian Tuba attending Howard University. and our other co-validictorian Elliot Van Falconberg attending the University of Virginia. Please join me in giving these outstanding scholars another round of applause. Good morning, esteemed faculty, proud families, and most importantly, my fellow graduates. My name is Kimari King, and it is an honor to stand before you today as a saludiatoran of Open High's class of 2026. As we close one chapter and eagerly anticipate the next, our journey together, though short, has been filled with invaluable lessons, both academic and life-based, we faced challenges that tested our resolve, celebrated achievements that lifted our spirits, and shared moments that have
015bonded us in unique ways. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our teachers and mentors. Your guidance has been a light steering us toward our potential. To our families, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our abilities. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. To my classmates, we've grown together, not just in knowledge, but in character. As we step into the future, let's carry the resilience, compassion, and determination we've nurtured at open. The world is vast, filled with opportunities and challenges. And if our time together has shown me anything is that we are more than capable of rising to meet them. As we move forward, let's hold on to the memories we've created, the lessons we've learned, and the friendships we formed. They are the foundation upon which we will build our future
016successes. I am excited to see where life takes each of us. Remember, the future is not something we enter. It's something we create. Let's go forth with confidence, courage, and an open heart, ready to make our mark on the world. Congratulations, class of 2026. Here's to our bright futures ahead. And remember, in a world where you can be anything, be open. Thank you. >> Okay. Good morning peers, staff, esteemed guests, friends, and family of the class of 2026. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of the biggest milestones in our educational journeys. It feels as if it was just yesterday when I would peek at the attendance sheets in elementary school and wonder when the 2026 beside my name wouldn't feel so far away. First, I want to speak to the friends and family
017of the graduating class. As impressive as the title self-made is, I find it very hard to believe that it's an accurate title. No student can truly say that they made it into this building without feeling someone's love, encouragement, and support pushing them to succeed. And for that, I want to thank you all for pushing us to the end of this journey. Next, I would like to speak to the current and past staff of Open High School here with us today. To the teachers, we would like to thank you for working grossly underpaid jobs, yet necessary jobs to help nourish our minds. Despite all of the arguments and frustration, we understand that you wanted us to succeed above all else. And to the support staff and administration, we appreciate you for always being a safe space
018to talk about any concerns that we had. Okay. Finally, to the class of 2026, we made it, y'all. Oh my god. Um, during our freshman year, we were almost complete strangers. And I know for me personally, it was one of the most anxious periods of my life. And now, many friendships have grown from what was once unfamiliarity to what is now closer than some familiar bonds. I know that I would not be on the stage here today if it were not for the friends who constantly encouraged and pushed me to succeed. Those high expectations helped me to be on the stage today and I hope that I have met those expectations and made you all proud. And I hope that you know that I am proud of you all too. I have never been as
019social as I was at open. I came in as an o asocial and awkward freshman with my protective yellow hoodie. And while I'm still somewhere awkward, I'd like to think that I have connected with almost all of my classmates. We share many fits of laughter, stories, and some of you have even seen me cry. I'm so glad I got to have this graduating class in my life, and I will miss you all when we transition to our next steps after high school. Thank you. Hello friends, family, and fellow classmates. I am so excited to be standing up here to celebrate our graduation, but more importantly to recognize the four years of hard work that got us here. Over the past four years, I have seen this class pursuing their passions, giving back to their communities,
020and working tirelessly to complete their high school education. I've gotten to know many of you closely, and would consider almost everyone a friend in some regard. And I can say with confidence that this is a group of the most passionate, creative, and assertive people I know. I have found support and kindness almost everywhere I reached out for it amongst the people in this audience. There were many times I came into school already just like having the worst day and I was met with compassion at every turn, often from people who I didn't even know that well. The small size of open has sometimes been challenging for me, but at the end of the day, it's what made makes me glad that I came here. I've formed incredibly close friendships with my peers and relationships with
021teachers that have allowed me to feel supported at every step along the way. A sentiment that I'm sure is shared by everyone at Open. I'm so grateful for this school and how it has shaped the past four years, but I'm also so excited for us to take the next step. And I know that everyone graduating today will do amazing things in the next four. Superintendent cameras That is an open high school. >> Superintendent cameras. Having met the high standards of scholarship and character required by the Richmond public school system and the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am proud to present the class of 2026 of Open High School. I verify that each student has completed the prescribed course of study and has earned the right to be awarded their diploma. >> Should we make it official?
022Upon the recommendation of your principal and by the authority of the Virginia Board of Education and the Richmond City School Board, I accept your certification. And it is my privilege to officially recognize you as graduates of the class of 2026. Maya ni Alu Sadiatu Yabo Amusa Diamatu Ba Lily an Sophie Lee Beldy Kiana Amari Brown Knight >> Kaden J. Denise Buck, Kamari Lynn Carter, Chloe Marie Charlton, Collia Jack Coffee, >> Gabrielle Mercedes, Feliciano, >> Maria Allen Finch, Siobhan Diana Ford, >> Justin Jeffrey Futrell, Zeanna Moli Gonzaga, Chenilia Yanik Gordon Naomi Laura Hill. Avery Imam DeAndre Horns, >> Micaia Angelique Jackson, >> Miracle Monae Jackson, Kimi Danielle King, >> Sierra Len King, Katherine Yolani Masias, Vigil, Newton Fox, Peacemaker, >> Christian Anel Perez, Shimul, Michaela Raven Potton artist, Hazel Sanchez, Cardona, Thea Elizabeth Sarve, Madison Annayia
023Scott, Hazel McGrath, Senichol, Iani D. Su Tyon Laurel Smith, Leslie, Andrea, Tinoco, Dominguez, Rogan, Tyler Vanchester, Elliot Bin von Balkenberg, >> Anna Jane Whitney, >> Lydia Carile Warley, Marquita Amari Yansy. Okay. >> Okay. Graduates, please stand. Okay. The turning of the tassel is a timehonored tradition that symbolizes your profound transition from students to alumni. Up until this moment, your tassel has worn on the right, representing your journey, your hard work, and the anticipation of this day. Moving it to the left signifies that you have officially earned your diploma and are ready to step forward into the world. Graduates, you may now turn your tassels from the right to the left. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Come on.