001[music] [music and applause] [music] [applause] [music] [applause] [cheering] [applause] [cheering] >> Please stand for the presentation of colors, the national anthem, and lift every voice and sing. >> [cheering] >> Oh, can you >> [singing] >> see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly [singing] we hailed >> [music] >> at the twilight's [singing] last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright >> [singing and music] >> stars through the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watched, [singing] [music] were so gallantly streaming? [singing] And the rockets' red glare, >> [music] >> the bombs >> [singing] >> bursting in air, gave proof >> [music and singing] >> through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does [singing and music] that star-spangled banner yet wave >> [music] >> o'er the land of the free and the home
002of [singing and music] the >> [applause] >> Let every voice and sing till earth and heaven >> [singing] >> ring, ring with the [music] harmony of liberty. [singing] Let our hearts rejoice and sing as >> [singing] >> we sing of the >> [singing] [singing and music] [singing] [singing and music] [music and singing] [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Okay. You may be seated. It is with great pleasure that we begin this afternoon with the presentation of our stage participants. I ask that you hold your applause until each section has been introduced. Each stage participant is asked to stand as his her name or her name is called and to remain standing until the entire section has been introduced. It is my great honor to welcome our superintendent, Jason Kamras. He joins me to introduce the school board
003and division leadership and the division leadership team. Whose advocacy and dedication have ensured our graduates have every resource needed to succeed in their next chapter. >> Thank you, Principal Carter. Good afternoon, everyone. I am delighted to introduce my esteemed colleagues beginning with the chair of the school board representing the ninth district, Mrs. Shavondra Fernandez. Representing the first district, our vice chair, Mr. Matthew Percival. Representing the sixth district, Ms. Anne Holton. And representing the seventh district, Mrs. Cheryl Burke. Please show your appreciation to the school board. You may be seated. And representing the RPS leadership team, Dr. Leslie Wiggins, director for high schools. Again, please show your appreciation to our esteemed guests. Thank you. >> To my right side, Mrs. Kelly M. Carter, principal. Ms. Kaylee Socideo Cifuentes, valedictorian. Who's next? Ms. Fatima Abdul Hakim, salutatorium.
004Mrs. Cara Lancaster Gay, associate principal. Mr. Darian Bell, associate principal. Please acknowledge this section at this time. >> [applause and cheering] >> Second row, right side, Dr. Tess Short, assistant principal. Dr. Carmen Y. Ward, school counseling department chair. Mrs. Sonia Branch Wilson, school counseling department. Mrs. Robin Mays, school counseling department. Mr. Robert Valentine, graduation coach. Please acknowledge this section at this time. >> [applause and cheering] >> In the audience are members of the faculty and staff of Armstrong High School. These dedicated professionals have worked tirelessly to help our students reach this point in their lives. I ask that they stand at this time and be recognized. Thank you. >> [cheering] [applause] >> You may be seated. >> [screaming] >> Good afternoon, families, faculty, staff, honored guests, and most importantly, the class of 2026. >> [applause
005and cheering] >> Today, we gather to honor a journey. A journey marked by resilience, growth, determination, and perseverance. Commencement is not the finish line, it is the point of departure. Just as an aircraft must overcome drag in order to achieve lift, you must learn to overcome obstacles in order to rise toward your future. Everyone has experienced moments of drag throughout their journey. There were moments of turbulence where challenges created resistance, moments that tested confidence, and situations that could have prevented forward progress. Moments when the path ahead may not have seemed clear, but you continued to move forward. But drag is not the end of the story. To fly an aircraft also needs lift. The force that pushes it upward. In your life, lift comes from perseverance, support systems, faith, preparation, discipline, and purpose. Lift is
006found in the teachers who encouraged you, the families who sacrificed for you, the friends who stood beside you, and the determination within that you refused to quit. At Armstrong, we often speak about taking flight. And today you prove exactly what that means. The truth is, flight is only possible when lift becomes greater than drag. Class of 2026, your future will continue to present both forces. There will always be drag, obstacles, uncertainty, and moments of turbulence. But your character, resilience, knowledge, and courage are the lift that will carry you higher. Congratulations, class of 2026. The runway is clear. It is your time to soar. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Good afternoon, everyone. Okay, let's try one more time. We got to get fired up for these graduates. Good afternoon, everyone. >> [cheering] >> YES, [screaming] THAT'S WHAT
007I'M talking about. My name is Shavonda Fernandez. I am chair of the board for Richmond Public Schools and also ninth district school board representative. I am joined by my colleagues. If I could ask them to scan stand just one more time that they can be honored. My colleagues here, vice chair uh Percival, Miss Ann Holton, and the Michelle Burke, who is the representative for Armstrong. >> [cheering] >> Thank you so much. All right. To the graduates, families, faculty, staff, leadership, distinguished guests, and the entire Armstrong community, on behalf of the board, it is truly an honor to celebrate the incredible Armstrong High School class of 2026. Today is a day of pride, accomplishment, and celebration. This moment represents years of hard work, growth, and as she stated, perseverance and determination. Every late night, every lesson
008learned, every challenge overcome, and every victory along the way has led to this very special moment. And today, you should be proud of yourselves. There's a quote that says, "Success is not fail Excuse me, success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." What makes this quote so powerful is that it reminds us that greatness is not built in one single moment. Greatness is built through consistency, resilience, and the decision to keep moving forward, no matter what. And graduates, you did just that. You continued to show up, you continued to grow, you continued to push towards your goals, and because of that, today, you're walking across this stage not only with a diploma, but with proof that you are capable of achieving something meaningful. Each of you has
009your own unique story. I know that I do. Some of you are headed to college, some are entering the workforce, military, entrepreneurship, or even a trade program. Some of you already know exactly what your next steps will be, while others are still discovering your path, and that's okay. But whatever wherever life takes you, never underestimate your ability to succeed. Armstrong has helped prepare you for this next chapter, not just academically, but personally. You have learned to adapt, I'm sure juggle assignments, persevere, work together, and how to rise to the expectations of others. And while today celebrates achievement, it also celebrates potential, because the truth is, this is just the beginning. Adulting is just around the corner. The world is waiting for your ideas, your creativity, your leadership, your talent, and most importantly, your voice. Do
010not shrink yourself to fit into small spaces. Continue to dream big, walk confidently, take chances, believe that you belong in every room, your gifts make space for you to enter. Before I close, I must be remiss if I also and I also want to recognize the parents, families, mentors, teachers, and loved ones who supported these graduates every step of the way. Your encouragement, sacrifice, prayers, and belief helped make this day possible. This celebration belongs to you, too. So, please give yourselves a round of applause. To the class of 2026, never forget this feeling. Remember what it feels like to accomplish something you once only hoped for. Let this moment remind you that you are capable of more than you realize. Go after your goals with confidence. Go make impact. Go inspire people. Go create opportunities.
011Go lead with excellence and integrity. And above all else, go be great. Congratulations, Armstrong High School class of 2026. On behalf of the board, we are proud of you and excited for the amazing future ahead of you. God bless. >> 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 your 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
012new 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 incredibly young people. Class of 2026, your future is bright. Richmond 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
013and where you come from. You are a part of the story of the city and I believe in you with my whole heart. Congratulations, graduates. Go out and shine. Richmond is cheering you on. >> Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to introduce to you at this time Armstrong's class of 2026 top 10. Number 10, Gabrielle Howard, GPA 3.8. Gabrielle will be attending George Mason University majoring in biology pre-med. Her career goal is trauma surgeon and she has a total financial aid of 6 $6,3200. >> [cheering] >> Please stand and face the audience. >> [cheering] >> And remain standing. Aniyah Pennington, GPA 3.85 attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Aniyah Pennington, have you stood yet? Where are you, Aniyah? Thank you. >> [cheering] >> Majoring in biology and she would like to be an anesthesiologist. Her award mount
014is $1.3 million. >> [cheering] >> Danzel Jones-Teal, GPA 3.89. >> [cheering] >> Attending Virginia State University majoring in social work. He would like to become a social worker or even in someday have his own independent practice. Financial aid $242,000. >> [cheering] >> Camilla Brown, please stand. Virginia State University. GPA 3.92 majoring in accounting and she of course would like to become an accountant. Her total financial aid award $334,000. >> [cheering] >> Kaylise Banks, please join us. GPA 4.03. She will be attending Radford University majoring in biology and biomedical sciences. Kaylise would like to become a public health advisor and her financial aid award is $1.2 million. >> [cheering] >> Patrice Lambert, number five. GPA 4.07. Will be attending University of Virginia majoring in biology. She would like to become a dermatologist. Her total package $263,000.
015>> [applause] >> Number four, Jakai Neville Garrett. GPA 4.11. Will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University also majoring in accounting and his total financial package $200,000. >> [cheering and applause] >> Number three, Keviana McKeever. GPA 4.21. She too will be attending Virginia State University majoring in agriculture and animal sciences. Her career goal to become a veterinarian and her total financial aid a package $123,000. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Number two, Fatima Abdul Hakim. >> [cheering] >> GPA 4.55. >> [cheering] >> She will be attending Virginia State University majoring in biology pre-med. She too would like to become an anesthesiologist and her total financial aid award packet $140,000. >> [cheering] [applause] >> And our number one our valedictorian Miss Kaylee Secido Sintetas GPA 4.55. >> [cheering] >> Kaylee will be continuing her studies at Reynolds Community College majoring
016in nursing. Kaylee is also an Early College Academy graduate. She just recently earned her associate's degree from Reynolds Community College. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Armstrong's class of 2026 including our top 10 and other members of the graduating class has earned over $4.5 million. Yeah. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Good Good afternoon distinguished guests Armstrong administration faculty and staff family friends in the 2026 graduating class of Armstrong High School. My name is Fatima Abdul Hakim and it is with great honor that I greet you today and welcome you to the celebration. Armstrong High School is the first school established in the city of Richmond for African Americans. Today, we will join the ranks of a notable alumni including the first African-American governor elected in the United States, L. Douglas Wilder, for whom one of our honor societies
017is named. Today's event is our commencement, an important first with many more milestones to come. To all of our parents, caregivers, and supporters, thank you all for the contributions you've made so that we could do our best. I would especially like to acknowledge my mom and dad for all the sacrifices and for guiding me when I needed it most. >> [applause] >> On behalf of the Armstrong High School class of 2026, I'd like to thank you all for not only coming to our graduation but for also supporting our graduates. High school isn't easy and you all gave us the strength to move forward even when times were tough and I hope you all will continue to do the same for us in the future. >> [clears throat] >> To my peers, the flight this year
018has been both thrilling and sometimes turbulent for all of us. From the times we would pile up in Ms. Lynch's room focused on our future endeavors, the senior trips we went on together, and all the learning experience was learning experiences within the classroom walls. We all grew up together at Armstrong and in your company all these past few years, we can be confident that there is something miraculous in every one of you. Knowing this, as you write your future, whatever you set your mind to accomplish, you can do. Just put your best foot forth and keep that momentum. Sure, you may experience losses. That's a bit That's a part of life that everyone experiences one way or another. But your future depends on how you decide to take that loss. Now, I have a question
019for you all. Are you ready? Be a yes, a no, or a maybe so, life will keep moving. So, we must live for the experiences and the lessons. We shall always remember the lessons, friendship, guiding, counseling, coaching, everything that shaped our futures. I hope you all reach beyond the highest heights and exceed all expectations. Until then, welcome to our commencement. May May peace be upon you all. Thank you. >> [applause] [cheering] >> Stop. >> Life [singing] is [music] a mystery. Everyone must stand alone. I hear you call my name and it feels >> [singing] >> like home. When you call my [singing] name, it's like a little prayer. I'm down on my knees. >> [singing] >> I want to take you there. In the midnight hour, I can feel your power. Just like a prayer,
020you know I'll take you there. I hear your voice. [singing and music] It's like an angel's [singing and music] sighing. I have no choice. I hear >> [music] >> your voice. Heaven [singing] help me. >> [music] >> Just like a prayer, I'll take you there. >> [music] >> It's like a dream to [singing] me. Just like a prayer, I'll take you there. It's like a dream to me. When you call my [music and singing] name, it's like a little prayer. I'm down on my knees. I want to take [singing and music] >> [music] [singing] [singing and music] [music] [singing] [music] [applause] [screaming] >> Good afternoon administrators, teachers, families, and my fellow graduates of Amador High School. My name is Kaylee Damaris Saucedo Cifuentes and I'm I'm the class of 2026 valedictorian. Standing here today is
021an incredible honor, but more than that, it's a reminder of a journey that wasn't always easy. As an immigrant, starting over meant learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and sometimes feeling like I didn't fully belong. There were moments of doubt, moments of fear, and moments where everything felt overwhelming. But But those moments didn't define me. What defined me was continuing anyway. And I know many of us here have faced challenges people may never see, we have carried responsibilities, overcome obstacles, and pushed through days when giving up felt easier. Yet, here we are. To my classmates, this achievement belongs to all of us. Every late night, every test, every small victory led us here. We didn't just make it, we earned it. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the people
022who made this possible. To my mom, thank you for your sacrifice, your strength, your unconditional love. Everything I'm today is because of you. You've showed me what resilience looks like even when life was difficult. Mommy, gracias por todo lo que ha hecho por mí. Por sus sacrificios, por sus consejos y por nunca dejar de creer en mí. Aún en los momentos más difíciles todo lo que soy hoy es gracias a usted. Este logro también es suyo. La amo mucho. So, all my family, thank you for um your advice. To all the um to all the teachers, administrators, and staff at Armstrong High School, thank you for your patience, your encouragement, your dedication, and for pushing us to be better every day. And to my counselor, thank you for believing in me, for guiding me, and
023for helping me see my potential even when even when I didn't see it myself. As we leave today, we're stepping into a future that might feel uncertain, but there's one thing that this journey has taught all of us is that we're stronger than we think, we're capable of adapting, growing, and succeeding no matter where we come from. Our stories may be different, but they all brought us to this moment. And from here, we get to decide what comes next. We get to choose the path we can we want to follow, the dreams we want to chase, and the kind of people we want to become. Some of us will continue our education, some will begin careers, and others may still be discovering what life takes you will take them. And it's okay. What matters is
024not how fast we move, but we that we keep moving forward. Class of 2026, as we walk across the stage today, don't be afraid to dream bigger than the world expects you to. Apply the opportunity, take the risk, travel travel, continue your education, start a business, chase the career, and become the person you once only imagined being. There will be people who doubt you, and there will be moments you doubt your yourself, but never let fear decide your future. Keep moving forward, keep Keep showing kindness, keep making your family proud, and whatever life takes you, never forget where you come from. Where you start everything is what took you to get here. So, let's move forward with courage, with purpose, and with the belief that we belong wherever we choose to go. Class of 2026,
025we're ready to take a flight. The The world is waiting for us, and this is only the beginning. Congratulations. >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] >> Superintendent Kamras, 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 Armstrong High School. >> [cheering] >> I verify that each student has completed the prescribed course of study and has earned the right to be awarded their diploma. >> [cheering] >> You ready to make it official? >> [cheering] >> Upon 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. It is my privilege to officially recognize you as graduates of the class of 2026. Congratulations.
026>> [applause] [cheering] >> Fatimah Abdul-Hakim >> [cheering] >> Tashelle Abernathy Zion Adams Samani Alexander Caden Leon Allen Tamari Tramell Allen >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Sequan Atkinson Kavis James Deand Babb Jovan Baker >> [cheering] >> Chalise Monique Banks McKayla J. Barnes Quincy Deon Baskerville >> [cheering] >> Etasia Annice Bass >> [cheering] >> Tuesday Beal >> [cheering] >> Amanda Mary Margaret Bell Majana Amir Deasia Bell Shamar Baggett London Zaire Blunt Anisha Tariana Braxton Enaya Elise Brooks >> [cheering] >> Camilla Brown >> [cheering] >> Raymond Brown Nashae Aubrey Brunner Bailey Angelia Therese Butler >> [cheering] >> Natavia Keilani Cameron Charlise Janae Carrington >> [cheering] >> Malachi Orlando Chambers Corey Deshawn Clark Kinaya Clements >> Congratulations. What a combination. Congratulations. >> [cheering] >> Cherish Conquest Tashonda Cooper Will Alexis Cordova Montano Nadia Nicolette Dandridge Jordan Jamir Davis >> [cheering]
027>> Kashawn Davis Jamari Lavon Davis-Hicks >> [screaming] >> Ashley Dimbert Juan Carlos Diaz-Flores >> [cheering] >> Janae Marie Dickerson Samaya Dixon Charmaine Dorman >> [cheering] >> Akyra Kemari Dupree >> [screaming] >> Quentin Malachi Eberhardt >> [cheering] >> Rashaun Ellis Devon Jermaine Epps the third >> [cheering] >> Brandon James Falk >> [cheering] >> Nayana Shaquasia Blessing Faith >> [cheering] >> Deshawn Fields Ananda Denisha Frazier Marcus Gibson Joelle Gilmore Eli Alexander Michael Gouge Anthony Kuvonte Handsome Stevie Harden Anasia Imani Harris >> [cheering] >> Kevin Darrell Harris Jocelyn Nicole Horton >> [cheering] >> Quadasia Denise Harris [cheering] Shamaria Laquiya Harrison >> [cheering] >> Zanaviah Junique Hatcher Imaya Junique Hayes >> [cheering] >> Kanaya Natasia Hayes >> [cheering] >> Samaria Danielle Hayes >> [cheering] >> Sanaya Donietta Hayes >> [cheering and applause] >> Otis McDaniel Henderson Kanema Asianae Hickman
028Shannon Najae Holly >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Gabrielle, Elise, Howell. >> [screaming] >> Tyrell, Jamar, Hubbard. >> [cheering] >> Faith, Jocelyn, Jackson. >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Ronald, Lamont, Jackson. >> [cheering] >> Caleb, Tishawn, James. >> [cheering] >> Ramar, Ashaun, James. Jaylen, Jay, Jasper. Mareshia, Shauntel, Jefferson. >> [cheering] >> Taylor, A, Jefferson. >> [cheering] >> Jaeon, Lamont, Johnson. >> [cheering] >> Janasia, Danielle, Johnson. Janasia, Evelyn, Johnson. >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Lovely, K, Johnson. >> [cheering] >> Najae, Johnson. >> Navaeh Maria Johnson Navel Johnson Soraya Josephine Johnson >> [cheering] >> Stephen Johnson >> [screaming] >> Calmesha Latonya Jones >> [cheering] >> Donsel Lamar Jones-Teal >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Camille Rochelle Nolan >> [screaming] >> Patrice Nicole Lamberts Nave Princess Lawrence Tanaysia Marie Lee >> [cheering] >> Kaiwon Carlos Deondre Lewis >> [cheering] >> Kaiwon Michael Lewis McKay Lilly
029>> [cheering] >> Sanaya Marie Lofton >> [cheering] >> Kanaya Logan Maxton London >> [cheering] >> Yemi Selena Lucas Matthias Todd Lamont Macon >> [cheering] >> Avana Marcus >> [cheering] >> Elmer Fernando Marquin Jacinto Imaya Leona Marsh >> [cheering] >> Breanna Lynn Martin Kimaun McCloud >> [cheering] >> Keviana Torshia McKeever >> [cheering] >> Malik McLean >> [cheering] >> Ziquan Khalil Mills >> [cheering] >> Jeffrey Mitchell >> [cheering] >> Drayshaun Taris Morton >> [cheering] >> Josiah Kingston Morton LeAsia Ayana Mosley Savell LaMont Moseley >> [cheering] >> Matthias Emmett Moyer >> [cheering] >> Joshua Makuya >> [cheering] >> Jakai Tion Neville Garant Natasha Marie Nolan Harris Camille Alicia Rogers I got you. Denisha Deidra Patterson Anaya Savannah Pennington Sean I Peterson Josarian Parnell Miles >> [cheering] >> Rhythm Chalice Reynolds Zamire Rich Bruton >> [cheering] >> Tion LaMont
030Roan Elijah >> [cheering] >> Jakaya Robinson Valeria Rodriguez Alejandro >> [cheering] >> Kaylee Damaris Saucedo Cifuentes >> [cheering] >> Gloria Savia >> [cheering] >> Tavon Shepperson Aladdin Sims Donte Injaul Smith Jaylen Nehemiah Smith >> [cheering] >> Zoriah Naeijah Smith Kinara Strather Amir Saluki >> [cheering] >> Janaya Latasha Taylor >> [cheering] >> Keon Jaylen Taylor-Fleming Demont Antonio Thomas Jakaya Monae Thomas Lenaz Kendrell Toliver >> [cheering] >> Tanazia Y Toliver Tishawn Monte Trent Tyasia Lashay Trice Jayla Kenyo Walker >> [cheering] >> Malia Walker >> [cheering] >> Michaela Elizabeth Walton Andrea Indasia Waters Jamika Myasia Watson Keshawn KESHAWN WHITE Jeremiah T Whitehead Ezra Darius Williams Sarika Williams >> [cheering] >> Thomas Dominique Williams >> [screaming] >> Zion Britt Williams >> [cheering] >> Deasia Kimaya Woodson Nemaya Ariel White >> [cheering] >> Milly Yocel Zuniga but Ramirez >> [cheering]
031[cheering] >> Graduates, please stand. Armstrong High School Class OF 2026, please move your tassel from the right to the left at this time, indicating the transition from student to graduate. Congratulations! YOU ARE NOW GRADUATES OF >> [screaming] >> ARMSTRONG HIGH SCHOOL! >> WOO! >> All right. >> [bell] [music] [bell] [music] [bell] [music] >> Mhm. >> [music] [music] [bell] [music]