001I know. Oh. I know. Oh. I know. Oh. I know. Oh. I know. Oh. >> [music] [music] >> Go there! >> Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> Woo! >> [music] [music] >> Woo! >> [music] [music] [applause] >> Woo! >> [applause] >> Good morning. Please be seated. Good morning. I am Eric Kirkendall, principal of Eastern Green High School. And it's my privilege to welcome you to this special occasion, the commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2026. We are honored
002to have us to have with us today our esteemed guests, the members of our school board, our superintendent, Mr. Doug Lewis, and finally, please give a warm welcome to the dedicated teachers of Eastern Green Schools, who are here to celebrate the this significant milestone with our graduates. At this time, I would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to our senior sponsor, Ms. Jen Shively. Despite facing a severe leg injury this spring, her unwavering dedication to this class never faltered. She returned to school with a singular focus to ensure that this commencement ceremony would be an unforgettable milestone for every single one of you. Please join me in a round of applause for Ms. Shively's incredible act of service. >> [applause] >> Graduating class of 2026, take a deep breath. Truly cherish this remarkable moment.
003You've accomplished something extraordinary, and we eagerly welcome you to the responsibilities and opportunities of adulthood. As you embark on the next stage of your journey, remember that your life extends beyond your individual experiences. You now hold the power and the privilege to shape the world around you for better. Your actions have impact. This reminds me of a powerful passage from Theodore Roosevelt called The Man in the Arena, where he eloquently states, "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again because there is
004no effort without error or shortcomings, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at his best knows in the end the triumph of a high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who never knew victory or defeat." Graduates, I can attest that life does not owe you anything, nor will it give you anything for free. But as you step into the arena, know your worth. In that arena, you'll realize that fulfillment isn't measured by the stuff you own, but by the people you impact. Will you stand with integrity? How will you make an impact on those around you? Gazing out at your bright faces, I
005see boundless potential. Too many people fail to realize that being in the arena isn't about winning the race against others, but the courage to be oneself. You are not in competition with anyone else. No one can beat you being you. Don't be the best, be the only. Congratulations, Class of 2026, on this incredible achievement. >> [applause] [applause] >> Good morning. I am Finn Wolfker, vice president of Eastern Green High School's class of 2026. On behalf of my classmates, I am pleased to welcome you to this important ceremony. We are excited to share this day with all of you. And we know that without our parents, teachers, and administrators, we could have never reached this milestone. My classmates and I hope you enjoyed the talented performers, the speeches, and the many pictures that will imprint this
006day in all of our memories. Again, welcome, and thank you for being witnesses to the graduation of the class of 2026. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> [applause] >> At this time, I would like to present our top senior scholars, valedictorian Esther Crane and salutatorian Reagan Kieft. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Good morning, families, friends, faculty, staff, and most importantly, the class of 2026. I am incredibly honored to be standing before you today to send off the class of 2026 into the next chapter of our lives. I want to begin by
007thanking each and every one in the audience, not only for joining us to celebrate the graduation of such an amazing group of students, but for being with us every step of the way. Without your unwavering support, we would not be sitting here awaiting for the moment the diploma hits our hands, marking the end of one season and the beginning of another. So, thank you for not giving up on us, pushing us to be our best selves, and providing us with an amazing high school experience to look back on. I also want to thank my classmates for making my time at Eastern Green unforgettable. Whether you know it or not, I hold all of you close to my heart as I am in debt to the influence you have had on who I am and who
008our class is. Throughout my time at Eastern, I learned a very important lesson, not one learned in math or English, but rather a lesson learned from my classmates and our shared experiences. I discovered everything is temporary, good or bad, and slowing down to appreciate those moments and people is extremely important. For example, the classes that seemed to long to to drag longer than the scheduled 45 minutes, the AP exams we'd all nod off during, or the classes that took us to our group chats. The student section celebrations and laughs, and even when period that rarely seemed to be used for what I need. Similarly, we will all remember Mrs. Bartlett's key to prepositional phrases, how we would look forward to Taco Tuesday or Chinese Thursdays in the cafeteria, and Mr. Hutcherson's disgusting, but educational worm
009and frog dissections. We all knew our time in high school was temporary, but I do not think we all comprehended how quickly those years would go. I want us to look back not with saddened hearts that our time is over, but with joy that we have so many memories and relationships that are not temporary, unlike our time together. Stretching further than the last 4 years, we all have moments that come to mind when we think about our time at Eastern Greene. I think about our 8th grade year when we weren't allowed to go to Washington D.C., so of course we received the second best option, riding around Indiana on a hot bus. We visited Abraham Lincoln's childhood home, the Indiana Military Museum, and ended the day with Chinese that gave everyone food poisoning. I also
010remember the time we went to Bradford Woods in 5th grade. My cabin quickly learned what a squeegee was after I left the water on during our all day hike flooding our bathroom, and even after we were worn out from the eventful days, we all participated in a prank war that consisted of sneaking around and many quiet laughs followed by shushing sounds. I love looking back at old videos from our elementary and middle school musicals, which for some sparked a love that lasted throughout high school. The Jukebox Time Machine and The Pirates musicals were both significant moments we all shared together, learning all of the songs in Mrs. Drummond's music class. More recently, we experienced our very last prom, senior sunset and sunrise, and even our now infamous senior prank. Finally, we are currently seated in
011the biggest event of our high school career, graduation. Overall, all of these moments are ones we shared together, and it doesn't matter what classes you took, what friends you hung out with, or what place you were in class rank. It's hard to know that we will never be able to relive those experiences physically, but that shows the importance of slowing down and letting the feelings and emotions sink in. This creates a lasting memory that denies the movement of time by encapsulating those moments into a vivid memory you can cherish forever. More specifically, when looking at my class, I think about all of the people individually and how their personalities and qualities will leave a lasting impact on how I will remember high school. I thank Sophie who has always pushed others to do their best,
012putting us in the positions we are in today. I envy how deeply Misty cares about her work and her friends. I'm sure we can all agree Cody can put a smile on our faces no matter what is going on in our lives. I believe Addy and Laney demonstrate a seamless relationship that many people should look up to. Allie and Lucas continue to symbolize true friendship by being loyal to those they met back in elementary school. I will miss Shelby's contagious laugh that echoed through the halls. And finally, I know we can all appreciate the numerous compliments Hazel has given us in passing. I could go on all day about how important each person has been in creating such a positive and friendly class. However, I personally will never forget the interactions and impacts of everyone.
013You all have given this group a reason to hold on to this class and cherish our time together, making our bond span beyond graduation. I believe taking a moment to appreciate everyone who's helped shape our time here is important. Our time at Eastern Green has come to an end, but we as a group have not because of the memories we share. My favorite book, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, perfectly represents the idea of life being temporary and the importance of appreciating the small moments. A quote that I thought best fit this moment reads, "Enjoy it because it's happening." I think that is a lesson we have learned along the way at each of the big events that have made the class of 2026 who we are. We learned that nothing lasts
014forever, but that does not have to be a bad thing. And be sure to slow down and appreciate every moment. Make memories, be spontaneous, have no regrets, and communicate with your peers. As we wrap up our high school career today, make sure to enjoy it because it is happening and nothing can stop it from happening. Although our time together was finite and has come to an end, the class of 2026 and our memories are infinite. Thank you. >> [applause] [music] >> Amen. >> [music] [music] >> Amen. >> [music] >> Amen. >> [music] >> Amen. >> [music] [music] >> Amen. >> [music] [music] [applause] >> Good morning. My name is Esther Crane and it is an honor to be the class of 2026 valedictorian. After hearing Reagan's speech, I have to be honest with you. I'm
015a bit nervous to deliver my own, but then I remembered the countless speeches I had to present in Mrs. Bartlett's class and I'm honing in on those skills to deliver this before you. How am I doing? I am filled with immense pride as I thank all of the teachers, administrators, faculty, and staff of Eastern Green for delivering our class to this special occasion. I also want to thank all of the supportive parents and guardians here for the sacrifice it takes to raise such a remarkable group of individuals. And from a personal standpoint, my greatest thanks goes to God for his ultimate sacrifice. I believe that by grace we have been saved, and that is the only reason I'm here in front of you today. Finally, to our graduating class of 2026, congratulations. Today is a
016day of celebration and joy, so no crying yet. Let's take a moment to commemorate our achievements with a round of applause. >> [applause] >> Okay, now all the graduating students, raise your hands. Everyone. Okay, put your hand down if you've been at Eastern Green since elementary school. Now lower your hand if you've been here since middle school. Finally, put your hand down if you've attended at Eastern at any point for high school. As you all just saw, most of us have been here for more than just a couple of years, and there are many of us who have even grown up in Eastern Green schools. The class of 2026 is not just a group of graduates, but an integral aspect of our community as a whole. Each person here has value in the class, school,
017and community. No matter your background though, there is comfort and affection in familiarity. In fact, one of my favorite quotes by George Eliot reads, "We could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it. What novelty is worth that sweet monotony where everything is known and loved because it is known?" I always love this quote because it suggests that the most profound affection comes from deep connection and knowing every detail of a place, person, or life. No novelty or thrill of new experiences can compare to the steadfast love we experience when we come back to our childhood. However, as we all leave behind the last remnants of said childhood, I want to challenge George Eliot. What are we to gain from the monotony of knowing and loving when we
018encounter nothing new to know and love. How are we supposed to truly appreciate the warm familiarity of a long-ago childhood if we never leave it? I'm not suggesting everyone pack your bags and head for the airport, but try something different. This speech is supposed to be about the future, but there is no future without building on the present. We're graduating. Now is the time to do the thing you always talked about. Create that artwork, publish that novel, start experimenting, continue learning, keep working hard, and don't hesitate. Our future friends, co-workers, bosses, and mentors are lucky to have such exceptional individuals headed their way. What are we doing now to prepare ourselves for them? We're graduating. Now is the time to start preparing and creating and exploring. Don't wait for a perfect opportunity that may never
019come along. Take those risks while we are still young enough for adults to just shake their heads and say, "Kids these days." Even if it blows up in our faces, we can't waste an opportunity we may never get back. Those of you who have only been at Eastern for a short time, you know how intense change can be. You know it's scary to not recognize a single face. But now you know classmates, teachers, and staff. You know the area and you know each hallway in this building, which isn't hard because the school has a grand total of two hallways stacked on top of each other. All in all, change is a blessing because when we finally settle into the rhythm of our new lives, we appreciate it all the more. The first class at college
020will be overwhelming, but soon late nights and studying will be that sweet monotony that Elliot talks about. Military basic training will no doubt be stressful, but soon the structure and regiment will become second nature, familiar, and ultimately loved. Working hard to build a life straight out of high school will be full of unexpected challenges, but soon the daily grind will feel like home. When we turn our tassels and leave behind our childhood, we will come to know and love a new life. New places, new people. Then, we will always have our childhood to come back to. Some of us may leave, move far away to discover new places, while others may continue their lives here, raising their own children here to experience the joy of growing up in our hometown. No matter our big plans
021for the future, there is comfort in coming back home to, or remaining with, the peeper frogs and childhood memories. We can drive along cornfields and poplar woods and remember that we could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it. Thank you. >> [applause] >> I will carry [singing] the light. >> Like a candle [singing] that shines in the night. >> I'll be >> [singing] >> a beacon that's burning bright. >> I will [singing] carry the light. >> I will carry [singing and music] the light. Like [singing] a candle [music] that shines in the night. I'll be [singing] a beacon that's burning [music] bright. I will carry [singing] the light. Lux [music] aeterna, >> [singing] >> aeterna, aeterna, the light >> [singing and music] >> inside of me. Lux
022[music] aeterna, aeterna, aeterna, >> [singing] >> will shine >> [music] >> eternally. >> There's a light >> [music and singing] >> that's inside that I know I cannot hide >> [singing and music] >> cuz that light will make the embers ignite. >> [music] >> And that light that's in me will forever [singing] be. I will [singing] carry the light. >> Lux aeterna, aeterna, >> [singing] [music] >> aeterna, the light light inside of me. >> [music] >> Looks eternal, [singing] eternal, eternal >> [music] >> will shine eternally. >> [music] >> Looks >> [music] >> eternal, I'll carry the light. Looks eternal, like a candle that >> [music and singing] >> shines in the night. I'll be I'll be a beacon that's burning bright. I will carry the light. >> [singing] [music] >> I'll be [singing] I'll
023be a beacon >> [music] >> that's burning bright. I will carry the light. >> [music and singing] >> Looks [singing] >> [music] >> eternal. >> [applause] [snorts] >> Good morning. For the past 2 years, it has been both an honor and privilege to serve as superintendent of Eastern Green Schools and to watch this group of seniors grow into the young adults that sit before me today. I have seen your commitment to one another, your pride in your school, and your ability to persevere through challenges that were not always easy. The class of 2026 has certainly shown resilience. You have learned how to adapt, how to push forward, and how to support one another. Those lessons matter far beyond this moment, and they will undoubtedly stay with you long after today. As a class, you've achieved
024a great deal. You've worked hard in the classroom and achieved academic successes. You've competed with determination across athletics, and you shared talents through the arts and clubs and various activities. You can be proud that you have left your mark at Eastern Green. So now you are here, the day of your graduation. The end of a journey that took you from starting fresh in kindergarten to reaching the finish line with today's ceremony. This is a day you've looked forward to for a long time. It is a time to celebrate, to reflect, and to begin thinking about what comes next. Some of you feel excited, some are a little nervous, maybe a little uncertain, and maybe even a little nostalgic. And that's exactly how it should be because this moment matters. it matters to your friends, it
025matters to your teachers, and it matters to your families who have gathered here today to celebrate each of you and in this important milestone. For most of your life, school has been your foundation. It's where friendships were built, lessons were learned, and memories were made. But today marks the beginning of something new, your next chapter in life. Each of you will take your own unique path moving forward. Some of you will continue your education. Some will enter the workforce. Others will serve in meaningful ways. No matter the path you take, you all have goals, dreams, and ambitions. And those goals are important. You should chase them. You should work hard for them. Push yourself to become the very best version of you you can at each step along the way. But as you do that,
026don't forget something that is just as important. Enjoy the journey. Don't spend so much time focused on where you're going that you miss where you are. Life is not just about reaching that next milestone. It's about the moments in between. The special conversations with loved ones, the challenging life lessons that each of you must experience and learn from, the large and small victories, and even the devastating setbacks. They all represent the fabric that will mold you into the person that you will continue to grow into. I encourage each and every one of you to strive for your goals. There's nothing wrong with that drive to be your very best. However, don't be so focused that you rush past your life getting there. The small moments matter, so do not miss them. In the end, it's
027not just about where you arrive or the goal you achieve. It's about the person you grow into, the relationships that you will develop, and the various impacts you will have along the way. Finally, class of 2026, my advice to you is this, be present, slow down enough to truly appreciate the people around you and the moments you're living in right now. Learn from every experience, both the highs and the lows, because each one is shaping who you are. Don't rush through life always focused on what's next, because one day you'll look back and realize that the moments you thought were small, ordinary, or even insignificant, those were the ones that you actually impact you the most and you remember. Shoot for the stars, dream big, work even harder, but don't forget to live along the
028way. Because in the end, it's not just where you go, it's about who you become on the journey getting there. Class of 2026, I am proud of you. I believe in you and I can't wait to see the impact you will make. Congratulations and remember, you always have a home here at Eastern Green. Always be proud to be a Thunderbird. >> [applause] >> In a moment, we will award the diplomas. It is what we have all gathered here to witness, your students walking across the stage with diploma in hand. It is Eastern Green's tradition to call out each graduate's name individually and give them the well-deserved opportunity to walk across the stage and receive their diploma. Mr. Daniel Zapata will have the honor of reading the names of our graduates. This is a joyous occasion,
029but one that calls for the proper respect and decorum, which appropriately reflects the importance of this major milestone in the lives of these graduates. Once commencement is completed, please join your graduates in the cul-de-sac to celebrate. Now, for the presentation of the diplomas. >> [applause] >> Ready? Okay. Esther Helen Crane. Reagan Lane Keep. >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Finley Leo Wolfger. Kaylee Colleen Hammer. Kaden William McCormick. >> [cheering] >> Kenna Rain Maddox. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Zack Audrey May Apps. Zachary William Arnold. Hadley Sherlin >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Wyatt Steven Craig. >> [screaming] >> Ashlyn Jean Bellman. >> [cheering] >> Connor James Bingham. Kaden Bryant Boswell. Demetrian Jamar Bowlin. >> [screaming] >> Jace Warren Brown. >> [cheering] >> Jolie Denae Brown. Julius Julius Kenneth Scott Carter. Reese Samuel Caswell. Cooper Adam Crane. Cash Dean Collison. Megan
030Lynn Crow. Olivia Cecil Crow. >> [cheering] >> Lanessa Selene Cummings. >> [applause] >> Marissa Ann Marie Davis. Xander Leonidas Michael DeWeese. Alexis Lee Eaton Caitlin Nicole Elmore Zynthia Jade Franklin Shelby Doris Ann Gardner Ember Lee Gator Hayley Eileen Paula Gilreath >> [cheering] >> Allie Nicole Hamilton >> [cheering] >> Devon Paul Harper Cole Michael Hayes Adalie Lynn Hayworth Lucas Marley Helms >> [cheering] >> Zachary Donald Herndon Kaya Lee Marie Hertz >> [cheering] >> Edgar Bryce Higginbotham William Christopher Hudson >> [cheering and screaming] >> Cody Levi Jackson Caleb Michael Jackson >> [cheering] >> Veda K. Johnson Aiden Kobe Jones Bryson Terry Jones Riley Payton Kelly >> [cheering] >> Jaylen Rose Lyons David Tristan McGuire >> [cheering] >> Misty Dawn English >> [cheering] >> Nivea Jade Hope Lash Dalton Levi Mizell >> [cheering] >> Leonel Moreno >> [cheering]
031>> Sophia Elizabeth Nonte Brooklyn Rose Osborne >> [cheering] >> Hannah Faye Price >> [cheering] >> Elena Grace Quinby Addison Grace Remy Devin Joseph Reed >> [cheering] >> Emily Kaylynn Richards Emma Joe Rigney James Clifford Dwayne Schoolcraft Savannah Kelly Alana Schoolcraft Andrew Richard Shaw Allison Diana Stevenson >> [cheering] >> Nicholas Alexander Sudano >> [cheering] >> Dane William Talbot >> [cheering] >> Brook Lynn Marie Taylor Max Elliott Vergith >> [cheering] >> Lorna Nicole Wall Wilson Kaylee Hazel Wheeldon Thomas Austin Tyler Zink >> [cheering and applause] >> Chiara Genova >> [applause] >> Sarah Della Kellerer Paula Elena Retamar Vlad >> [cheering] >> Eda Bandry >> [cheering] >> All right, please stand. Mr. Lewis, these graduates have completed all the coursework required for their diploma and have been approved by the faculty. It is my distinct pleasure to present
032them to you for the conferring of their diploma. >> By the authority vested in me by the Indiana Department of Education and by the certification made by your principal, Mr. Kirkendall, that you have completed all high school graduation requirements, I hereby confirm your graduation on this day of May 30th, 2026 from Eastern Green High School. Congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] >> Love you guys. LET'S DO THIS THING. 3 >> [screaming] >> 2 >> [cheering] [applause] [screaming] >> LET'S GO, CLASS OF 2026. >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [music] >> WOO! >> [music] [music] >> WOO! >> [music] [music] >> WOO! >> [music] [music] >> WOO!