001Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey. [music] >> [music] [music] >> daddy feel hey [music] back. >> [music] [music] >> Doney [music] >> [music] >> Happy birthday. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, Heat. [music] Batty [music] daddy [music] daddy. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. [music] Hey, hey, hey. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Back up. Hey [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Hey, daddy. Heat. [music] Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >>
002Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. >> [music] >> Hey, [music] hey, hey. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. That's a better place for me. >> [music] >> How are you? >> [music] >> That's going to go >> [music] [music] >> I don't know. Okay, thank you. Oh, this this is not >> [music] >> We'll talk about that. I kind of told Megan getting near that time. >> When we get performance, how do you want that? I'm going to stay right here between us. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. Glory. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Thank God. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Thank you. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Now it's [music] >> [music] [music] >> How about this? [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Y [music] in the Yes. [music] 1
0032 [applause] 3 [cheering] >> [applause] >> Good evening. Please stand for the playing of our national anthem. >> [music] [applause] >> Please be seated. Well, good evening and welcome ladies and gentlemen to the class of 2026, parents, friends, and distinguished guests. This milestone day has been 13 plus years in the making. And so it is indeed my pleasure and my privilege to welcome you to Mountain Ridge High School's 19th commencement ceremony. [applause] At this time, I would like to recognize and welcome our distinguished guests. Please stand as I call your name. Alageney County Public Schools Superintendent D Dr. Michael Marterano [applause] members of the elected board of education Dr. David Baugh [applause] Mr. Max Green, [applause] Miss Lorie Lepley, [applause] and Mrs. Linda Whitmer. [applause] Also, welcome to our assistant principles, Dr. Alyssa Warner and
004Mr. Shan Swisser. [applause] Miss Crystal Jud, Miss Carrie Harvey, and Miss Stella Wong. [applause] Our school counselors, Mrs. Lisa Blank and Mrs. Beth Tinette, [applause] our school safety officer, Mr. Jamie Pritz [applause] and representing the central office, Mrs. Kate Lockery, [applause] Dr. Wendy Maine, [applause] Dr. Molly Stewart, [applause] Mrs. Jackie Enright, [applause] Mr. Glenn Rice, [applause] Mr. Larry McKenzie, [applause] and Mr. John Hampton. [applause] Also like to recognize Mrs. Janine Fasenbaker, who is a counselor for the career and center uh center for career and technical education. also [applause] welcoming our faculty and staff of Mountain Ridge High School. Again, thank you for being here. [applause] So, at this time, under the direction of Mr. Josh Ruben Camp, the concert choir and seniors will perform the song A Million Dreams. She's I can see is waiting
005for me. I call Crazy [music] crazy world every night. [music] I still my head dream [music] world I see a million dreams all dreams We're going. [singing] [music] >> All righty then. [music] >> [singing] >> on a rainy day. [music] [singing] It all sounds crazy. [music] [singing] that we [music] still a million dreams [music] away. Not the one I see. A million dreams is all [music] dreams world. [music] However big, [singing] however small, let it all [music] share your dream. You may be right. [singing] You may [music] be wrong. It has to bring me along to the world. You see, the world I close my eyes to see. I close my eyes to see [music] [singing] my head. A million dreams are keeping me away. A million dreams world [music] I see. A million dreams
006is all a million dreams [singing] for the world. [music] for the world. [applause] Thank you. And now at this time, if Dr. Marano would please come forward to offer his congratulations. Let's again please give him a nice welcome. [applause] >> Thank you. There you go. [applause] Well, good evening everyone and give your principal a big round of applause if you would. [applause] Good evening to the class of 2026. As introduced already, my name is Dr. Michael Marterano and I am the proud superintendent of the Alageney County Public Schools. Let me start by saying you look marvelous. Give him a round of applause. [applause] Before I get into the cadence of my speech, I ask every adult, if you are capable who is with us tonight in the stands, I ask that you please stand with
007me at this moment. And I want us to focus on these beautiful young people in the middle. So, please stand if you would give them a thunderous round of applause. Find them. Give them a round of applause. [cheering] Give them a round of applause. Little louder. That is excellent. [applause] Keep it going all night. I love to celebrate. So, to our students, do you feel the love? You are the center of what we do and why we are here tonight. On behalf of the Alageney County Board of Education, we welcome you this evening. You see, I love Alageney County and all her wonderful people. I was born and raised in these magical mountains and I am a graduate of Bell High School. I vividly remember my own high school graduation just a few years ago.
008Wink wink. Where I was encouraged to become all that I could be and do good by everyone that I encountered. My personal and professional journey took me farther than I ever dreamed possible. And now I am humbled to be leading the Alageney County Public Schools where my primary goal and focus is to support all of our young people in achieving their dreams, your hopes, and your aspirations. And from the impressive nature of your graduating class, I believe that as a collective community, we have worked hard to make that happen. And again, congratulations. Now at this monumental moment in time, many people will be giving you advice and suggestions and how you embark upon the next phase of your journey. So I decided too that I wanted to join in with a myriad of people who
009will be giving those pearls of wisdom to you. I want you to listen intently because this is your final lesson, your final quiz before you graduate. And I want you to absorb every tenant and word of this final lesson. It's what I call my never and always list. And I want our community to listen as well. So the first one is number 10. Never ever ever bully anyone. Can you agree? All of you agree to that. Applaud. Number nine. Always punctuate your work with excellence and do more than is expected. Can you agree to that? Yes. [applause] This is for all the grandmothers. Where are my grandmothers? Raise your hand. Okay. Listen intently. Never post anything, none of you, on social media that you wouldn't want your grandmother to read or your future employee. Would
010you agree? Think about that. Number seven, always, always make your bed as soon as you get up in the morning as it sets the day up. I already hear the laughter. How many beds are unmade right now? Yeah, there you go. At least you're honest. This is by far the next one, the most important, but yet the most controversial. And I guarantee you, you will remember this the rest of your life. Never, ever, ever, and I mean never, put pineapple on pizza. It's just downright wrong. Today I have to admit that I had 10 anonymous delivery of pizza with pineapple to my office today. Number five, always turn off your cell phone and just talk to people. You might be surprised of what you learn. Would you agree that's a good thing? [applause] Number four,
011always send a handwritten note as a thank you after receiving a gift. Do not send a text message. Write a note. That's very important. Agreed. Continue. Number three, listen intently. Never ever give up. Work hard and persist. That will help you achieve and overcome every obstacle. Never ever stop working hard. Agree. Number two, always work hard, be kind, and use your skills and education and talents to make a difference in the lives of others and those who are less fortunate. Would you agree? Absolutely. [applause] And never, ever, number one, listen carefully to this. Never be afraid to say that I am sorry and that I love you because leading with love is a position of strength, empathy, intelligence, and compassion. Would you agree? Always lead with love. Now, I know you passed. Would you agree?
012Did you pass? I know you did. graduates. Your principal later in the evening has already informed me and certified that you are ready to graduate. Now, I want to make it official as the superintendent of schools. Principal Kenny, I hereby accept as superintendent of the Alageney County Public Schools that members of the Mountain Ridge High School class of 26 have met all of the defined graduation requirements set forth by the state of Maryland and you are eligible to receive a Maryland high school diploma or appropriate certificate. graduates. Once again, I am so proud of you, so happy for you, so dazzled by your accomplishments. I wish you nothing but goodness, and I can't wait to see all that you become. Congratulations. Job well done. And we are excited to see what lies ahead. And remember,
013the good and decent people of Alageney County will be will always be here cheering you on. Thank you very much. Godspeed and congratulations. [applause] Thank you, Dr. Morano. Carolyn Hughes, please come forward. So now it is time to hear from a couple of our seniors. Sharing in the welcoming of you tonight is Carolyn Hughes. And Carolyn is an active leader in FCA, a three sport athlete, member of National Honors Society, and a dual enrollment student. Carolyn plans to attend Liberty University majoring in sport management and communications with a minor in business and photography. Ladies and gentlemen, Carolyn Hughes. [applause] Welcome students, parents, teachers, administrators, coaches, siblings, grandparents, extended family, and everyone else here today to the class of 2026 Mountain Ridge High School graduation. Thank you all for taking the time to celebrate the accomplishments
014of these students and for all of your support over the last four years. So, high school, the best four years of our lives. Or so that's what we've been told by those before us. What we weren't told is that these four years would also be some of the most demanding, unpredictable, and characterbuilding years of our lives. Some of us have been through more in these four short years than anyone should truly ever have to. And yet, here we are today about to receive our diplomas. We've made it. We were told when entering high school to be involved in as many activities as possible. So, we did. Many of us have participated in sports, clubs, the arts, community organizations, or have taken many honors, AP or college level classes. Some of us have done it all.
015What we weren't told, though, is how difficult it would be to manage everything. So many lost hours of sleep, tears, training, rehearsing, and wondering if we would meet those deadlines. But we did it. None of us knew what we were getting ourselves into when we chose to be involved. And we most certainly didn't know that it would be so extremely demanding, but we found the power within ourselves. I think that I can speak for everyone here when I say this, although some of us may be reluctant to admit it. Our parents were right. Being involved is one of the most fulfilling things that a person can do in this season of life. Now, we wouldn't trade all of those lost hours of sleep, tears, training, rehearsing, and doubt for anything because they have truly given
016us the experiences of a lifetime. So many uncontrollable laughs, new friends, games won, aced tests, all to bring us to this day. We've made it. After our first three years of high school, when the unpredictable seemed like a daily task, from last minute assignments to changing positions in sports to making up work for classes, we entered senior year. We finally made it to the point of high school when we thought, "Yes, I finally figured it out. I've got this in the bag." And then bam, scholarships, college applications, jobs, heavy workloads, and never- ending questions about future plans. Just when we thought that the lost hours of sleep were over, we discovered that they had just begun. Just when we thought that we would be able to relax for our final years of high school, we
017were proven completely wrong. Long story short, we now understand that we did indeed not have it figured out, and we did not have it in the back. But despite this, we persevered and we made it through. We are graduating high school today. And although none of us have everything figured out, I think it's important that we understand that no one does. It's part of life, the unpredictability of it all, and high school has simply been the time in which we have all come to understand that. Although we don't know what the future holds, we do know that it will all work out because we've made it. Entering high school, many of us were frightened at what lay behind the doors of Mountain Ridge. We were scared to find ourselves lost in the hallways, scared to
018speak up, scared to be seen, and scared to discover who we were meant to be. We didn't know what we thought the four long years ahead of us would entail. But the reality is, we didn't have to know because life always has a funny way of working things out for the better. All of the sleepless nights, extra work, scholarship and college applications, and self-doubt were worth it. They have shown us not only who we are, but who we can be. We have learned patience, confidence, time management, and so much more. But most of all, we have learned that we are strong and that we are capable of doing very hard things. Now, instead of dreading the four long years ahead of us, we are here today. amazed and also sad at how quickly these four
019years have flown by. We've made it. High school hasn't been easy for any of us, but what it has been for all of us is a place where we have made memories that we will hold in our hearts forever. It has been a place where we have obtained the knowledge to prepare us for the life ahead of us. But most of all, even though these last four years have been extremely demanding, difficult, and unpredictable, they have been the best four years of our lives. All of our hard work has finally paid off. And today, we receive our diplomas. The marking of the end of a chapter, but most certainly not the end of a story. We've finally made it. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Carolyn. Next, our student address will be delivered by
020Clementine Fenton. Clementine, come on up, please. Clementine is president of GSA, student body treasurer, and first chair chist in the string orchestra. Clementine plans to attend Frostber State University, majoring in English. Ladies and gentlemen, Clementine Fenton. [applause] Even as I stand here today, it feels unreal to be graduating. I think back on everything I've been through, everything that we've all been through that got us to this point, and it fills me with a strange feeling. It's nostalgia and hope and trepidation and relief all at once. It's overwhelming, yes, but it's wonderful as well. Things are going to change a lot for all of us, and that can be scary. But I think there's something we can draw some courage from. The ground beneath our feet. 1.1 billion years ago is when the first of the
021Appalachian Mountains formed. Two super continents, Laurentia and Amazonia, collided. And up from the ground rose the mountains around us. Before we were ever here, the mountains were. They are immobile and solid and they never change except for when they do. They used to be as tall as the Rockies, but erosion has ground them down to the size they are now. The climate of the region is different than it used to be. We've left our own footprints on the mountains in the forms of mines, sewers, tunnels, and roads. All of this to say, nothing is unchanging. Not you and not me, not the mountains, and not even the sky. That's kind of scary, isn't it? To think about how everything's been changing forever. How do we keep track of it all? How do we hold what's
022precious to us close? The answer is, unfortunately, you can't. I would know. I've spent years of my life trying to figure out how to freeze time, how to keep my brother young and innocent forever and ensure my mother doesn't age another day. But try as I might, I age, and so do my friends and family. Even our memories falter eventually and the things that we once held dear will become unrecognizable to us. So I think I've come to a conclusion. Embrace it. Embrace the change. How wonderful is it that we get to live in a world where every day is different than the last. The way I see it, a life is not a photograph. It is a painting. It is left altered forever by each and every brush stroke. and it becomes something greater
023than the blank canvas it started as. And so if everything leaves its mark on us, then we never really lose anything. It stays with us in one way or another forever. There's a quote from the author Kurt Vonagget in his book Slaughterhouse 5. He phrases what I'm trying to say more eloquently than I can. It reads, "All time is all time. It does not change. It does not lend itself to warnings or explanations. It simply is. Take it moment by moment and you will find that we are all, as I've said before, bugs in amber. I'd like to end my speech today by asking you all to do something for me. It's going to sound a lot easier than it is. Put simply, keep moving forward. Remember the past and prepare for the future, but
024stay in the present. The world will progress regardless. And digging your heels into the dirt is only going to get you left behind. But just because you're moving forward doesn't mean you can't look back at where you came from. When you turn around and you see that the mountains on the horizon don't look quite how you remembered them, don't be upset. Be glad. Be thankful that our world is just as alive as we are. And then turn around and keep on trucking. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Clementine. In order to maintain the dignity and integrity of this ceremony, we ask that you please applaud in an appropriate manner as each student receives recognition. Mrs. Lisa Blank, please come forward. And at this time, she is going to explain our various academic honors.
025>> [applause] >> Good evening. In addition to receiving a Maryland high school diploma, the graduates listed in the commencement program with an asterisk beside their name have also received an honor certificate from the state of Maryland. Would these graduates please stand to be recognized? >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> be seated. [applause] The students wearing gold cords are members of the Mountain Ridge National Honor Society. Would the members of the National Honor Society please stand to be recognized? [cheering and applause] Thank you. The students wearing white tassels along with purple and silver cords are members of the Walter R. Reed chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. Would these graduates please stand to be recognized? [applause] Thank you. The students wearing the blue and green cords have completed at least four dual enrollment courses with with
026at least an A or a B grade. Would these students please stand to be recognized? [applause] Thank you. The students wearing a silver cord have completed the biomed program. Would these graduates please stand to be recognized? [applause] Thank you. Students wearing a red cord have completed the Bobcat Academy at Frostber State University. Would this student please stand to be recognized? >> [applause] >> The students wearing a yellow, blue, and red cord are senior members of our school's chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Would these graduates please stand to be recognized? [applause] Thank you. The students wearing a biiteracy medallion have demonstrated competency in English and another language. Would these graduates please stand to be recognized? [applause] Thank you. The students wearing a leadership AlaGany rising medallion have participated in a program that is dedicated to
027providing positive change by creating a network of future leaders committed to impacting their community. Would these graduates please stand to be recognized? [applause] Thank you. The students wearing an extra service learning credit medallion have earned their 75 required hours plus 132 additional hours equaling 207 service learning hours or more. Would these graduates please stand to be recognized? [applause and cheering] Would the graduates who attended the Center for Career Technical and Education please stand? [applause] These students, please stay standing. These students participated in a C certification program on Thursday, May 14th. Would you please give them another round of applause? [applause and cheering] Thank you. Students who have already enlisted or plan to enlist in the armed forces, please stand to be recognized. [applause] Thank you, Mrs. Blank. And so, Dr. Warner, please come forward. Dr.
028Dr. Marano, I certify that the following students have completed and fulfilled all of the requirements set forth by the Maryland State Department of Education to earn a high school diploma in the state of Maryland. And now, ladies and gentlemen, here for the presentation of diplomas, Dr. Alyssa Werner and Mr. Sean Swisser. [applause] Commencement is an academic ceremony backed by nearly a thousand years of history and tradition. It is a day of joy and celebration, but the ceremony itself calls for dignity and quiet respect. Thus, we respectfully request your cooperation in giving this ceremony the respect it deserves and providing an opportunity for all of our graduates to be appropriately recognized. If you plan to take pictures, please do so. Would the first row please stand? Carolyn Elizabeth Hughes. [applause] Reese Elizabeth Carter [applause] >> Lillian
029Lyn Marie Race >> [applause] >> Allison Jade Trangler, [applause and cheering] >> Clementine Alexandria Fenton, >> [applause] >> Shaylee Lauren Annan [cheering] [applause] Forino Zachary Bayz [applause] Annie Marie Baker, [applause] >> Christopher Ryan Baker, [applause] Ellie Jane Baker, [applause] Lily Beth Baker, >> [applause] >> Mason Owen Braftoft, [applause] >> Jalissa Jolie Barrett, [applause and cheering] Macy Kimberly Bar. [applause] Macy Nicole Beaman [applause] Madison Jillian Bowman [applause] Jackson Landon Brashier, [applause] [cheering] >> Landon Allen Basher [cheering and applause] Cameron Mason Briner, [applause] [applause] >> Sophia Mattis, Bril >> [applause and cheering] >> Students in the second row, please stand. >> [applause] >> Bryley Isabelle Buucy, [applause] Megan Grace, Buy [applause] Carlin Bado, [applause] Kyra Grace Butler, >> [applause] >> Abigail Elizabeth Cage, [applause] >> Cash Lee Cameron >> [applause] >> Bria Hope Clark, [applause] >> Shauna
030Desiree Clark, >> [applause] >> Isaiah Paige Clifford, [applause] >> Brody Alexander Cites, [cheering] >> [applause] >> Emily Diane Culmer, [applause and cheering] >> Elijah Thomas, Adam Cooper, [applause] Owen Michael Cooper, [applause and cheering] >> Michael Teal, Chris [cheering] >> [applause] [cheering] >> Alyssa Paige Crosslin, [applause] >> Grayson Maine Cummings [applause] Isaiah Christopher Lee Kuster, [applause] Matteline Lee Dashil, [applause and cheering] Benjamin Cole Davis, [applause] [applause] >> Bailey Renee De Haven, [cheering] Students in the third row, please stand. [applause] Michael Albert Douglas. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Evan Patrick Disso, [applause] Trenton, Joseph Diamond, [applause] >> Nicholas Edward Diaz, [applause] >> Amaya Marie Diggs, >> [applause] >> Gregory Michael Desong, [screaming] [cheering] [applause] James William Elliot, [applause] Ashton John Emmerich [applause] Ava Elise Fasenbaker [cheering] >> [applause] >> Emtt James Fasenbaker, [applause] >> Ava Anne Fiorita
031[applause] Nathaniel James Fusk, [applause] Zachary Tyler Fouts, [applause] Adam Mlan Frenzel, [applause] [cheering] >> Jacob Andrew Garlock, [applause] Micah, Dan Danielson, [applause] Abriana Rose, Gervin, [applause] Gyron Lee, Gray. [applause] Students in the fourth row, please stand. [applause] Adalie Rain Gwyn [cheering] [applause] Cambria Star Gwen [applause] Zachary Dale Habberline, [applause] >> Cadence Deshawn Hagerty, >> [cheering] >> Chloe Relle Hagerty, [applause] >> Alexander Michael Haynes, [applause and cheering] Aurelia Noel Hansro, [applause] Ellie Louise Manley Harbert, [applause] Callie Marie Hardy, [applause] >> Elias Jack Harris, [cheering] >> [applause] >> Noah David Hartlo, [applause] Kayn Nicole Hartley, [applause] Caleb McGawan Hartsfield, [applause] Chloe Jade Hill, [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Devin Lee E Holt, [applause] >> Kaden Nicole Hoover. >> [applause and cheering] >> James Thomas Hoskin [applause] Landon Jacob John Howel, [applause] >> Trey Alexander Idol, [applause] [cheering] >>
032Caitlyn Faith Ims, [applause] Students in the fifth row, please stand. [applause] Brody Nicholas Iski, [applause] Destiny Renee Johnson, [applause] Riley Cole Johnson [applause] trip Dakota Keith [cheering] [applause] Brillan Sha Kenny, [applause] Marley Marie Kidwell, >> [applause] >> Ashlin Elizabeth Kilby [applause] Charles Owen Kyle [applause] Jaden Anne Kimble, [applause] Jessica Sue Klene, >> [applause] >> Alli an Canarium, [applause] Casey Lee Comz, [applause and cheering] Zegan Nathaniel Conly [applause] Jordan Laser Murphy >> [applause] >> Alden James Lauder [applause] Talon Parker Lease >> [applause] >> Noah Christopher Lennin put off [applause] Hayden Scott Lewis >> [applause] >> Mercedes Dawn Lewis, [applause] >> Samson Alexander Lewis, >> [applause] >> Row six, please stand. [applause] Xander Ryan Lewis, [applause and cheering] Ashlin Grace Light [applause] Kaden Thomas Lynn, [applause] >> Kaden Marcus Lasal, [cheering] [applause] Ireland Dawn Littton, [applause] >>
033Savannah Patricia Louise Logston [applause] Leah Claire Lou, [cheering] [applause] Eliana, Lynn Harmony Manzanerys Stevenson [cheering] [applause] Landon Sha Marshen [applause] Anderson Martin, [cheering] [applause] >> Avery Lee Matthews, [applause] Laam Daniel Maza, >> [applause] >> Austin Allen McCclary, [applause] Audrey Grace McCoy, [applause] Aubrey Jean McKenzie, [applause] [cheering] Gregory Wayne McKenzie, [applause] Jaden Christine McKenzie, [cheering] [applause] >> James Leroy McVey, [applause] Trevor Allen Mets, [applause and cheering] >> Alexander Orion Miller, >> [applause] >> Row Seven, please stand, [applause] Damian Brody Miller. >> [applause] >> Leaken Anne Miller, [applause] >> Landon James Miller, [applause] >> Becca Helen Monahancc. [applause] Luke Isaiah Morris, [applause] >> Aiden Nicholas Mure. [applause] Lincoln Wilson Malcastaster, [cheering] [applause] [cheering] >> Gracie Evelyn Madison Murray, [cheering] [applause] Jillian Louise Meyers, [cheering and applause] [applause] Kaden Michael Nelson, [applause] Wyatt Jonathan Nolan, [applause] [cheering] Alicia
034Anne Northcraft >> [applause and cheering] >> Emma Riley Oyer, [applause] [applause] Nora Ray Patterson, [applause] Brillan Elizabeth Feeasant [applause] >> Dylan Scott Piper >> [cheering and applause] >> Mason Allen Portmas, [applause] >> Ethan Donald Preston, [applause] >> Tristan James Preston. [applause] Jacob Thomas Printy. [applause] Will row eight please stand? [applause] >> Elijah Zayn Rafferty [applause] >> [cheering] >> Alexander Joseph Race, [applause] >> Gavin Lindy Ravenscrooft, [applause] >> [cheering] >> Jameson Blaine Reese [applause] Maddox James Reed >> [applause] >> Andrew Jason Reenotus. [applause] [cheering] Heather Nicole Wgleman, [applause and cheering] Natalie Jane Robertson, >> [applause] >> Hunter Richard Rodri, [cheering] [applause] >> Haley Claire Rodriguez, Cruz [cheering] >> [applause] >> Dominic Malise Seville, [applause] [cheering] >> Kennedy Jane Shaw, >> [applause] >> Graceland Fay Schingler, [cheering] [applause] Justin Allen Sherk, >> [applause and cheering] >> Taylor
035Ray Shocky, [applause] Jackson Kelly Simson, [applause] >> [cheering] >> Austin Wayne Simpson. [cheering] [applause] Addison Grace Skidmore, [applause] >> Molly Anne Smith, >> [applause and cheering] >> Ronald Lee Smith. [applause] [cheering] Row nine, will you please stand? [applause] Sean William Smith >> [applause and cheering] >> Evan David Spear, [applause and cheering] Christopher Wayne, Swiper, Sir, [applause and cheering] >> Corvetta Thompson, [cheering] [applause] [cheering] Donovan, David Thorny, [applause] Scarlet Ray Titchnel. [cheering and applause] Whan Lee Titchnel [applause] Jared Christian Trainer [cheering] >> [applause] >> Emma Jean Trexler, [applause] >> Cynthy Michael Trexler, >> [cheering] >> Nautica Lee Turner, [applause] >> Danielle Alexis Vanmeter >> [applause] [cheering] >> Camora Jean Visalo, [applause] >> Shenna Faith Vachman, [applause] [cheering] Cohen Roy Wagner, [applause] [cheering] >> Kendall Nicole Wright, [applause] Chance Cameron Warick, [applause] [applause] Chris Zachariah Washington, [applause]
036>> Daisy Allison Weslo, [cheering] [applause] Jolene Louise Wetstone. [cheering] [applause] Okay, road 10, it is your turn. Please stand. [applause and cheering] [applause] [clears throat] >> Braden Michael Wetzel, >> [applause] >> Caleb Andrew White, [cheering] [applause] Taylor Grace Whitehead, [applause] Ayana Marie Williams, [cheering] [applause] >> Brooklyn Decker Williams, [cheering] >> [applause] >> Molly Rose Williams, [applause] [crying] >> Aubrey Claire Wilson >> [cheering] [applause] >> Grace Elizabeth Wilson, [cheering] [applause] >> Kayen Joanne Wilson, [applause] Xavier Daniel Caleb Wilt [applause and cheering] >> Kobe Robert Woolard >> [applause] >> Braden Anthony Wooldidge, [applause] [cheering] >> Mason Parker, Waldridge, >> [cheering] [applause] >> Naa Danielle Ratchford, [applause] Savannah Rose Yutsi, >> [applause] >> Laney Michelle Sudter. [applause] Students, please stand. >> [applause] [cheering and applause] [cheering] [applause] >> The tradition of wearing the cap and gown dates back
037to the 12th century AD and was brought to this country from England. Since then, the cap and gown have become a symbol of of academic achievement. The cap, which is called a mortarboard, has a tassel which hangs on the right side prior to receiving diploma. The act of receiving the diploma makes the received a graduate. Symbolic of this academic step forward, the graduate changes the position of the tassel from the right side to the left side of the cap. Graduates, you may now change your tassel. [cheering and screaming] [applause] [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Please be seated, graduates. >> Here's Dr. Kenny with some closing remarks. So before closing today's graduation ceremony, I would be remiss if I didn't thank all the individuals who helped make this evening a special event in the lives of
038the class of 2026. First, to Mr. Ruben Camp and the concert choir, as well as Mr. Walker and the Mountain Ridge Band, thank you for performing. [applause] and doing such a tremendous job as you always do. A special thanks to Jeff Elkins and the custodial staff for all their hard work in preparing for this this evening. [applause] To our secretaries, Mrs. Crystal Jud and Mrs. Carrie Harvey, who planned and organized down to the most minute detail everything surrounding this evening's ceremony. Your diligence and hard work are very much appreciated. [applause] And to our amazing faculty and staff, thank you for your instruction and caring for our students each day. And thank you for being here to support our students tonight. [applause] To our special guests, thank you for being here this evening and sharing in
039this monumental night with our seniors and our Mountain Ridge community. [applause] To the class of 2026, sincere congratulations to each one of you and your families on your accomplishments that we now celebrate. When you think about what your diploma represents, regard it as a culmination of years of learning. Various academic and social skills preparing you for your future. Think about how some of the most meaningful and lifelong relationships and bonds were formed right here within these walls. And how about those countless hours spent building camaraderie with teammates on the fields and courts or sitting in the stands cheering them on as well? Your diploma is a symbol of your perseverance and determination to not give up even when things were very difficult. Your diploma should remind you of the positive things that can happen when
040you are dedicated and you work hard. Not being afraid to work hard is our heritage. It is what has built this mountain ridge community and why we are the miners. History has shown the strength and determination of the miners who worked in the mountains that surround this school and are located throughout our district. Miners labored and overcame obstacles to improve lives for themselves, their families, their neighbors, and their community. Let the minor not only be our school mascot, but a model as to the characteristics and the mindset needed for future achievements. So, as you encounter challenges in life, and you will know that you have been equipped to handle them, you have the tools, the skills, and the abilities to move forward and experience many successes while learning from past mistakes. We wish you many
041blessings and look forward to your future full of promises. So as you leave your alma mater, remember this that there is nothing finer than a mountain ridge minor. [cheering and applause] >> [applause] >> And with that, would the class of 2026 please stand? [music] [applause] [cheering] Ladies and And now on behalf [cheering] [applause] And now on behalf of the faculty and staff at Mountain Ridge High School. Congratulations and we wish you, the 19th graduating class of Mountain Ridge High School, the very best. It has been an honor and a privilege to assist you with your high school journey these past four years. And so, ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to present to you Mountain Ridge High School's class of 2026. [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you for joining us. Safe travels.
042>> That was the best you ever had at a graduation. Thank you. That speech you did was awesome. Hey, hey.