001Oh yeah. >> Oh. I'm like, I don't have my phone. And I'm like, what book? Yeah, I'm just gonna Did Mr. >> All right then. Yeah, I guess. This way. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, your students will soon be arriving. moving to your right or left if you're way over here. at all. It's a lot of Hail Mary. >> It is. That's Max. That was already in. Yeah, >> we don't really have a way to charge that battery. >> I don't think we'll need more than two batteries, but >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Are you happy? [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] All >>
002[music] [music] >> right. >> [music] >> Thank you. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Oh, wow. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> jingle. [music] Finger. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Death. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Oh my god. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] It's been [music] cool. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. >> [music] [music] >> Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] Congratulations. [music] [applause] Ladies and gentlemen, before we begin our proceedings, I think uh it appropriate tonight to have a giant pine knob round of applause for all 535 members of the graduating class of Clarkson High School 2026. [cheering] >> [applause] >> Folks, at this time there are family members, friends, loved ones who
003could not share in this ceremony with us this evening as they're no longer with us. I'd like to take a moment and have a moment of silence in their honor. Thank you. And at this time, I'd like to ask all those who are able to to please rise. Gentlemen, remove your hats. Grads, keep your hats on. And we would invite veterans and active duty service members to render the popular the uh appropriate salute for the playing of our national anthem. Flag will be to your left. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] You are [music] the [music] single [music] of >> [music] [music] >> Please be seated. >> [music] >> Hello. [music] Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> to [music] Christ forever. >> [music] >> for mountains [music] in pray. [music] God
004[music] from sea to shining sea. [music] >> [music] [applause] >> M [music] [singing] h [music] [singing] give a cheer now for our high school, [singing] for the school we love the best. H all [singing] my mother till [singing] we die. We will cheer cheer [singing] cheer for our school our [singing] own life. >> [applause] >> Thank you to our members of our band and chorus. On behalf of Clarkson Community Schools Board of Education, I'd like to welcome the students, parents, and family members and community members to the Clarkson Community Schools commencement ceremony for Clarkston High School class of 2026. In Clarkston, the commencement is more than an annual milestone. It's a moment of true connection that allows us to gather as a community where bonds between faculty, families, and students come together, rooted in this
005space that's unique and meaningful in our own community. It's a time when our schools and family and community unite for a right of passage, one that stirs both pride and achievement and a deep sense of nostalgia. As a school district, we're very happy to share this time with you this evening. At this time, I'd like to introduce Braden Rixie and Bri Williams, who will introduce the members of our board of education. >> [applause] >> We are here to introduce the board of education. Please hold your applause until the end of the introductions. Thank you. President Stephanie Crane. Vice President Steve Hire, Treasurer Elizabeth Egan, Secretary Cheryl McGinness, Trustee Mike Clark, Trustee Amanda Love, Trustee Greg Ne. Thank you to the board of educations for all that you do for the students of Clarkson Community Schools.
006[applause] Couple more introductions here. Also on stage with us this evening. To my right, your left, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Shawn Ryan. >> [applause] >> We have our student speaker this evening, Miss Gracie Sten, [applause] high school assistant principal Amy Quail, [applause] high school assistant principal, Miss Kelly Cinson, and our dean of students at Clarkston High School, Mr. Mike Cap Capazolei. [applause] Uh, also like to give a special thanks tonight to our event planners, Danielle Clark, Sarah Robinson, Heather Johnston, Debbie Go, Matt Blau, our media teacher, who is in a cooperative partnership with Independence Television tonight who will be streaming this event. And I'd also like to thank collectively our staff members, teachers, central office staff, representation from our PTO, and our principles who are with us tonight. Thank you guys. >> [applause] >> I
007will ask that your old principal stand up and be recognized. We've got John Bennett from Clarkston Junior High School, Liz Walker from Sasha Middle School, [applause] Andersonville Eagles, Kim Fletcher, [cheering] [applause] the North Sasha Wildcats, Jen Johnson, [applause] >> Springfield Plains Dolphins. Matt Gford, [applause] the Pineob Tigers, Miss Jodie Yellowshan, [cheering] [applause] the Independence Elementary Broncos, Nate Fuller, [applause] and as much as it pains me to say this, uh, the Dragons from Clarkson Elementary, Brian Adams. And lastly, Mr. Josh Lame, Bailey Lake Bulldog, former Clarkson High School assistant principal. [applause] At this time, I'd like to introduce your students class sponsors for this year, Miss Peggy Graasso and Mrs. Jessica Oor. [applause] All right. Congratulations, seniors. It's been an honor for us to serve as your class adviserss these past three years and to support
008you through some of the toughest yet most rewarding years of your life. Take a moment, look back, and celebrate all of your achievements. Now, as you begin the next chapter of your life, may you always remember to be true to yourself, do what you love in life, seek progress, and to embrace change and the unknown. We wish you all the very best in a beautiful future filled with success, happiness, and loved ones at your side. Today is a certainly a day to celebrate because you have earned every bit of this moment, and we could not be prouder of you. Congratulations to all of you as you travel on to new adventures. We will miss you dearly. And now, please allow me to introduce the members of the class of the 2026 executive board. Allison Brackie,
009Ashby Muzzy, Ashley Dehasella, Ava Danielson, Braden Rxie, Bye Williams, Cameron Boy, Caroline Fletcher, Colin Prize, [cheering] Ella Johnson, Ellis Sinclair, Emma Nanzer, Evangelene Carpenter, Gracie Stton, Hannah Radic, Caitlyn Suda, >> Katie Miller, Kathleen Turner, >> Lana Sloan, Lillian Havland, >> Lucille Roger, Nicholas Landry, Payton Wistman, [cheering] Ryan Gford, Sally Alawof, [cheering] Sierra Severs, Taylor Edmmonds, and Willa Schneider. >> [cheering] [applause] >> members of the executive board who are going to take us through their four years of high school. Come on up. Ninth grade is typically the start of one's years in the high school, but for us in Clerkston, we were able to spend it in the comfort of the junior high. We continued to roam the familiar hallways and visit our favorite teachers while also making new memories. However, this year was our first
010where our activities and grades mattered for college applications. So, it brought on a new wave of focus and excitement for opportunities to join clubs, discover new experiences, and learn everything that being a high schooler had to offer. We were lucky to be the first freshman class to be able to buy tickets to homecoming. We all got dressed up, took pictures in Deo Park for the first time, and had fun singing and dancing with Elvis at our night in Vegas. The fall also brought the excitement of football games as we were able to cheer on Clarkson in the student section for the first time. We all captured these first times and fun memories on our latest obsession, Be Real, to share every moment with our friends. All of these experiences, friendships, and opportunities gave us a
011taste of what high school is going to be and filled us with excitement for the next three years. On the first day of sophomore year, we not only opened the doors to the high school for the first time, but also to a world of opportunities that helped us grow as individuals. The layout of the high school felt confusing at first. Where are the low 200s? Where is the stress management classroom? The twisting hallways often felt overwhelming, but we were able to find our way as we grew connections with the upper classmen. We took new electives which cultivated career interests and we were the first class to be challenged by AP World. When the world presented new technology tools, we adapted. As society began to widely adopt AI, we learned to differentiate its use as an
012assistive tool and as a hindrance to our learning. But our learning was not confined to the classroom. We were passing chemistry tests and our driver's test. This taught us a very valuable lesson. how late we could sleep in and still make it to school before 7:25 a.m. When we moved into junior year, we were faced with new challenges that taught us to be resilient and truthfully ourselves. We entered the year with expectations of sleepless nights, tough classes, and demanding tests like the SAT that would influence our future beyond high school. Although this may be true, we would not be here today without these overwhelming experiences. We learned how to struggle and most importantly, we learned how to persevere under pressure and push through. While we made it through the year full of discovering ways to
013fill our future with our interests, whether it be through college, trades, gap years, or more, we became further connected to the world around us. Junior year at CHS was a memorable one. Beginning with an out of thisworld homecoming theme and the return of the ice bucket challenge. As brand new upper classmen, we had a new role in the school. We moved closer during sporting events, became more involved, cheered a little louder, and started counting down the days until we could finally become seniors. We had to learn how to balance the excitement of what is yet to come with the pressure of the present. Even though junior year may have been tough, its importance is less in academics and more in the growth of what got us here today. Always remember what you have overcome and
014where you have come from. Without experiencing hard times, we will never appreciate our success. Senior year, we finally did it. Prom, the final stretch, and graduation come to mind when people think of senior year. But for us, it was so much more than just counting down the days. It was built on traditions that brought us together, starting with senior sunrise and senior backpacks. From there, the year flew by in a blur of homecoming week, packed football games, roaring pep rallies, and spirit days. Each moment shaping the people we were becoming. We leave behind a league of a legacy of triumphs, including the girls back-to-back powderpuff wins and a football team that proudly became district and league champions. Senior year wasn't perfect, but the highs, the lows, and everything in between are exactly what made it
015ours. 12th grade wasn't just the last box to check. It was the year we started to discover what really matters. We showed up when things got heavy, weathering the stress of college applications and facing the weight of what comes next. Walking through a last first day of school that felt surreal and enduring a long winter stretch that moved like molasses. We battled senioritis from day one, but we never stopped showing up for each other. Look no further than the fight for a cure game where we packed the bleachers in a sea of purple to raise money for incredible foundations. And let's hear it for team Rush. Their alliance was second in their division at Worlds. By the time spring break arrived, it wasn't just a vacation. It was the first time all year we weren't
016counting down to something. There were no tests and no schedules, just a week to be free and exist as a class. Before we knew it, we were down to our final month. We signed yearbooks like we were writing goodbye letters. And as we shared milestones from senior breakfast and decision day to senior sunset, the reality slowly started to sink in. Our time together was coming to a close. The senior walk out and senior picnic gave us precious final moments to just be kids together. Prom gave us a night we'll never forget. And water wars brought out everyone's competitive side one last time. And as we walk through the halls of our elementary schools today, we were reminded exactly where this journey started and just how far we've come. It's hard to believe that after all
017these years, the moment is finally here. Our senior year has come to an end. We stand here tonight at Pine Music Theater for the ultimate encore of the class of 2026. We've grown, we've learned, and we've built a bond that will stay with us long after the pavilion lights go down tonight. Be proud of what you accomplished. Hold on to the memories we made, and let's tonight's final bow simply be the opening act for the rest of your lives. >> Congratulations, class of 2026. And don't forget to enjoy it. It feels like a party every day. [applause] Good job, guys. So, walk this way. This way. [applause] Good job, guys. Good work, please. While they're going back to their seats, let's have another little round of applause for the members of our senior executive board.
018They show a lot of leadership and do a lot to put on for their senior class. Thank you guys. [applause] The Clarkson Board of Education plays a vital leadership role, generously dedicating their time, efforts, insights to shape the vision our community holds for the school district. At this time, I'm very proud to introduce School Board President Mrs. Stephanie Crane. Mrs. Crane, the podium is yours. [applause] >> Good evening. On behalf of the Clarkston Board of Education, I would like to welcome staff, families, friends, and most importantly, you, the 2026 graduating class of Clarkston High School. Welcome and congratulations. Plenty of people are going to wish you well in the weeks ahead. Plenty of people are going to tell you things like, "The world is your oyster, your future is bright, and that you're ready." I
019believe all of that, but I also want to tell you something that I don't think gets said enough. You are about to enter a world that is more connected than any world that has ever existed. It is also one of the loneliest. Right now, you can reach virtually any person on the planet in seconds. You have access to more information than every library in history combined. You can video call someone in Tokyo, collaborate with someone in Berlin, share a moment with someone in Seattle, all from your current seat. Even so, study after study tells us that people have never felt more isolated, more unseen. We are connected by technology, but real connection is something different altogether. Knowing that difference and choosing to pursue the real thing is going to be one of the most important
020decisions that you make in your life. I serve as president on your board of education and in that role I think a lot about what we are actually preparing you for. We talk about college readiness, career readiness. We talk about critical thinking and problem solving and all of that matters. But I've come to believe that the skill that will determine your happiness, your success, your sense of meaning is your ability to form genuine connections with other human beings. Connections are superpowers. If you think about every great thing that has ever been built, every social movement that has ever changed history, every scientific breakthrough, every work of art that's ever moved you, behind it, you will find relationships. You will find people who believed in each other, who challenged each other, and who showed up for
021each other. Genuine connection is the catalyst to almost everything that matters. So what makes a connection genuine? I think that it requires three things. Presence, vulnerability, and intention. Presence means actually being here. Not half here while also scrolling on your phones. It means looking someone in the eye, listening not just to reply, but to understand. In a world designed to fragment your attention, presence is an act of courage. Giving someone your full attention is one of the most generous things that you can do. Vulnerability means being willing willing to be known. Not just the curated version of yourself, but the real one. The one who's uncertain. The one who makes mistakes. The one who sometimes doesn't know what comes next. Real relationships aren't built on highlight reels. They're built on honesty. And intention means choosing
022actively to invest in the people around you. Relationships don't maintain themselves. Friendships don't survive on autopilot. The people who build deep, lasting connections do it because they decide to. They reach out. They remember the details and they show up. Speaking of the people who show up, I want to say something directly to the families that are here tonight. You showed up on the hard days and the uncertain days, the days when you weren't quite sure how the story would end. You were there. That connection between you and your graduate, that is a genuine connection that I'm talking about. It has quietly been one of the most powerful forces in your young person's life, and I thank you for that. Class of 2026, this is what I want you to leave and carry with you tonight.
023You will graduate into a world that will offer you endless tools to simulate connection, likes, follows, shares, and reactions. Use them. They have real value, but do not confuse them for actual connections. Make the phone call instead of sending the text. Have the conversation instead of avoiding it. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you in your lecture hall. Tell someone what they mean to you before you assume that they know. Build your network, but more importantly, build your relationships and know the difference. A network is who who you know. A relationship is who knows you. You are more equipped for this than you know. You spent years learning alongside each other in classrooms and hallways, gyms and auditoriums, on fields, and in studios. You've already practiced for this. You've already formed connections that
024some of you will carry for the rest of your lives. Take that with you, protect it, keep building it wherever you go, and go connect with the world, the real one. Congratulations, Clarkston class of 2026. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mrs. Crane. Now, we have a very special portion of our evening. Uh Clarkson High School has a tradition of choosing the student speaker. Um they go through a pretty rigorous process. They submit a speech. There's blind readings by staff. We call students down once. We have call backs. Um this year we had 17 students who auditioned to provide an address to you folks here tonight and the members of the graduating class. And the theme for this year is connected or connections. We had six students that we called back probably in the last 15
025years or so. This is the closest group of students that we've had. It was a very difficult choice but in the end I think it was a wonderful choice and we picked Miss Gracie Stton. Gracie, the podium is yours. [applause] Good evening, family, friends, esteemed faculty, and especially my fellow graduates of the class of 2026. It is my honor and privilege to be before you all today to celebrate. During the last 13 years of our education, I have learned that if there is one thing our generation knows, it is technology. We can easily connect with anyone, anywhere, and at any time. A message sent in seconds, a life that has been documented in a camera roll, and a false portrayal of personality through social media. We are united by technology, but we are forgetting that
026we have to make connections. Being connected is easy. You can learn so much about somebody's life without ever stepping a foot into it. It's seeing someone's vacation post and sending a like instead of asking about how their trip was in person. It's having hundreds of contacts in your phone, but feeling like you could call every one of them and no one would answer. Real true connections are different. We've lost the life of true connections because we are adapting to the convenience of the world. Connecting with each other takes time, emotion, listening, and not just hearing. The vulnerability and the courage for someone to see you for who you really are versus who you portray yourself as on social media. The moments that we'll remember from high school will not be how many likes we received
027on a post. They won't be the messages we sent without a blink. But it will be the ones where emotion was intertwined into our actions. The friend that you sat with when they had nobody to talk to. That one counselor who pushed you to try your hardest on days you didn't think that you could. That one principal who rides around the hallways on a scooter and dresses up as elf and grew with an army of minions. The bonding from the stress of exams, the laughter at lunch, the games in the projects, those small moments that somehow built one of the most memorable experiences. Those are the connections we need to make to maintain a healthy lifestyle as we grow to young adults. As we leave high school, we are going into a world that prefers
028convenience over connection. Faster, easier, and simpler ways of interacting with one another. Just getting the job done instead of connecting your mind to the job. Technology is great for communication, but it cannot replace what truly matters, which is what will be ultimately remembered. So, class of 2026, I ask you to challenge yourself. Do not just stay connected, but choose to build your connections. Look up when you're walking and smile at a stranger instead of at your phone. Live in the present moment instead of just being available. Call instead of texting. Listen instead of hearing. Talk when there is silence. Build your connections. At the end of the day, your success will not be measured by how many people can reach you, but instead it is measured by how many people you have truly made a
029memory with and more importantly, how many people you have reached. In years from now, we will not remember how fast we responded or how many followers we had, but we will remember the people and the friendships that we built along the way. the true connections of the people that stood by you and made you feel like you belonged. That is what lasts and that is what we need for success. So, as we go our separate ways into college, trades, careers, and everything beyond, I ask that you try to take as many opportunities to build connections as you can. Let's be the class that never settles for one-dimensional, that chooses depth over convenience, that turns connections into valuable relationships that will create lifelong memories. We already know how to stay connected, but now it is time
030to choose to dig deeper. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to build connections with each and every one of my peers. Congratulations, class of 2026. I am so proud of us. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you, Gracie. At this time, I'd like to introduce our superintendent of schools. Um, Dr. Ryan has been the leader of Clarkston Community Schools for somewhere around eight and a halfish, nineish years. Um, this is pretty incredible because at this point in his career, he has doubled the tenure of the average superintendent. Um, and that longevity is, uh, great for us. We're very fortunate to have him, and he is certainly a person who's made a lot of connections in this community. Dr. Ryan, the podium is yours. [applause] Once upon a time, Mr. [clears throat]
031Call here and myself were student tart. Uh oh. Help, Gary. This is a great way to start here. You just hold it and then I'll put my arm around you because we're going to talk about connections and relationships again. Give it up for Dave, everyone. Give it up. Thank you, Dave. Steer to stay up here. [applause] We absolutely took this theme very seriously about connections in the modern era. And I think you'll see a lot of connections between a lot of the ideas that we're sharing this evening. But one I want to start with even before I welcome everybody. Welcome. Is Mr. Call here. I've known him for more than 30 years, which is incredible because when you talk about relationships and connections, him and I started as lowly student teachers at Clarkston High School
032a long time ago. And from there, we've been colleagues, co-workers, friends, and individuals who care tremendously about this school district. He's been my boss for a long, long time, though. I want everybody to know that. But seldom Thank you, Mr. Caw. I am your boss. Stay close. Seldom as he recognizes everybody in the audience and carries on as master of ceremonies, do we recognize him? And this year, I had the opportunity to congratulate him on officially reaching 30 years in Clarkson in education. 30 plus. And I just want to say, can we give it up to Mr. Call? [applause] Thank you. because I can remember the night that him and I got tenure here in Clarkson as teachers and we looked a lot younger, a lot better. Well, at least, yeah, we'll just leave it
033at that. But we had a picture together fronting him right in the board of education and the superintendent at the time said, "You know what? You guys are probably going to be here for a long time. So, strap in and get ready and uh make us proud." And I'm thinking 29, whatever years it's been later, I wouldn't want to go through all of it with anybody but you, Mr. Call. >> Either buddy. >> Okay. to Mr. Call. Thank [applause] you about a little bit noise. This is Clarkston graduation night. [applause and cheering] So, everything else that I'm going to blow and blur into the whole relationship of connection thing. This is the real deal right here. Okay, take notes. Thank you, Mr. Call. So, with that under my belt and glasses on because I can't
034read without them any longer, I'm going to say good evening faculty, honored guests, proud parents, and families, and most important, all of you, class of 2026. Tonight is a night of those moments that is destined to become a core memory. You may not remember every word. Some of them might even blur together. that is said here tonight, but I bet you're going to remember the way you felt. The energy, the excitement, the nerves, the moment, it only all feels real. It's real. This is moment in the present. And for many of you, that phrase core memory might always take you back to being six or seven years old. It did with me when I was thinking about what to say tonight and watching this movie called Inside Out. I don't know if you guys remember
035it, but I have kids around your age and we had this DVD. Remember DVDs? We're talking about old tech. They played this DVD hundreds and hundreds of times to the point that I hid it. And it wasn't years later today, found it. But the movie, thinking back as we watched it recently, has a lot of good, good pieces to it. And if you remember, the main character is named Riley. And you get to see inside her mind. And that she has these little glowing memory marbles rolling through her head. each one holding a different emotion, a different color, a different moment that helped shape who she was becoming. And what I really love about the idea is this. The most important memories in life are rarely just one thing. They're a mix of everything. That's
036what tonight is. It's joy for what you've accomplished, excitement for what comes next. A little fear of the unknown, which is natural, and a little sadness because you know things are changing, and that's a constant in life. all those colors swirling together at once because the things that shape us are rarely just one emotion. And as you get older, like Mr. Call and I, you realize the biggest milestones are never just about achievements itself. You think tonight's about the diploma, but when you get up here, you realize it's really about everyone and everything that got you here. the people who helped you, the times things didn't go your way that you planned, the moments you had to start over, the dreams that changed along the way, and the little things you didn't realize would matter
037so much someday. And trust me, this doesn't stop after high school. It happens throughout life. You reach big goals in life. A new job, a relationship milestone, a dream you've been chasing, and you realize getting it there was only part of it. What stays with you the most is how you got there and the people who were beside you along the way. Funny enough, the things that felt small at the time, like the little moments Mr. Call and I had walking through hallways or sitting at lunch with the old-timers thinking we're never going to be this old. Remember those times, Mr. Call? >> We are. And honestly, those little conversations and all those little times is what I remember the most and they stick with me forever. Just look at this place tonight. Every person
038here represents a connection to your story in some way. It is kind of remarkable when you sit back and think about it. Some have been with you since childhood. Some pushed you, supported you, and some, as we heard earlier, our speakers, which is most important, they showed up for you when you needed them most. And that matters. It might seem like, not seem like it today, but the most important parts of your high school experience had nothing to do with grades or transcripts. I think most of this class knows it listening to you. They were the human moments, the conversations in the hallways, the friendships that made the place feel a little bit like home. It's a big school. The staff who saw something in you before you saw it, even in yourself. Life will
039continue to prove to you that genuine connections, as you've already heard this evening, make all the difference. Your generation is more connected, as we already established through several speakers tonight, more than any other. which I think seeing as technology what freaks me out a little bit is not only when I put a sound or pick a song on Alexa it seems to then pick the next 10 songs that I love but nowadays it's the same with videos and probably it'll tell you what snack you're going to have tonight before bed which is a little terrifying but even with all that technology I think deep down as we heard this evening we all know it's not enough all the social media side isn't the same as real human connection the difference between interacting and truly connecting.
040We live in a world of main character energy. I like that phrase, main character energy, where you really judge people at a very surface level by their highlight reel or their username. Online, we can show the world whatever version of ourselves we choose. We can hide behind a screen, but eventually we start to feel disconnected. Again, real connection happens when you're vulnerable, as we heard, and I'm sticking with that theme. Vulnerability is so absolutely critical to be able to for a moment even to let down your guard and engage with another human being to look somebody in the eye to feel the true sense of what human connection can be for and for yourselves. And you don't have to be anything else besides who you are and who you represent. What you bring is absolutely
041enough. I think the ability that you're going to be able to have to see and cut through the rest of the stuff that we all know is not real is going to be your most important skill as you get older and out into the real world because we all want to belong. We all want to feel understood and sometimes the world tries to convince us that our differences are way bigger than our humanity. But I don't believe that's true. I think the real connection changes us. If you make that connection, it can make you a better listener, a better friend, and better people. Some of the most important experiences of your life will happen when you're fully engaged with the people right in front of you, the people here tonight even. Because the truth is,
042the connections you make in life aren't just part of the journey. In the end, they are the journey. At the end of the day, as you heard, a well life well-lived is really about those connections. And I feel lucky to not only have family and Mr. call and many of you out there, but that is the most important part. Really, we're all going to be measured at the end by our connections, by the impact, by relationships, and by love. Graduates, as you move into the next chapter, chase your dreams, take risks, take the road less traveled. Be present. Create an amazing story because the life you build will be made up of the people you loved and the moments you were there fully engaged in. And years from now, your mind will be filled with
043all the real imperfect multicolored moments of your life, just like those memory marbles from inside out. The people who made you laugh until you cried. The connections and conversations that changed you. The times you felt seen, loved, and connected. Those are the memories that stay with us. Those are the core memories. Class of 2026, you are ready for whatever comes next, and we couldn't be more proud of you. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Good evening everyone. Uh my name is Gary Call. I'm your master of ceremonies and I am your students very very proud principal for the last three years. Um we've developed some traditions along the way when we get together at the end of school uh particularly for our seniors. And one of the things that I like to have our seniors do is
044give a round of applause to their parents and loved ones who are here tonight. Before we do that, before we do that, uh the theme is connection. Um I can tell you that this class in particular had a wonderful connection with each other throughout their three years at Clarkston High School and from what I've been told from others since they've been in Clarkston Community Schools. So tonight, in the in the spirit of connection, I'd like you folks in the audience and you guys, because I think you're sitting around some people that you might not be acquainted with, turn to the people around you, shake their hand, make a connection, and just say hello to one another. I know. I like that. Now, parents and family members, you don't applaud. You don't applaud. Students, let's give
045it up for your loved ones who are here for you tonight. [applause] Now, class of 2026, there's one thing that I'd like to get out of the way, and it is that you folks here tonight, in no uncertain terms, are the best graduating class ever in the history of Clarkston High School. Give it up for them, ladies and gentlemen. They are the best class ever. [applause] Uh people ask me because we do this every year if we're going to continue to do this and the answer is yes. And it's not because I can get some audience participation. Um it's not because we can get the blood flowing by clapping a little bit. But it truly is. I feel every class that goes through is the best class ever. We get connected with these people and
046there's something special about each and every one of them. So, for like the next 364 days, you guys are the best class ever. I I I've got a story I want to tell you. I didn't know if I was going to do it. Uh so, just bear with me, okay? There is a connection to things here. So, as you folks know, particularly if you live in or around Clarkston, we have a lot of grocery stores. So recently I was at one of our many food emporiums within the uh confines of Clarkston and I was having a great experience. All right. I get out of the car. I got my list dialed in. I start in the produce section. I pop in my earbuds. I don't listen to anything. They're just in. Um so you guys
047don't talk to me while I'm buying produce about how angry you are with your child's math class or a grade they got or something. So, if you tap me on the shoulder, I will talk to you. But I was dialed in, right? I was shopping. I was feeling good. Got everything. Go to the checkout line. I'm going to make a connection. I'm going through the line where someone checks you out. I'm not going to check myself out. I was feeling even better at this point because I didn't have anything in my cart that was embarrassing. All right. Dr. Brian alluded to, we're getting older and you get to a certain age where if you're going through the checkout line, there might be some things you're buying that you're not very proud of. Not today. Not
048today. Again, dialed in. As I'm going through the checkout, there's um a young girl. She's bagging. She's probably junior high age or early high school age. I didn't recognize her. Um and she says, "Hi, Mr. Bennick." And I kind of I kept looking at her and she said, "Uh, oh, oh, you're not Mr. Bennick. I think you're Mr. Call. I get you you guys confused. You're the principles." So now I'm feeling really good. If you guys know Mr. Bennick, former all-American collegiate track athlete, Mr. Bennick, on a good day, he is a Clarkston 7. He's one of the hot dads at soccer, right? I am feeling good on a good hair day. He's a Clarkston 8. He's bald. We both are. So, we have a little conversation. I laugh at her and the girl who's
049checking me out says, "You're a principal. I could never do that. I couldn't work with kids. I don't like kids. I couldn't work with them." And it in that moment, I wasn't going to argue with her, but uh it made me reflect because I don't know how you can't like kids. I don't know how you can't love kids. Um everybody who goes through Clarkston Community Schools, I feel are loved. There is a lot of different kids, a lot of different personalities, and I really wanted to say something to her, but I didn't think that she cared. So, I thought I might use this later on. Collectively, class of 2026, I do love you guys because of the profound connection that we share. You make my life very interesting, unpredictable, and fun. On my worst days
050at work, when all I really want to do is make you or help make you better people and better students, but things get in the way and I get upset, all I have to do is walk in the hallway and strike up a conversation, have a connection with one of you, and it makes my day perfect. So, for that, I want to thank you guys. You're a great class, and I appreciate you. Your teachers appreciate you. So, thank you very much from all of us. [applause] Now, we are biologically hardwired for a connection. Psychologists and neuroscientists have found definitive proof that social bonds aren't a luxury. They're a fundamental fear of development, just as survival and shelter is. Loneliness triggers the exact same stress responses in humans as physical pain does. Connections may be the
051most most vital component to living a long, healthy, and caring life. So, think of a time in school and I venture for you guys. The meaningful moments are the experiences you share in the presence of others, learning together, playing together, performing, working, or just being with one another. Social media can be an awful, awful space. Believe me, as a school employee, I know that being connected is relatively safe and easy. You could filter it, edit it, or mute it. True connection comes with honesty, presence, and risk. So, I have a few stories I'd like to share with you. And uh one, I asked her before I was going to do this today, but uh senior Addison Rose this year there was a little faux pa with the yearbook. Addison's picture didn't end up in the
052yearbook. She has other pictures in there, but this is her senior picture. Um, when I found out, I was uh very upset. I went to apologize to her and I saw her in the hallway almost immediately after walking out and Addison let me know that she was really disappointed, but she said, "I'm fine." The yearbook wasn't about her individual picture. It was about having another way to maintain the connections that she has with people at school, her friends, and classmates over time and throughout her life. And I thought after speaking to her, like, wow, A, she's mature, and B, what an elite understanding of connection. Um, it was pretty awesome. I also think of a speech that was given by one of our student speaker finalist, Belliskya. Following her try out, I walk all the
053kids uh out of the theater and I said something to Bella and I don't even know if she remembers it, but her speech really touched me and she had a very deep understanding of connections with her peers and her family and each other. And I think that's something that I'm going to remember and take with me for as long as I do this. And these are the things that I get from connections with you guys and that I hope that you get connection from connections with others. And I also think recently of a conversation I had with a former student. Uh former students all grown up. I ran to her into her at Honchos. She did not buy me a drink. We'll talk about that later. She's on the precipice of getting married. She's got
054a great career that she's interested in, but I know life wasn't always easy for her. And I got pretty close with her grandfather when she was in high school. And I asked, you know, how how he was, how he's doing. And she she told me a little bit. he's got some health issues. But she quickly summarized the impact that he had on her life by saying, "You know what? He always showed up. He always showed up. Just like the people sitting in the pavilion today, he always show up." And that is what connection's all about. We develop relationships by listening, hearing, and truly seeing one another. And let's be honest, not all of our relationships are going to work out. Some are difficult, some are stressful, some are hurtful. People that you are friends with
055for a time period may not necessarily be friends with you later. But that's okay because these connections are how we grow. We become who we are through other people, through friction, through mentorships, through heartbreak, through friendships, and through love. People challenge us and change us and shape us in ways that no algorithm can ever do. The challenge for your generation is to make a conscious decision to choose real connection. All of our speakers has touched on that. It's a much more difficult path, but vastly more rewarding. And I am confident that you guys are ready for that. From all of us at CCS, Clarkston Community Schools, we hope you find joy in all the moments that your lives have to offer. We hope the connections that you guys make are strong and lasting and that
056each of you lead happy, healthy, productive, and successful lives. Class of 2026, I I wish I could see you because I think you're all probably tearing up right now just at these words. So, I'll just believe you are. Um, thanks for being a great class guy. Appreciate you. Good luck. [applause] At this time, we'll ask our board of education to help us in presenting our graduating seniors with their diplomas. Ladies and gentlemen, it's the moment you've all been waiting for. [cheering] Jasine Rodriguez. [applause] Allison Jane Brackie, Katherine Marie Miller, Braden Lucas Rxie, [applause] Lucille Margarite Rouser, Payton Lynn Westerman, Ivangelene Alice Carpenter, Colin Edward prize. Emma Elizabeth Nanzer, Ryan Matthew Gford, [cheering] Ashby Dora Muzzy, Caitlyn Misuk, Sweda, Cameron Bnee Boyvert, by release. Charlotte Williams, >> Taylor Jade Edmonds, Willamina Grace Schneider, [cheering] Ella Rose
057Sinclair, Ashley Anne Dunhasola, [cheering] Hannah Grace Radic, >> Lena Martini Sloan, Lillian Joanne Havland, Ava Marie Danielson, Carolyn Marie Fletcher, >> [applause and cheering] >> Nicholas Daniel Landry, Sally Mui Elsu, [applause] Ella Marie Johnson, Gracie Ray Stton, Amamira Leona Abdul Abdulatif, Sophie Katarina Ael, Evan Christopher Adair, David Ethan Acres, [screaming] Emma Josephine Elbani, Gabriella Sophia Ia Alfuro, [screaming] Cooper Reed Aller, Micah Montgomery Omega, Jamar Bernardz, Ampaso, Moshakir Bernardas, Amposo, Julie Deianne Anema Ampo, Gavin Wright Anderson, [cheering] Scarlet Grace Anderson, [screaming] Ember Allison Arn [cheering] Jackson, John Artis, [cheering] Brady Michael Atkinson, [cheering] Ben Walter Adterbury, [cheering] Zach Sullivan Adterbury, Payton Grace Atenboroough, Cole Steven Atwell, Anelise Sophia Shantel Bacon, Kennedy Paige Bailey, [cheering] Liliana Leanne Bankston, >> Jolie Nicole Barger, Ryan Anthony Barnes, [cheering] Gianna Elena Barnett, >> Julia Elise Barnett, >> Hayden James Barrow,
058James Oliver Barry, William Andrew Andrew Battisill, John Allen Bushinski, Addison Lee Bennett, [cheering and applause] Emma Lydia Benson, [applause and cheering] >> Jillian Marie Benson, [cheering] Maline Lola Burton, >> Claire Elizabeth Butler, [screaming] >> Kira Marie Bishop, Zachary Andrew Blanchard, Kira Bell Blasco, Jaden Joy Bladget, Michael Lee Boats, Griffin Gray Bowman, Lucas Paul Bowman, Trinity Marie Bowman, Gavin Michael Bond, Aiden Michael Bonham, Alexander John Conlin, [cheering] >> Tana Grace Marshall, Carson Carson Russell Lef [cheering] Cameron Lee Aken [cheering and applause] Sebastian James Truscowski [applause and cheering] Travis James Bordine Marcelina an Borg Orgula, [cheering] Zachary Lynn Bourner, Charlie Anne Bushau, Adam Christopher Bradley, Spencer Forest, Brandon, [applause] Casey Christopher Brierly, >> [cheering] >> Murphy Paul Bristo L. Marie Brody, [cheering] Jenna Ellen Brown, Noah Bradley Brown, >> Caitlyn Rose Buick, >> Jacob Miles Brazinski, Austin
059Allen Bubbleitz, [applause] >> Carter Ward Burgess, [screaming] Austin Anthony Burns, Ryan Monahan Fushro, Michaela Julie Butkkey, Caitlyn Nicole Buyers, Blake Marcelino Cabala, Hermman Capistron, Avalino Carrera Flores, Nathaniel eyes Carter III, Valentina Casas Garcia, Macy Ray Casone Whistler, [cheering] Edwin Castro Sanchez, Amalia an Kentanella Jack Christopher Seio Oscar Chicone Hernandez Nathan Cole Chadwick Hayden Lou Chamberlain Wetstone Claire Elizabeth Champagne >> Cole Joseph Mason Charter Ivy Lynn Christensen Malachi Christino Cron [cheering] Wyatt Lee Clark, Camila Ali Kobos, Jacquellyn Savannah Collins, Preston Xavier Collins, [cheering] [applause] Kaden J. Cooper, [cheering] Kristen Lee Cooper, Kaden David Corley, [applause] Aiden James Corscilia, Nicholas Lucito Cortez, [screaming] [cheering] Isabella Marie Coventry, Steven Pierce Coventry, Caleb Levi Kroll, Mariana Elizabeth Cruz, Cruz, >> Clara Lorraine Cummings, Jordan Nicole Cunningham, [cheering] >> Brendan Matthew Curry, [cheering and applause] John Alden Curtis, Brady Michael
060Damian [screaming] >> Grant Keen Danker, >> Alana Morgan Davidson, >> Blake Robert Davidson, Sebastian Gilbert Dav, A >> Elizabeth Diana Davis, >> Lauren Grace Day, Raila Raquel DeLeon, Terry, Brody Michael Denver, Michelle Date, Paisley Jean Denalt Lucas John Dyson [screaming] [cheering] Aya Ray Dulan Milo Ray Dost Stella anne Dhorty, [cheering] >> Max Andrew Downey, Will James Downey, Kayla Paige Doyle, Max Michael Dreer, >> [cheering] >> Grace Nicole Drew, >> Skyler Rose Drinker, [cheering] Jack David Dro, [cheering and screaming] Marlena Graceland Drops, [cheering] Anthony Patrick Dubac, [cheering and applause] David Jefferson Dubac, [applause] Evelyn Ray Dubia, [cheering and screaming] Amaly Ducas, [cheering] >> Gabriella Duffy, >> [cheering and applause] >> Anelise Marie Dunlap, >> Evan James Dudy, [cheering] [screaming] Ethan J. Early [cheering] Avery Elizabeth Eastman, Emma Marie Ego, Sophia Grace Ego, [cheering] Kayn Reese Elen,
061Liliana Mara Eley, Lucille Don Elliot, [screaming] Julia Teresa Enriquez, Jack William Faber, Lucille Victoria Fabricio [cheering] Emerson Courtney Feliz [screaming] [applause] Cole Dcoin Fenton [cheering] Carla N Fernandez as Alex Gerard Figureroa [cheering and applause] Sydney Grace Fiser, >> Cadence Dior Fishwick, Hayden Patrick Flavin, >> [cheering] >> John Fetzer, Amelia Christine Floros, >> Azul Prince Fondalo, [cheering] >> Charles Joseph Formarro, Thomas Christopher Fortier, [screaming and cheering] Olivia Rose Foster, Jayla Eve Francisco, Elena Alex forza, Ellie Grace Frederickson, >> Ruby Frias, Baronco, Clo Chloe Marie Frisk, [cheering] Mariah Lee Fugate Ramirez, Andrew Daniel Fur, >> [cheering and applause] >> Sullivan Marie Fth, >> Jaden Alexander Gabbor, Marissa Marie Gator, Matthew Richard Gant, Isabella Aloney Garcia, [cheering] Ryland Lee Gardner, >> Emma Suzanne Garner, Logan Ryan Gothier, Alli Marie George, [cheering] Anna K. George [cheering] James Robert Gurgle
062Ariana Kathleen Yeen Bria Lee Gibbs [cheering and applause] Cole Everett Gibson Kylie Marie Golub, Savannah Lorie Golub, Ethan Pabito Gonzalez, Joseph Ray Gudro, Grace Renee Goule, [cheering and screaming] Ka Elizabeth Gray, >> Tanner Steven Gray, >> Melena Pamela Grunnin, [cheering] Jackson Gross, Reese Elizabeth, Parker Miller Hall, Payton Matthew Hall, [cheering and applause] Roland Mason Hamlin, Maggie Maryanne Hanigan, Kate Olivia Hansen, [cheering] Isabella Grace Harassic, Bailey Ray Harold, >> Jesse Adam Haydock Jr. [cheering] Daniel Robert Hine, [applause] >> Ava Renee Heinik, Allesio Santana Hernandez, Nicholas Michael Hernandez, Lucas Scott Herring, >> Bryce Walter Hickey, [cheering] Leila Catherine Hill, Delight, Dileia Grace Hoffman, [screaming] Morgan Jean Holine, >> [screaming] >> Autumn Renee Holden, [screaming] >> Nolan Frederick Holler, Owen Wesley Holloway, Hank Thomas Hornung, Ryan Micah Horvath, Hayden Maize Hton [cheering] >> Elliot Winston Hy Maline Joe
063Illis Cody Emerson Jendro >> Canon Bradley Jennings Joy Sara John, [screaming] >> Justin Solomon, John, Morgan Florence Johnson, Caitlyn Nicole Jones, Parker Nicholas Jones, >> Grant Jefferson Durant, Gusa Kowanga, Alexis Hana Kang, Robert Thomas Katakowski, Wyatt Richard Keller, [applause and cheering] Ellery Lynn Kemer, >> Preston Nicholas Kent, Ethan Adam Kern, >> [cheering and applause] >> Sabrina Lynn Kevlin, >> Julian James Q, Erica Victoria Clever, [cheering] Jacob David Knap, Lauren Elizabeth Knight, Abigail Dela Nolton, >> Jackson Eric Cotch, [cheering] >> Ryan Franklin, Cornes, [cheering and applause] Savannah Marie Kramer, Kendall Grace Craft, >> Grant Matthew Croll, Paige Julie Kazuk, [cheering] Sarah Regina Kursman, Molly Elelliana Labat, Er, Jace James Laferty, Lane Daniel Lamro, Joseph Hunter, Lankton, Crystalbrook, Harmony Lazenbeby, Addie J. Latimer, Cruz, William Lorraine, [screaming] >> Amelia Kimberly Larson, [cheering and applause] Tyler Joseph Lee,
064McKenzie June Ley, Alice Marie Lehi, Bradley Steven L layman I [cheering] Mason Daniel Lanker, >> Irene Lee Lesen, [cheering] Addison Margaret Lewis, Ayana Reel Lewis, >> Joshua Jeffrey Lewis, [cheering] >> Braden Seth Lock, Thomas Trent Logan, Chloe Anne, Lore, >> Aaron Jacob Lamazoff, [cheering and applause] >> Cameron Joseph, Love, [cheering] Annabelle, Leing, Lie, >> Logan Thomas, Malcowski, >> [cheering] >> Gabriel George Mansour, [cheering] >> Ma Mar Marcal, [cheering] Mia Angelina Marian, [screaming] Matio Mariani, >> Marco Venenzo Marino, Brooklyn Leanne Martin, >> Kain Jobani Martin, [screaming] >> Claire Elizabeth Matthews, >> Jackson Willis Matthews, Grayson Scott Matson, Maddox James May, [cheering] Knox L. Maynard, Isabella Ashley Maynor, Carson Thomas McIll, Jackson Christian McKenna, Ethan Earl McLaclin, [cheering] Brody Nathan Mor, Tessa May melon, >> Jet Todd Michael, [screaming] Elise Aaron Miller, >> Kendall Eta Miller, >>
065[cheering and applause] >> Mason Benny Miller, [cheering] Olivia Jillian Miller, James Wendell Ming, Micah John Mayot, >> [cheering] >> Hunter Tilman, Miracle, Olivia Jean Mitchell, Aten Sage Moore, [cheering] Natalie Jean Mutesi, Molina, Eastston Michael Mamerich [cheering and applause] Bailey Ray Moore Brady Andrew Marorrow [applause] Aiden Reese Mutter [screaming] Claire Marcela Naboic Mary Nuin in Maline Marie Novak, Caitlyn Marie Ojiway, Kyler Jacobia, [cheering] >> Aiden Ko O'Neal, Breen Delaney, O'Neal, [cheering] Cassidy Elaine Okanooki, Lewis Ellie Oliver, Chase Eric Olsen, Marcus Ordunia Munos, Alexandra Mia Ortiz, Sarah Evelyn Levy Otimer, Emily Lynn Otterbine, Nolan Edward Olette, Connor Lee Sutton Owen, Aiden Tyson, Paps, Justin Yun Palmer, Marcus Min Palmer, Zoe Alexander Andrea Perah, Bryce Floyd, Pass, Elizabeth Mary Patton, Patinod, Milin, Michael Patton, [cheering] Marcus Lo, Paul, [cheering] Delaney, Renee, Penzen, >> Brody, Christopher, Peipo, Chance, Steven
066Perolus, Michaela Veron, Perkins, [cheering] Payton Lyric Perkins, >> Katie Luanne Pearl, Seth Thomas Perry, >> Jace Michael Phelps, Elizabeth Anne Phillips, Zachary Jacob Pearson, >> Eastston Lee Powell, Joshua James Pon, Caitlyn Teresa Potter, Kenneth Patrick Potter, [screaming] Donovan Anthony Powell, Rayquan Antonio Price Thomas, [screaming] Corbin Brooks Quick, Connor John Quinland, Lauren Malia Braditz, [cheering] Elelliana Samurki, [cheering] Zachary Ryan Radlick, [screaming] Meredith Ryan Rynaldi, Melena Rose Rup [cheering] Gavin James Raymond [cheering] Gracie Madison Rector Alejandra Maryanne Reyes Eric Reyes Garcia Kayn Esme Reynolds, Claire Lynn Richardson, David Henry Richardson, Leila Khani Molly Rickard, Roco Carmine Rinaldi, [screaming] Abigail Aaron Ran, [cheering] Elelliana Hope. [cheering] >> Yep. Jonah Paul Robbins. >> [cheering and screaming] >> Payton Nicole Robinson, [screaming] >> Isabella Alana Rodriguez, Brock David Rogers, >> Connor Steven Roar, Audrey Kathleen Rooney, [cheering] Zia Katherina Dominguez,
067Rosales, Addison Grace Rose, Gavin Robert Rose, Ava Elizabeth Ross, Sydney Paige Rosel, Molly Kathleen Roush, [cheering] Parker Parker, Harold Royce, Ashlin Leilana Respecti, Ola Valina Sabrasa, Nicholas Christopher Scalcowski. Okay. Connor Sanderson, >> Vanessa San Juan Salvitaria, [screaming] >> Zachary Matthew Shakamire, [cheering] >> Addison Joy Schaefer, >> Ryan Thomas Shell, >> [screaming] >> Cecilia Louise Sheml, [cheering] >> Blake Leonard Schneider, [cheering] >> John Patrick Schneider, [screaming] Abigail Grace Shonne, Jackson Edward Scott, Jasmine Vivian Scott, >> Tyler Kent Scott, Tyson Jeffrey Scott, >> Addison Grace Seldon, Brandon Michael Cesty, >> Gerald Allen Setter III, [cheering] >> Morgandy Katherine Shaw, Vaughn Zachary Shiers, [cheering] Mason Jacob Sitway, >> [screaming and cheering] >> Donica Rosner, Donica Rose Siner, Andrew Reed, Seeding, Skyler Rain Seeding, [cheering] Sierra Jade Severs, Genevieve Rose, Sylvia, [screaming] >> Nicoleta Lee Simmons, Austin Simpkinson, Ryan
068William Sinclair, Trenton Michael Sloan, Andrew Christopher Smiley, [screaming] >> Alyssa Lelay Smith, Ella Grace Smith, [screaming] Hayden Christopher Smith, [screaming and cheering] Jack Stanley Smith, Natalie Blair Soul, >> Isabella Eden Soya, >> Aubrey Marie Spencer, [cheering] >> Olivia Melissa Spitznes, >> [screaming] >> Bodie Allen Cenammore, >> Annabelle Grace St. Aubin, >> Annabelle Elizabeth Stino, Abigail Margaret Stevens, Noah Robert Stevenson, >> Veronica Louise Stornelo, Caleb Riley Stout, Justin Howard Strader, Ethan David Streetman, William Lawrence Stubner, [cheering] >> Reese K. Summers, >> Liam Matthew Sutherland, >> Naomi Sahara Swan, >> Andrew Timothy Swanson, Jake Chudley Sweet, Adrien Lucenna Sims, >> Hunter John Tamelco, Jonah Squires, Tenan, Nicholas Joseph Terscini, Tran Ba Thai, Trevor Robert Thyer, Kamaya Latrice Strickland, >> Jenna Rose Thomas, >> Jacob Patrick Thompson, Evan Michael Tone >> Devin Thomas Tisdell Luke Anthony Tadoran Corey
069Wyatt Terro Carter Everett Traml Maline Kathleen Trapek, Chloe Nora Troder, Kathleen Anne Turner, Lucas Antonio Ortiz, >> [cheering] [screaming] >> L. Karen Vandrish, >> Brock Michael Vanettin, >> Nash Maxwell Vanvelzen, >> Addison Elliot Vaughn, >> Lily Christina Vaughn, Rudy Lacy Vez, >> Delaney Josephine Victory, [screaming] Sophia Valerie Vigrana, Cody Steven Waldron, [cheering] Ethan James Waldron, Austin Robert Walker, [cheering] >> Kira Gabrielle Walker, >> Luke Roman Walker, Alyssa Scott Warren, Ashton Lee Webb, >> Ryan David White, Julia Atorga Whitaker, >> Abigail Lei Whitehurst, [cheering] >> Nicholas Allen Whitten, Kaylee Grace Whiteitman, [screaming] Charlotte Lily Will, >> Ryan Michael Wilford, [cheering] >> Akira Lonnie Wilkkey, Colton J. Williams, [cheering] Audrey Michelle Willis, Kelly Bell Willis, [cheering] Andrew Steven Wilson, [cheering] Ava Sue Wilson, Kayen James Wilson, [screaming] >> Jack Landon Wilson, [cheering] >> Danielle Fay Whistler, >>
070Maya Bramwin Wogan, Avery Elizabeth Woodah [cheering] Carl Woodham Devin Vera Warden Isabella Grace Wright Maline Lucille Woolly, Autumn Yang, Kamong Devin Yang, Samuel David Urion, Christopher Matthew York. >> What's your name? >> Adam J. Ununas. >> Jonathan David Young, [cheering and screaming] Penny Anne Zable, Grace Victoria Zatel, [cheering] >> Kyla Rose Zimmerman, [cheering] >> Ellen Zo, Bin Katherine Zubie, [cheering and screaming] [applause] >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] >> Let's give it up for the class of 2026. [cheering] >> [applause] [applause] >> President Crane, members of the board of education, the administration certifies that the class of 2026 has met all requirements established by the board of education and the state of Michigan to earn their Clarkston Community Schools diplomas. At this time, do you confer their diplomas? >> We do. >> They do. That means you're
071official. [applause and cheering] [applause] >> Do we have all the magical singers up front? Prior to singing the parting blessing, which is an old and rich tradition, I'd like to ask the members of the executive board who are going to conduct the tassel ceremony to make their way to the stage. I would also like to remind everyone that these students will be released after faculty and after the board of education. They'll make their way to the hill just outside the pavilion and you'll be able to meet and greet them for pictures. Christ. The [singing] sun shine. [music] for [singing] on your [music] face. May the [singing and music] rain fall soft upon your feet [music] [singing] and until we meet again. [music] May [singing] God hold [music] you in the palm of [singing] his [music]
072hand. May the road rise [singing] to meet you. >> May the wind [singing] your back. [music] May the sun [singing] shine [music] warm upon your face. [music] [singing] May the rain [singing and music] s [singing and music] again. May God [singing] hold [music] you in the [singing] [music] hand. >> [applause] >> right now. >> Are you turning your All right. Three, two, one. >> Class of 2026, turn your tassels. [cheering] [applause] >> Thank you everybody. At this time, we'd ask that our staff and our board of education be dismissed. You can keep clapping. You can talk amongst yourselves. I mean, yeah. Good work tonight. You guys want to head down? [music] >> [music] [music] >> At this time we can release the students. [music] I'm sorry. [music] Former students. former students. [music] Thank you. [music]
073>> [music] >> Watch out. [music] >> [music] [music] >> I'm so hungry. >> [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music]