001Hey, hey, hey. Hey, [music] hey, hey. >> [music] >> around. Brea. Even around >> [music] >> Hey, hey, hey. fire. Yeah, hey. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey, hey, hey. [music] >> [music] >> Hey, hey, hey. [music] Wow. Heat. Heat. Happy boy. up. Up it up. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey, hey, hey. I can feel like I'm up. up. up. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey. powder. Bound Baby, bounce back. Lou danc. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Good morning. Good morning. [music] If you guys could find your seats so we can begin our ceremony. So, everybody please be seated. I don't We will only use the first first and Okay. Make sure you Whatever ending you I'm guessing These are Good morning. We
002are starting our ceremony and now entering we have our Canal Winchester High School staff and the graduates will be to follow. [applause] Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> There we go. Everybody just fine. Are you talking to the camera? >> Yeah. >> See, that's the thing. Here we go. Heat. [music] [cheering] Heat. Hallelujah. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [cheering] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [bell] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [cheering] [applause] >> Good morning parents, family members, guests, and graduates. My name is Kaia Hunt, Canal Winter, Canal Winchester Local School Superintendent. >> Thank you. [applause] It is my pleasure to welcome you on
003behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration of Canal Winchester High School to the 140th commencement. We have gathered to se My goodness. We have gathered to celebrate and honor you, the graduates, in your final activity as high school seniors. On behalf of our distinguished guest, Eastland and Fairfield Career Center representative Shelley Groves, [applause] Canal Winchester Principal Ada Nicholson Burley, [cheering] Assistant Principles Kevin Freeman, [cheering] [applause] Tim Gagalliardo, Rob Palasquez [applause] and athletic director Jacob Ramsey [cheering] [applause] along with the Canal Winchester School Board President Monica Thally, [applause] Vice President Khloe Green, and school board members Joe Art. >> [applause] >> and Leah Cobb. It is my privilege to welcome all of you to this important occasion. Please stand and join in the singing of our national anthem and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance
004in the Canal Winchester alma mater. Say [singing] by the dawn early [singing] so proudly we >> [singing] >> At the twilight lasting [singing] stripes and bright stars through the perilous [singing] fight we [singing] were so gallent. Gently streaming the rocks through the night [singing] that our flag was still there. Oh, say does [singing] that star spangled B for the [singing] land of the free [music] and the >> [cheering] [applause] >> Please join me in the reciting of the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [cheering] [applause] Loyal and true will be our hearts [music] beh. to thee forever. Through the years [music] we go still to seeish [music]
005dear Winchester. [music] >> [applause] >> Thank you. You may be seated. >> Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Helen Du and I am honored to serve as class treasure at Canal Winchester High School. The song we're about to hear today, people get ready by Caris Mayfield, is a powerful song about hope, fate, and change. It was written during a time where people were looking for equality and a better life. The song is simple but strong. Don't give up, stay hopeful, and get ready for what's coming next. [cheering] As we graduate today, class of 2026, we are also stepping into a new journey in life. Some of us are going to college, some are starting careers, and some are still figuring things out. But this song reminds us that even if the path is
006unclear, we are all still prepared for what's ahead. So, as you listen, think about how far we have come together and how ready we are for the future. Congratulations, class of 2026. Thank you. [applause] People [singing] get ready. There's a train coming. You don't need [singing] no baggage. You just get on board. All you need [singing] is faith to hear the diesels hum. You don't need no ticket. You just thank [singing] the Lord. People [singing] get ready. There's a [music] train to Jordan. [singing] From coast to [music] coast. Faith is [singing] key. Open the doors and pour them. There's hope for [singing] all. So [music] thank the Lord. [music] Can we even make room [singing] for the hopeless sinner who would hurt all [singing] mankind just to save his own? Have mercy [singing] on those
007whose choices [music] grow thinner. So there's no hiding [singing] place from the kingom throne. Get on board now. Oh. [singing] is a train. You don't need no bag. Just get on [singing] board. All you need is to hear the [singing and music] voice. Thank the Lord. [music] [music and singing] Ready, [music and singing] Lord. Getting [music] [singing] ready. Oh, ready. >> Oh, [music] I'm ready. >> Get on board. [singing] >> Time to [music] get on board. [music] >> Time to get on board. [singing] Time to get on board. [music] >> We got to get on [singing] board. Time to get on board. Everybody [music] get on [singing] board. Everybody get ready. It's time to get >> [applause] [applause] >> Before we continue this ceremony, I want to acknowledge certain segments of our graduating class. Please
008stand as your group is called. Those students who attended Fairfield or Eastland career centers or a satellite program through the career center. [cheering] [applause] You may be seated. Those students who will be attending a two or four-year college or technical school after graduation. [cheering] You may be seated. those students who have received some type of college scholarship, [cheering and applause] [applause] you may be seated. Those students graduating with honors, [cheering] [applause] you may be seated. Those students receiving an honors diploma, [cheering] >> [applause] >> You may be seated. Those students who will be entering the business field immediately after graduation. [applause] [cheering and applause] You may be seated. Those students who have enlisted in a branch of our nation's military. [cheering] >> [applause] >> You may be seated. The following students are graduating as members
009of the Canal Winchester High School class of 2026 top 10 students. Please stand and be recognized when your name is called. Matteline Frasier, [cheering] Wesley Day, [applause] [cheering] Kendall McCraea, Riley Broen, [applause and cheering] Andrew Maxim, [applause] Kate Richie, >> [cheering] [applause] >> Catherine Plasters, Danielle Cook. Graduating second in the class of 2026 are Saludiatoran Lily Kissinger. >> [applause] >> Graduating first in the class of 2026 are validictorian Giani Pursuiti, [cheering] [applause] who I would like to invite to address you all at this time. Before I get started, I would like to take a moment to thank my girlfriend Tobin, who's also here graduating today, [applause] as well as my friends, my family, and my teachers for all the support that they've shown me throughout these years. Without [applause] all their encouragement and support, I
010would not be in this position that I am in today. So, I just wanted to say thank you all. I owe this opportunity to you. [applause] As valadictorian, I'm supposed to stand up here and deliver some profound life-changing wisdom. I tried to find some. I really did. But I'm not much of an inspirational guy, so you're getting the best that I could do. People always say that high school is full of unforgettable moments, and sure, we had some good times, though, if I'm being honest, a lot of mine were more like, when am I going to get to go home? Most days were pretty normal, some were fun, some were stressful, and some were just boring. But if you think about it, our class had a pretty unique high school experience. We went into high
011school following the height of the pandemic where nothing at all was normal and we all had to make the best of our situation. Missing school became much more frequent for some of us and sometimes you'd have to teach an entire week of class to yourself from your Chromebook. But in spite of all that, we're all here at graduation. All the challenges we faced over the years, we've been able to overcome. And when we're inevitably faced with more obstacles, we'll be able to get through those, too. And here's what I realized while trying to write this speech. The small ordinary moments are the ones that really mattered. The conversations at lunch with our friends, the inside jokes, having to speak in front of the class for a project, the teachers who pushed us to put in
012a little more effort. None of those moments felt huge at the time, but together they added up to something meaningful. Now we're heading into whatever comes next. college, work, the military, or just taking it as it comes. And even though the future feels big, I think we're more ready than we realize. We've already learned how to adapt, how to keep going when things are stressful, and how to make the best of your situation. Those skills matter more than any perfect plan. Not every day needs to be something special. We just need to keep showing up, keep trying, and keep taking the next small step. That's how we got here and that's how we'll get wherever we're going next. So, no, I don't have life-changing wisdom, but I do have this. We made it through four
013years of ordinary days that somehow turned into something extraordinary. And I think that's worth celebrating. Congratulations, class of 2026. [applause] Thank you, Giani. There's a specific kind of just feeling in the air on graduation morning. It's a mix of oh finally and what now? Standing here at this podium looking at all of you guys in your caps and gown is giving me a massive um sense of deja vu. The last time actually that I stood on this stage behind this mic with the lights and this filled up I was graduating high school myself. The last time that this happened, I had those exact same feelings. And that is why I feel like I'm so connected to you guys because we started this journey together four years ago. You walked into Winchester High School as freshman
014and I walked in right beside you as a young administrator. We were both standing at [applause] I tried. I tried. We were both standing at the starting line of a brand new chapter. Fast forward to today, and now I have the honor of being you guys' principal. The truth is, we did it all together. As a young black woman stepping into this leadership role, I knew the eyes were on me, watching to see if I could lead and how. And I knew the eyes were on you, too. Watching to see how this class would handle the pressure, the change, and the challenges of a new era. We're both under the microscope. We were both out to prove that we belonged in the rooms and the school that we were stepping into. I'll never forget those
015early days in the hallway. I'd be walking with my head high trying to look the part. Probably telling y'all to act like I got some sense. And then I would just see you guys look like, "Wait, you're our administrator?" Um, and to be honest, I was like, "I don't know who put me in charge." But we did it and we did it together. And in that newness, something beautiful happened. Over the last four years, I didn't just watch you guys from an office. I got to know you. We built lasting relationships in the halls. I saw you through the wins, the losses, the laughs, and the struggles. Because I've been here for all four years of your journey. I didn't just get to supervise your growth. I lived it with you. We were navigating a
016world that was waiting to see what we would do. As we figured out who we were, we didn't just conquer the halls together. We built a community where I hope you felt seen, supported, and proud to belong. And that's the thing. Today, you guys are going to get a diploma, which is a big deal. But I want you to know that while the diploma is great, the students who earned it, I'm so, so proud of you spent four years building an internal power that nobody can take from you. a way of moving through the world that allows you to commit to your potential, connect with people who see your value and conquer the obstacles that once kept you up at night. That is why before I leave and we hand you guys your diplomas, I
017just want to give you guys the last piece of real talk. In the years that I have sat where you are and since, I have learned one thing for sure. People are going to talk about you. Your name will be spoken in rooms you haven't entered yet. And that is a beautiful thing. It means your excellence, your character are traveling faster than you are. You are building a reputation that will open doors before you even reach the knob. But when those whispers reach you, the good and the bad. You have to remember two options. If what they say is true, own it. If it's praise, accept it with grace. If it's a mistake, don't hide. Take responsibility. Learn the lesson and use that truth to become a better version of yourself. There is power in
018a person who can look at their own reflection and say, "I am a work in progress." But if what they say is not true, stand firm. You must be so deeply and rooted who you are, the person that I have watched you all become, that your word, their words simply cannot shake the ground that you stand on. Be confident, know your heart, know your worth. So, seniors, when I was sitting where you were 14 years ago, I had no idea that I would be led back here on this exact same stage to celebrate you. But I am so glad that it did. I am a better leader because of you guys. [applause] I am so proud of you. And as you prepare to walk this stage, take a breath. I'm going have to take one,
019too. And soak it all in. You guys have earned this moment. And I love you guys so much. [applause] So, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the following members of the class of 2026 have met all graduation requirements set down by the state of Ohio and Canal Winchester local school board of education. Will the Canal Winchester High School staff take their places in the first group of graduates please come forward? And we also would like to extend our good luck to our graduates and coaches who will be exiting the stage after they receive their diploma headed to the district track finals. [cheering] [applause] The aliens [cheering] ready in memorial. Memorial of Xavier Jackson. >> Griffin Armstrong, David Dastro. [applause] Travon Menace, [applause] >> Aaron Monty, [cheering] >> John Thornton, [cheering] [applause] Antonio Belts
020Jr. [cheering] [applause] Edward Haynes, [applause] >> Javino Hill, [applause] >> Emmanuel Kipu >> [cheering] [applause] >> Summer Monk, [applause] >> Ryan Scholard, [applause and cheering] >> Wade Williams, >> [applause] >> Shakari Douglas L. [cheering] [applause] >> Ella Nolton [screaming] Landon Ardit >> [cheering] [applause] >> Torion Brooks, [cheering] [applause] >> Isaiah Darfus, [applause] Abdelon Faky, [screaming] >> Grant Hamilton. [applause and cheering] [applause] Andrew Maxim, [applause] >> Michaela Hickman, [applause] >> Henry Boss, [applause] Brody Harmon, [cheering and applause] >> Chase Campbell, [applause] Jimmy Dove, [cheering and applause] >> Bryce Ron, Apple, [applause] Carson Long, >> [applause] >> Chase Newell, [applause] >> Hannah Condra, [applause] Katherine Plasters, [applause] >> Elizabeth Spiker, [applause] >> Joyce, Jafet, [cheering] >> [applause] [cheering] >> Riley Broen, [cheering] [applause] >> Amiia Brooks, [cheering] [applause] Olivia Flor, press, [applause] >> Taquan Gordon, [screaming] [cheering]
021>> Lena Grant, [cheering and applause] Joshua Hammond, [cheering] [applause] >> Ella Hoskins, [cheering] [applause] >> Samantha Low, [applause and cheering] Adeline Moore, [cheering] [applause] >> Ava Palmer, [applause] Jordan Parker, [cheering] [applause] >> Broen Powels, [cheering] [applause] >> Ashi BB Alexander Jones, [applause] >> Colton Wilson. [applause] Marina Blechars, [cheering] >> Charlie Bes, [cheering] [applause] >> Kayia Chung, >> [applause] >> Austin Daniels, [applause] >> Jalil Dillard, [cheering] [applause] >> Colton Dorsy, >> [cheering and applause] >> Kayen Dunvy, [applause] >> Grant Eckleston, [applause and cheering] Abigail Estabo, Ethan Bout, [applause] >> Caleb Jalaba, [screaming] >> Lily Lords, [screaming] >> [applause] >> Mallerie Mohler, [cheering] [applause] >> Ava Mollik, Harmony Naomi [screaming] Avery Rat, [applause and cheering] >> Sierra Cinebe, [cheering] [applause] >> Collia Snider, >> [applause] >> Legendary Blackwell, >> Ahmed Callaway, Isabella Dodson, [cheering] [applause] >> Karatu,
022Buffana, [cheering] >> Ibrahim, Jalo [cheering] [applause] Janice Jones, Jeremy Lopez, Quazada, [applause] Isha Century, >> Hayden Van Gandhi, [applause] believe Nau >> [applause] >> Yasyn Aguilar, [cheering] >> Trinity Clawson Ryan McCoy, [cheering] [applause] >> Hussein Mushtak, [applause] Elijah and Ka, [applause] [cheering] >> Maria Regal, Savannah Creg Cammy Bernett, [cheering] >> Matteline Frasier, [applause and cheering] Wyatt Gerabbront, >> [applause] >> Hassan Mushtak, [applause] Shawan Reel, [applause] Ediatu Barry, [screaming] [screaming] >> Ethan Coffee, [cheering] [applause] >> Brady Davies, [screaming] >> [applause] >> Drew Kuzakowski, >> Llaya Wansa, >> Joselyn Orton, Tyler Popey, [cheering and applause] >> Luke Schmelzer, [applause] >> Zenibu, Tandia, [screaming] >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Ayanna Wise, [cheering] >> DeAndre Jackson [cheering] Eric Hardy Jr. [cheering] [applause] >> [screaming] >> Kaya Jackson, [screaming] >> Brody Johnson, [applause] [cheering] >> Label Cabba, Jaden Turner, [applause and
023cheering] >> River Witworth, [cheering] >> Miam Boss, >> [screaming] [screaming] >> Josiah Haskins, [cheering] [applause] >> Kaden Love >> [applause and cheering] >> William Wilson, >> Aa Sek, >> Kennedy Stokes, Miley Suarez, [cheering and screaming] >> Benjamin Ulumu >> [applause] >> Cruz Cindas >> Sawyer Meadows >> [applause] >> Duncan Nesbbit. [applause] [cheering] Madison Grath, [cheering] Emma Hamilton, [applause] >> Selena Quirola [cheering] Maline Richie, [cheering] [applause] >> Eastston Shiler, [applause] Seamika Suba >> [cheering] >> Lily Thornell, [applause] >> K Watun [screaming] [cheering] >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Gabrielle Woola, [applause] >> Prait Belle Azi Fitaki, [cheering] [applause] >> Jose Lubaki, [applause] Elijah Neon, Destiny Bell, [screaming] >> Ethan McGyvery, Tyron Adams, [applause] Josiah Bissi to Johnny Dia, [screaming] [cheering] Leila Floyd. Abigail Josephson, [cheering] >> Lily Kissinger, [screaming] [applause] Danielle Cook, [cheering] [applause] >> Giani Razuti, [applause]
024>> Tobin >> [cheering] [applause] >> Sophia Torerson, [screaming] >> Bella Bongabot. >> [cheering] >> Madison Webb, Daniel McMillan, [applause] Owen Tyler, [applause and cheering] Savannah Wilder, Retinique Nent. >> [applause] >> Wendell Darren, [applause] Kendall McCrae, [applause] Zayn Bucilich, [screaming and cheering] [applause] >> Marissa Joe, >> Kate Richie, [screaming] >> [applause and cheering] >> Marama. So, [screaming] >> Dbora Mutesi [screaming] [cheering] Rio Bberto Ventora Baker Jr. [cheering] >> Taylor Campbell, [cheering] [applause] >> Anna His >> [cheering] >> Amber Hampton, [applause] >> Kevin Maynard, [cheering] Jane Puro, [cheering] [applause] Carara Shrader, Seth Antry Jr. Minaj Beasta, [applause] Colin Bolard, [applause] Parker Connley, >> [applause] >> Wesley Day, Tristan Ellis, [applause] Mitchell Hatch, [cheering and applause] Dylan Sufer, >> Andrew Thai, >> Donovan None, [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Isabella Brown, >> Amamira Gullich [cheering] Hannah Hopkins, [cheering] [applause]
025>> Carly Kaiser [cheering] [applause] Josie Whitel, >> Aiden No, [applause and cheering] >> Ryan Lance, Kyler Love, [screaming] >> Jordan Woodford, [applause] >> Ellis Bagley, >> [cheering] [applause] >> Belle Wilkins [screaming] [cheering] Elise Solder Hey, [screaming] >> Madison Armmitage, >> Cameron Beaver, >> [screaming] >> Cameron Wilson. [screaming] >> Malik Dolly. [cheering and applause] Brennan Elliot, [applause] >> Shilley Knight, [cheering] >> Lamar Fields, >> [screaming] >> Kai Boyd, [cheering and applause] >> Ana Tugle Hatu Ba, [screaming] [screaming] >> Aiden Bellucas Yasmin Bennett, [cheering] Kaya Kredico, Connor Irvin, >> [applause] >> Olivia Han, [screaming] >> McKenzie Holoffield [cheering] >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Alia Jefferson, >> Jalil King Tiara Phillips, [screaming] [cheering] >> Michael Rogers Jones, Leah Wood, >> Steven Clum, Adam Kennedy Jr. [cheering] >> Mason Lily [cheering] [applause] >> Wyatt Bell >> [applause] >> Don Blake,
026[screaming] [cheering] [applause] >> Abby Connelly. [screaming] [cheering] [applause] Zoe Cordal, [cheering] [applause] >> Pretty Dong, [screaming and cheering] [applause] >> Nathaniel Ellison, [applause] Autumn Keller, [applause] >> Cheyenne Laughen become a meteorologist. Mary Margaret Owen, [applause] >> Ben Parsons, [cheering and applause] >> Ian Pomero, Eparea, Ayanna Smith, [cheering] [applause] >> Valier Benton Sahara Bista, [cheering] [applause] Nola Katino Maya Coughlin, [cheering] >> Kaylee Daltton >> [cheering and applause] >> Violet Homeman, [cheering] >> Cynthia Johnston, [screaming] Colton Ross, >> Sasha Sanders, [cheering] >> Ariana Jeff, >> [cheering] >> Dominic Sanfalippo, Garrett Bipperman, [applause] >> McKenna Hartley, Ellen Nathan Obby >> Ava Griggs >> [cheering] >> Jocelyn Nelson, [screaming] [cheering] >> Abby Sykes, [applause] >> [screaming] >> Royalty Over Street, [screaming] [cheering] [screaming] >> Alexis Peterman [sighs] [applause] >> [screaming] >> Lena Row, >> Dominic Thally, [cheering] Malachi, Gypsy,
027Stanford, [cheering] >> Ian Johnson, [applause and cheering] Felician Kanda Mubari Bontu Herier Noga, >> Julius Peoples, [cheering] [cheering and screaming] Aiden Nuller, Steven McNeel, [screaming] >> Peter Msami. >> [screaming] >> Landon Williams, >> Caleb Clay, [cheering] Rodriguez, Felix, [cheering] >> Zenra, Darwood, >> Elijah Dunn, >> [screaming] >> Zara Edmonds, [screaming] >> Addison Edstrom, Jeffrey Green, [cheering] >> Jenna North, >> Carolyn Adams, Sophia Robinson, Farley, [cheering] [applause] >> Xavier Sproul, >> Brazil West, >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Joshua Jalaba, >> Adam Oliver, [cheering and applause] Jada Brown, Ella Armach. [cheering] Ava Reed, >> AARI, >> Abram Cassidy, >> [cheering and applause] >> Antonio Martin, [cheering] >> Tamara Nally. Rihanna Vanpuin, >> Simon Abraham, >> [applause] >> Jacob Martin, Steven Mascary, >> Asa Rabati, >> [cheering] [applause] >> Xavier Smith, [screaming] [cheering] >> Jacob Stanley [cheering] [applause] Daryl
028Fel, [cheering] >> Cy Bria Axen, [screaming] >> Kaden Morland, [cheering and applause] >> Claire Spieman [cheering] Cohen Spieman, >> Alene Balden, [applause] >> Na N Aisha Ba >> [cheering and screaming] [cheering] >> Abigail Craiggo, [cheering] >> Virginia, Sutter, >> Cohen Ferguson, [cheering] >> Raquel Nelson, >> [cheering] >> Kyra Smith, >> Shyra Smith, >> [cheering and applause] >> Jeffrey Patinama, [cheering] >> Sammy Tacket, [cheering and applause] Brock Armstrong, >> Evelyn Dalva, [cheering] >> Julian Bs, [cheering] >> [applause] >> Reese Atkins, >> Aras Clark [cheering and applause] Raphael Vanputin III, >> Maddox Robinson, Barley [cheering] Kayen Bernard, [cheering] >> Jackson Eert, [cheering] Marama Dio, [screaming] [cheering] [screaming] >> Mojaba Lee, [cheering] [screaming] Helen Marie Nador, [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Shannon Ryan, [screaming] Ida Nagasi Tuada, [cheering] Abdul Barry, [cheering] Aminatada Barry >> [cheering] >> Anna Bartz, [cheering]
029>> Ace Dodson, [cheering] Eva Barley, [screaming] >> Jason Bons. Thanks so much. [screaming and cheering] [cheering] Sophia goes, [applause and cheering] >> Audrey Howard, [applause] >> McKenna Liebarger [cheering] >> [applause] [cheering] >> Quentyn McGee, [applause] >> Lauren Milligan, [applause] [cheering] Ahmed Nasser, [screaming] >> Jasmine Win [cheering] Sophia Preston, [cheering] [applause] >> Madu S. [screaming] [cheering and applause] Derek Strazer, Joseph Tester. [cheering] >> Congrats, baby. Love you. Kaylee Troy Murkadel. [screaming] [cheering] On behalf of the Canal Winchester High School graduating class of 2026, I humbly accept these diplomas. Members of the class of 2026, please stand. [screaming] [cheering] >> [cheering] >> As president of the class, I have the honor of leading us in the last activity we will all do together. Join us now as we turn our tassels. [cheering] >> [cheering] [screaming] [cheering] >>
030Congratulations to the class of 2026 and all of those who have supported them on their academic journey. Please stay seated so that the graduates can exit. And when they exit, you guys are good to go. Thank you for attending today's commencement ceremony. [cheering] [applause] [music] Hallelujah. Heat. Hallelujah. [cheering] [music] Oh, is [music] the