On May 26, the Class of 2026 came together one last time at the Meridian football field to celebrate their graduation. Despite a one-hour delay due to rainy weather, family, friends and relatives crowded into chairs; their smiles making up for the lack of sunshine.
After a prelude and the graduates’ march, the ceremony started with the Speech of Remembrance by Hannah Fazio, the Senior Class Council Representative. Fazio mentioned how hard every student in the Class of 2026 worked, noting how each and every one of them should be proud of the work that they put in for the past 12 years.
Principal Peter Laub gave an opening statement, followed by a welcome speech from Zoe Gale. School Board Chair Kathleen Tysse also spoke, celebrating the milestone and highlighting how proud parents and other supporters are.
The Meridian High School Chamber Singers, led by Choral Director Jamie Sample, performed the song “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. The lyrics fitted the occasion perfectly, with lines such as, “Well, I’ve been ‘fraid of changin’ / ‘Cause I’ve built my life around you / But time makes you bolder / Even children get older / And I’m gettin’ older, too,” capturing the bittersweet taste of finishing high school and moving into the adult world.
One of the most memorable parts of the graduation ceremony was the second Valedictory Scholar Speech, given by Eli Kulok. Kulok spoke about how each person has a different life and different passions, but regardless, each student would grow and develop into people that would one day make a difference in their community. He left a lasting impression on the audience, making them laugh, and finishing his speech by giving the audience something to ponder on.
Many siblings were there to support their brothers and sisters at their graduation. “I feel really happy for my sister [Maya Anderson], she worked really hard throughout these 12 years, and I think she really worked for this moment,” sophomore Lyla Anderson remarked. “Still, I’m also so sad that she’s going to be gone and that I won’t be able to be with her next year.”
By the end of the ceremony, while some seniors were crying, others were laughing, yet most of the Class of 2026 was smiling brightly.
“I’m really excited to finally graduate,” senior Emma Flanagan commented. “The best part about this high school experience was being able to go through it all with my best friends, and all the other friends I made along the way.”
