Racine, Ohio: Forty seniors from Southern High School crossed the stage Thursday evening as the Class of 2026 celebrated graduation inside James A. Adams Gymnasium. Family members, friends, faculty, and community supporters filled the gymnasium as graduates entered in purple gowns trimmed in gold and adorned with cords, stoles, and medals recognizing their accomplishments. The Southern High School Band performed “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar as the ceremony began.
Senior Jaylynn Hupp welcomed those in attendance and reflected on the accomplishments and journey of the graduating class.
“Tonight we celebrate the memories we have made, the lessons we have learned, and our growth over the years, but most importantly, the closing of one chapter, and the beginning of another,” Hupp said. “To my fellow graduates, our hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought us here tonight.”
Andre Chandler delivered the invocation, thanking God for the strength and perseverance that carried the graduates through their school years while asking for guidance and blessings on their future paths.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Student Council President Audrey Riffle, the Southern Local Band, under the direction of Mr. Chad Dodson, performed “Arabian Dances” by Roland Barrett.
The evening’s student speeches focused heavily on reflection, perseverance, friendship, faith, and purpose.
Kiersten Rose spoke about the memories the class shared throughout their school years and the lessons learned through both success and hardship. She reminded her classmates that graduation represented both the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another.
“We entered as students trying to figure out who we were, and we are leaving as young adults carrying memories and lessons that will stay with us forever,” Rose said.
Rose also spoke emotionally about the loss of classmate Ethan Rose during the previous school year and the impact his passing had on the graduating class.
“Even though he is not here with us physically tonight, his memory remains a part of this graduating class,” Rose said. “He will always be remembered in conversations, the memories, the laughter, and the lives he touched.”
Noah Leachman followed with a heartfelt speech centered around finding one’s “why” in life. Drawing from an experience during football camp before his freshman year, Leachman encouraged his classmates to discover the purpose that motivates and guides them through life’s challenges.
“Maybe your why is your family. Maybe it is your passion. Maybe it is your faith,” Leachman said. “Whatever it may be, hold onto it. Because when you know your why, you can endure, you can persevere, you can become stronger, and you can better yourself.”
Leachman credited his family, friends, coaches, and faith for shaping the person he has become and encouraged the Class of 2026 to remain true to the values and people most important to them.
Southern High School Principal Mr. Daniel Otto recognized graduates who earned distinctions including National Honor Society membership, Honors Diplomas, Merit recognition, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude honors. Mr. Otto also led a moment of remembrance and silence in honor of Ethan Rose.
Southern Local Schools Superintendent Mr. Tony Deem formally presented the Class of 2026 to the Southern Local Board of Education. Board President Mrs. Ashli Peterman then presented diplomas to the graduates.
Class President Audrey Riffle led the traditional changing of the tassels before the graduating class joined together to lead the audience in the singing of the school alma mater.
Nathan Shuster delivered the benediction, thanking God for the lessons, friendships, and opportunities the graduates experienced throughout their educational journey while encouraging classmates to move forward with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
As the Southern High School Band performed “Recessional” by J. Ployhar, the Class of 2026 exited the gymnasium as Southern High School’s newest alumni.
Members of the Southern High School Class of 2026 included: Lauren Allen, Skyler Allen, Payton Barber, Aden Casteel, Andre Chandler, Murphy Dunfee, Noah Heslep, Laynee Hill, Maddison Hilt, Paxtyn Hoffman, Jaylynn Hupp, Hunter Jarrell, David Kemppel, Noah Leachman, Mia Little, Nevaha Martin, Braden Miller, Bradlee Molden, Hunter Moore, Tristan Moore, Kase Nelson, Keiara Owsley, Derrick Pridemore, Cristian Ramirez, Asher Riffle, Audrey Riffle, Taylor Roberts, Kianna Rose, Kiersten Rose, Kallie Roush, Matthew Sands, Johnathen Scott, Zayda Shockey, Nathan Shuster, Collin Smith, William Smith, Wyatt Smith, Taylor Tucker, Jacob Wickline, and Branson Wooten.