It’s not easy to have a last-minute location change for a commencement ceremony, but if the Briarcliff High School Class of 2026 proved one thing, it is that they are resilient, adaptable to change and poised.
Yesterday, the school held the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, typically held outdoors, in the district auditorium, due to the weather. It was an evening full of laughter, joy and inspiration.
The 2026-2027 Student Government Co-Presidents, Sofia Cruz and Hannah Tashiro, introduced the students, who marched with faculty to “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the orchestra, led by Director Michael Fraioli.
After a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Ava Wu, accompanied by the orchestra, this year’s Student Government Co-Presidents Allison Gordon and Saranda Ivesaj welcomed the attendees.
The following is an excerpt from Principal Diana Blank’s address to the graduating seniors:
“You have learned from exceptional teachers who have pushed you to think deeply, to question, to grow. You have developed your talents – in classrooms, on stages, on fields, in labs and in studios. You have been supported by families who love you, who have sacrificed for you, and who have stood beside you every step of the way. And you have grown from being part of a community that believes in you. These are gifts. And with these gifts comes something more. A responsibility – not as a burden, but as a meaningful opportunity. An opportunity to use what you have been given in ways that extend beyond yourself. Because a fulfilling life is not built solely on personal success. It is built on contribution.”
Next, the 2026 Salutatorians and Valedictorian spoke.
Salutatorian Ava Wu said that the people who matter most are not the famous ones, but rather the “nobodies” – ordinary people in our daily life who care for us and choose kindness.
Salutatorian Chase Duperrouzel said that in the end, it’s not about what we did, but about the people who were with us.
Valedictorian Noah Rinke ended with sage advice: “No one can man his ship alone” and “Listen to your mother!”
Mathematics teacher Michael Ball was selected by the Class of 2026 as the guest speaker. Here is an excerpt from his speech:
“Around 18 or so years ago, you were, or were about to be, little tiny babies… and now, in the blink of an eye, you’re at your high school graduation; it all goes so quickly. Never forget that, as a baby, you were the most important, and the only thing in the world at that moment. And part of the joy of new life is naming you: we love to think about your names, how it might define you, how it imbues you with some character or memory or meaning or honor or warm remembrance. So always hear your name, knowing it as a permanent label of love. So, this is why I greet you all, one-by-one, by your name. It’s smiling at that very facet of you. Remember how important and how unique you are.”
Superintendent Dr. Jim Kaishian also addressed the soon-to-be graduates. Here is an excerpt:
“For thirteen years, those around you have been telling you where you stand – grading you, critiquing you, correcting you. So, if you are unsure about yourself as we sit here tonight, let me be clear: you’ve passed that test. You’re good. Not just ‘good enough,’ not ‘pending review.’ You’re good – prepared, capable and ready for your future to reveal itself.”
Finally, it was time to present the seniors with their diplomas. Class of 2026 Co-Presidents, Joseph Hentel and Odhran Murray recited students’ names as they walked up to receive their diplomas from Ms. Blank and Dr. Kaishian.
Ms. Blank presented the Class of 2026 to a cheering crowd.
