The Shenandoah Valley School District celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 on Monday evening as graduates took their final steps as high school students during commencement exercises that blended tradition, reflection, and optimism for the future.
The ceremony marked a milestone as the district's 155th graduating class. Wall of Fame chairman, Andrew Ulicny noted that Shenandoah Valley's first graduating class received diplomas in May 1879, just 15 years after the end of the Civil War. Those graduates were born during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. During the borough's population boom in the 1930s, enrollment was so large that graduation ceremonies were held twice each year.
The evening's program centered on the themes of resilience, respect, and responsibility, with speakers encouraging graduates to carry those values into adulthood.
Superintendent Brian Waite opened the ceremony by sharing lessons on leadership inspired by a recent visit to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Describing the academy as a "leadership laboratory," Waite explained that cadets are taught to embrace failure as an important part of growth and development. He told graduates that success is determined less by talent and more by resilience, character, and discipline.
"Life is going to punch you in the face," Waite said, emphasizing that setbacks are inevitable and that character is defined by how a person responds to adversity.
Drawing from the lessons taught at West Point, Waite encouraged students to remain adaptable, persevere through challenges, and continue learning from both successes and failures. He concluded his remarks by officially certifying the graduates according to Pennsylvania Department of Education standards.
Valedictorian Lucero Zavala Perez reflected on the passage of time and the personal growth experienced throughout their years at Shenandoah Valley.
Perez recalled realizing in seventh grade that their school email address ended with "26" and wondering how long it would take for graduation day to arrive. Looking back, Perez said the years passed more quickly than expected.
Sharing a personal story, Perez spoke about the challenge of learning English after once being unable to communicate with teachers. The accomplishment, Perez said, serves as a reminder of how much growth can occur over time.
Encouraging classmates to cherish the experiences that shaped them, Perez quoted the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
"Someday all of this will be stories and old photographs," Perez said before concluding with the quote, "In this moment, I swear we are infinite."
Salutatorian Jourdin Karvois centered her remarks on the importance of respect, describing it as a quality that extends far beyond obedience or courtesy.
Karvois explained that respect is demonstrated through everyday actions, whether greeting a neighbor, supporting classmates, or engaging in healthy academic competition. She argued that self-respect is the most important form of respect because it allows individuals to accept themselves and recognize their own worth.
She urged her classmates to carry that respect with them as they begin what she described as a meaningful expedition through life.
Class Speaker Emily Morales addressed the theme of responsibility, noting that while responsible behavior is often expected and rarely praised, it ultimately provides people with the freedom to choose their own paths.
Morales reflected on the unique experiences of the Class of 2026, which entered secondary school during the COVID-19 pandemic. As sixth and seventh graders, students were forced to adapt to online learning, virtual classrooms, and an educational environment unlike any previous generation had experienced.
Despite those challenges, Morales said the class persevered and emerged stronger.
She encouraged her classmates to embrace responsibility while also taking time to enjoy life and build meaningful relationships.
"Take risks, take responsibility, and be a good person," Morales said.
Senior Class President Jasmin Hurtado Olayo offered a more lighthearted look back at the class's journey, sharing memories that drew laughter from graduates and family members.
Concluding her remarks, Hurtado Olayo turned to scripture, quoting Joshua 1:9 and encouraging her classmates to remain strong and courageous as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.
Secondary Principal John Brennan reflected on the unique circumstances that shaped the Class of 2026 and reminded graduates how differently their secondary school years began.
Brennan recalled students attending classes through Google Classroom from their kitchen tables, wearing masks in school hallways, undergoing temperature screenings, and navigating a hybrid four-day schedule during the pandemic.
Rather than viewing those experiences as obstacles, Brennan said they became opportunities for growth.
"The world doesn't reward comfort," Brennan told graduates. "It rewards adaptability."
He praised the class for developing resilience and flexibility at an early age, qualities he said will serve them well in an ever-changing world.
The ceremony also featured several longstanding Shenandoah Valley traditions.
During the Shenandoah Valley Alumni Wall of Fame induction ceremony, three distinguished alumni were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions. This year's inductees included Helene Creasy, a member of the Class of 1984; Ronald P. Kalyan Jr., Class of 1986; and Tom Twardzik, Class of 1979.
Another highlight was the annual Passing of the Mantle ceremony. During the tradition, 2026 Senior Class President Jasmin Hurtado Olayo formally transferred leadership responsibilities to Jayden Mulkusky, president of the Class of 2027.
Accepting the mantle, Mulkusky connected with the graduating class, quoting lyrics from Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" and sharing thoughts from singer Ivan Cornejo about finding beauty and purpose in life.
Following the presentation of graduates by Megan Mehalick and the presentation of diplomas by School Board President Joseph M. Buchanan, graduates officially became members of the Shenandoah Valley alumni family.
The ceremony concluded with farewell remarks from Brennan before graduates, family members, and friends gathered for a fireworks celebration honoring the Class of 2026.
