Though unpredictable skies drove the Commencement Ceremony into the Flip Saunders gymnasium on Sunday, May 24, the spirits of the 65 members of the Cuyahoga Heights High School Class of 2026 was predictably high. Principal Scott DeTray welcomed everyone and thanked them for their efforts to help the graduates throughout the years. He introduced Class President Anastasia (Ana) Ratkosky who addressed the class.
“These past four years have taught us all to love or to at least know what love is,” said Ratkosky, in describing some of the moments in life that demonstrate love. “As we move on from this part of our lives, it's important to acknowledge the people, things, and moments that have made us learn to love,” She encouraged them to “Recognize both the hardships and love that have made you who you are today” and “say ‘I love you’ more often.”
Superintendent Matt Young shared a final lesson to the class. “Every experience you’ve ever had – every challenge, every setback, every triumph – was preparing you for what comes next. That’s how preparation works, and it will be needed. But you are ready for it. You have everything you need inside you for this next phase of your life,” he told the class. “Believe that you can because you already have. Let your confidence come from knowing that every day you are better prepared for what lies ahead than you were the day before. Let courage be the thing that moves your feet forward.” He reminded the students to lean on their faith, families, and friends as they journey through life.
Young introduced Salutatorian Tristan Li and Valedictorian Christian Kummerlen. “Today is a celebration of everyone's hard work and growth throughout high school,” Li said. “These past few years have prepared us for this. I’m confident that everyone has a bright future ahead of them. I believe it is a sense of character in knowing who we truly are and want to be like that will guide us the most meaningfully in life.”
Kummerlen talked about the importance of achieving happiness in life. “Happiness is found in the steps you carve to make a place for yourself in this world,” he told his classmates. “Take control of your happiness. Everyone here in this room has the capability to become something great as long as they don’t give up. Invest in yourself constantly and stay strong to the ideals that you hold closest to your heart.”
Led by Choir Director Noah Hamrick, senior choir members sang together for the last time, performing their rendition of “Homeward Bound” by Simon and Garfunkel. Senior Mariama (Mari) Hopkins led the class in the traditional presentation of a rose to parents and guardians as a thank you for the unconditional love and support through their school years.
Board members and administrators presented diplomas while Senior Class Advisors Halle McPherson and Shelby Castle read the Class Roll. Class Treasurer Daniel Cichocki directed the graduates to swing the tassels on their mortarboards from right to left signifying their graduation. This was followed by the Alma Mater.
Principal DeTray dismissed the class for the last time. Then, directed by Grace Brown, the Middle/High School Orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates filed out of the gymnasium prepared for the future that awaits them.
