RHS celebrated the 340 graduates in the Class of 2026 during commencement on Thursday, June 11. The ceremony began on Bauer Field at 2 p.m., after concerns about possible inclement weather prompted an earlier start.

Despite the schedule change, the atmosphere remained festive and emotional as family members, friends and faculty gathered to honor the graduates. 

The ceremony opened with performances by the RHS bands and choir, including the national anthem, the alma mater and Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” 

Principal Jessica Baxter welcomed attendees and graduates during her opening remarks before taking a moment to honor Matthew Augustine, a former member of the Class of 2026 who had passed away.

Baxter reflected on Augustine’s lasting place within the RHS community, noting that his memory lives on through the “friendships he formed, the impact he made and the special place he holds in the hearts of his classmates and teachers.” 

Baxter also encouraged students to follow their dreams and embrace new opportunities as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

“Do what you love, try new things, follow your passions and don’t be afraid to start over,” Baxter said.  

Student Council representative Olivia Nakasato then took the podium, urging graduates to embrace opportunities and appreciate the present rather than waiting for the perfect moment.  

“Water your own grass, love people loudly, take the chance and show up,” Nakasato said.  

Class salutatorian Keili Semler prompted graduates to embrace spontaneity and pursue what brings them happiness. She concluded by encouraging the Class of 2026 to “work hard, but don’t forget to have fun” and to live their lives with “no regrets.” 

Valedictorian Megan Yoga followed, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present rather than rushing toward the future. She reminded her classmates that life’s meaning comes from the relationships, memories and experiences they create along the way.  

“Let’s stop rushing through the present and saying, ‘I can’t wait for what comes tomorrow’ because guess what, today is the day we graduate,” Yoga said. 

Teacher of the Year Daniela Greenwood took the podium next, reminding graduates that their kindness, leadership and accomplishments had created lasting “ripples” throughout the RHS community. She concluded with the Sicilian phrase “occhio vivo,” which translates to “live eyes.” 

“Occhio vivo. May your eyes be alive for new adventures and journeys that fill you with excitement for all that is ahead of you,” Greenwood said. 

The Class of 2026 was then officially certified by Superintendent Jennifer Fano, who recognized the students’ achievements. Fano reflected on a message shared by recent guest speaker Keith Hawkins, who said “don’t settle for good; be better than good.”  

She urged graduates to hold onto the message and remember what matters most: “family, friends, opportunity, support and the chance to lead in ways that others can see and feel.” 

Graduates then crossed the stage to receive their diplomas from members of the Randolph Board of Education as families and friends cheered from the stands.  

Senior Class President Asher Adeghe concluded the ceremony by recalling a saying from former RMS Principal Dr. Dennis Copeland. “Our middle school principal, Dr. Copeland, used to always say that our time here was like a flight,” Adeghe said. “After four years, Class of 2026, we have landed.”  

Adeghe then asked the Class of 2026 to move their tassels from right to left. “Congratulations, Class of 2026, we did it!” he said to a chorus of cheers.