Hamilton Community Schools proudly celebrated 204 graduates during the Hamilton High School Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as the Class of 2026 officially became Hamilton alumni.
Family members, friends, staff, and community members filled the Hamilton High School gymnasium to honor the graduates and celebrate the accomplishments, memories, and futures of this year’s senior class.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Lusk opened the ceremony by congratulating students and reminding them of the legacy they now join as Hamilton graduates.
“You’re going to go from seniors to alumni,” Dr. Lusk said. “You will join a long line of distinguished Hamilton graduates who’ve done great things in the world. It is now your turn to continue the tradition.”
Dr. Lusk encouraged graduates to stay grounded through life’s challenges and opportunities.
“I cannot guarantee many things to you in life, but one thing is certain — there will be ups and downs,” he added. “If you want to win in life, take time to consider what’s important now. Put things in perspective and act accordingly.”
Valedictorian Makenzie Pelletier challenged classmates to continue learning and embracing curiosity as they enter the next chapter of life.
“As you move forward, I implore you, look at the world with an open mind, think critically, build those neural pathways, and most importantly, stay curious,” Pelletier said.
Salutatorian Yosgart Garcia reflected on the uncertainty of the future while encouraging classmates to approach life with courage and compassion.
“None of us really know what kind of world we’re about to enter,” Garcia shared. “And as such, I think the best we can do is to approach the world’s upcoming unknowns with a wholehearted sense of curiosity.”
He concluded by encouraging his classmates to embrace life fully.
“Go out there, stay tough, take care, love lots, be human,” Garcia said.
The Class of 2026 selected Hamilton High School science teacher Lexi Mack as the staff speaker for commencement. Mack reflected on the importance of authenticity and encouraged graduates to confidently embrace who they are.
Mack spoke to graduates about barriers they may face in the years ahead, especially the pressure to change themselves to fit expectations.
“The first barrier, and maybe the most important, is not being truly yourself,” she said. “It is so tempting to mold yourself into what other people want you to be — into doing things that don’t feel authentically you.”
“The world doesn’t need a carbon copy of the person next to you or the cleaned up AI version of you,” Mack added. “It needs that specific, special, unrepeatable elements that make you you.”
She encouraged graduates to step confidently into opportunities and not remain on the sidelines of life.
“Join the club. Apply for the job. Say the thing you’ve been rehearsing in your head,” Mack said. “Remember to lean into your unique elements, the particular specific pieces of who you are. Bring those to every room you walk into.”
Mack concluded her speech with a message of encouragement for the graduating class.
“Collide with the world. Adjust when things go sideways and notice the small things that make it all worthwhile,” she said. “Congratulations, Class of 2026. I wish you all the love and luck in the world, and I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish.”
View 66 photos from graduation on our Facebook page here! Parents/guardians of graduates will receive an email in the coming weeks with individual photos.
