Carlynton Class of 2026 caps off high school journey with heartfelt ceremony

As the Carlynton High School Class of 2026 walked onto Honus Wagner Field Friday, June 5, for its commencement ceremony, students’ caps glittered with colorful messages and glued-on rhinestones.

For the first time in the school’s history, seniors were allowed to decorate their graduation caps. In his opening remarks, class President Isaiah Wall said the caps “might not seem like such a big thing to others, but being able to express yourself and your future on this night is something we’ve all dreamed about like never before.”

A total of 109 Carlyton students turned the tassel at and graduated with their high school diplomas Friday. This was the first time the class had a graduation ceremony, as its sixth-grade commencement was canceled due to COVID-19. In his speech, Wall highlighted that more than 50% of graduates are headed to university, more than 40% are entering the workforce, trade school or a union and one student is enlisting in active-duty military service.

After Wall’s remarks, district Superintendent John Kreider took the stage and urged students to “create boldly, lead responsibly and innovate with purpose.” He was followed by school board President Jim Schriver, who used Penn Hills High School graduate and former professional football player Aaron Donald’s story to motivate students to “find what makes you passionate” and “start the work.”

Speeches from valedictorian Aida Varghese and salutatorian Vivian Alabi followed, with both discussing their experiences immigrating to the United States and finding community in the Carlynton district.

“Leaving behind what was familiar and starting a new life in a different country required tremendous courage and faith,” Alabi said, thanking her family during her speech. “This achievement may have my name attached to it, but belongs to our family, to the people who believed in me, supported me, prayed for me and stood beside me every step of the way.”

The commencement ceremony concluded as each student walked across the stage, receiving their diploma from Principal Marsha Burleson. Newly minted graduates changed their tassels and threw their caps into the air, marking their official departure from the school into the next stage of their lives.

“We can finally say we crossed the finish line,” class Vice President Solomon Henderson said in his closing remarks. “Today marks the end of one race, but it is also the starting line for whatever comes next. No matter where life takes us, I hope we carry the lessons, friendships and memories we have built together for the rest of our lives.”