Stormy weather and lightning delayed Barron Collier High School’s graduation ceremony in the school’s stadium, Thursday, May 21. But students and families stayed upbeat and ready to celebrate the Class of 2026.
The 396 seniors at the high school were among 3,000-plus Collier County School District students graduating this year.
Principal Sean Kinsley told the commencement crowd that a student had said rain on graduation day is considered a sign of good luck. After weathering the storm, seniors crossed the stage, earning cheers from classmates, family and friends.
The school was founded in 1978.
The high school is named in honor of Barron Collier, the savvy businessman who purchased more than a million acres in Florida in the early 1900s.
The school’s mascot is the Cougars, and the school colors are gray and blue.
Barron Collier High School is on Cougar Drive off Osceola Trail in Naples.
See dozens of photos from the Cougars’ ceremony and celebration on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
More Southwest Florida graduation photos
Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Barron Collier High School Class of 2026 graduates know gray skies clear
Reporting by Mickenzie Hannon, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
