PORT HURON, MI — Cheers filled McMorran Place on June 2 as 220 members of Port Huron High School’s Class of 2026 crossed the stage during the school’s 158th commencement ceremony.
Family, friends and school staff gathered to celebrate the graduates as they received their diplomas and marked the end of their high school careers.
Principal Michael Palmer praised the class for its achievements in academics, athletics, performing arts and community service.
“Excellence defines what it means to be a Red Hawk,” Palmer said, noting the scholarships, professional certifications and honors earned by members of the Class of 2026.
Palmer reflected on the students’ journey from freshman year to graduation and encouraged them to carry the spirit of Port Huron High School into the future.
“This is your night, your milestone,” Palmer said. “It marks not an ending, but a beautiful new beginning.”
Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas congratulated the graduates on behalf of the district’s nearly 900 employees and encouraged students to embrace the changes ahead.
Referencing the class song, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, Kerhoulas told graduates that commencement represents both an ending and a beginning.
“Graduation is a moment of change and being bold,” Kerhoulas said.
Commencement speaker Dr. Kimberly Wagner, a 2005 Port Huron High School graduate and former valedictorian, encouraged students to focus on character, relationships and purpose as they pursue their goals.
“Success is often about what you achieve,” Wagner said. “Significance is about who you become and how your life affects the people around you.”
The Class of 2026 included three valedictorians — Tyler Beem, Bryn Mullins and Kelsey Rogers — and one salutatorian, Joseph Gilbert.
The ceremony featured the traditional Processional of Lights, musical performances by students and the class song, “Landslide,” performed by Elise Smith and accompanied by Alonso Garcia.
As the ceremony concluded, graduates received their diplomas and joined the ranks of Port Huron High School alumni.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Class of 2026 takes center stage at Port Huron High commencement
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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