PORT HURON, MI — Members of Port Huron Northern High School’s Class of 2026 crossed the stage at McMorran Place on June 3 as 250 graduates celebrated the school’s 61st commencement ceremony.
Family members, friends, faculty and alumni gathered to recognize the graduates and mark the completion of their high school careers.
Principal Alycia Shagena welcomed attendees to Port Huron Northern’s 61st commencement ceremony and recognized the school’s alumni before introducing Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas.
Kerhoulas congratulated the graduates on behalf of the district’s nearly 900 employees and reflected on the traditions that have shaped generations of Northern students.
Referencing the class song, “Vienna” by Billy Joel, he encouraged graduates to slow down and appreciate the moment before moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
“Graduation seems like a fast transition,” Kerhoulas said. “It feels like a quick ending, but it’s also a slow beginning of new dreams, new paths, new versions of yourselves.”
Commencement speaker Darcy McLane, a 1986 Port Huron Northern graduate, reflected on how a mission trip to the Philippines reshaped her life and inspired her humanitarian work.
McLane encouraged graduates to look beyond personal achievement and focus on serving others.
“The deepest purpose in life is almost never found when you’re only looking out for yourself,” McLane said.
Drawing from her experiences founding Hope Endeavors and helping establish Hope Village in Malawi, McLane told graduates that fulfillment comes from making a difference in the lives of others.
“How can I help? Is one of the most powerful purpose finders you’ll ever ask yourself,” McLane said.
The Class of 2026 included valedictorians Carley Barlass and Quenton Pasia, along with salutatorians Alexander Jamison, Brooklyn Umbreit and Kate VanHowe.
Before graduates crossed the stage, school officials led a moment of silence in memory of classmate Kayleb Smerer.
Following the tribute, members of the senior class performed “Vienna” by Billy Joel before diplomas were presented to the 250 graduates of the Class of 2026.
As the ceremony concluded, graduates received their diplomas and joined the ranks of Port Huron Northern High School alumni.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron Northern graduates 250 in 61st commencement
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
