Lebanon High School graduated 272 students during the Class of 2026 commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, June 2.
The 12 valedictorians who spoke at the graduation ceremony focused on themes of being true to oneself, the power of those who inspire and the value of discipline, fun and rest.
While discipline is an important factor in reaching a goal, so is rest, said valedictorian Bodhi Brown. With those two elements, “you can do more than you ever knew you were capable of.”
And like high school, life is what you make it, he said.
“School is required to teach us effort and discipline, and let us learn from our own mistakes and build us into our future selves,” Brown said.
Valedictorian Chase Herb also told the class they are more capable than they realize.
“I don’t mean that in a motivational poster way. I mean it in the real way, the way you find out when life actually asks something hard of you and somehow you still deliver,” he said.
Herb encouraged the class to build something that matters, but to also help others do the same, because those who build businesses, communities and lives have figured out that “building one’s self up and lifting others are not two different goals; they’re the same honorable goal.”
It was valedictorian Tessa Thompson who gave a nod to several music and performing arts teachers who, she said, dedicated themselves to supporting students and programs with enthusiasm that made a difference in her own life.
“Never underestimate the power of community and the power of art,” she said.
Speaking together, valedictorians Ruby VandenBos and David Brandt, gave thanks to Jesus and God’s faithfulness.
Being surrounded by people who care, and being guided, carried and strengthened, the class has made it to this moment, Brandt said.
VandenBos encouraged the class that while the world tells them to chase success, recognition and status, “we learned something much greater: who we are matters more than what we achieve.”
As such, she said, “invest in your character.”
But still, according to valedictorian Dallen Myler, success can be achieved by knowing what you want and dedicating yourself to it. Have fun, he said, but also practice self-restraint, stick to what you know and don’t betray your values.
Valedictorian Alyx Mills noted that now is not the time to make hard and fast decisions, but rather to make mistakes, because that’s how one will learn what they want to do in life.
The time has come to move on and, essentially, be an adult, valedictorian Ellora Wright expressed. While there will be hard times, “it will also be exciting and fun and liberating.”
And while the graduating class may feel pressured to “have it all figured out,” valedictorians Carson Quigley and Cade Weber told them they will come to find that we’ll never have it all figured out.
Their message to the Class of 2026 was to stay true to who they want to be, and keep moving forward.
“It is important to trust in yourself and who you are, because life will keep moving,” Quigley said. “You just need to keep going forward along with it.”
“We all have the same opportunity to keep becoming more of ourselves,” Weber said.
Valedictorians Jayden Hare and Anne Workman acknowledged Thomas Radley, a Class of 2026 student who died in 2022 from cancer.
Despite a long battle with cancer, they said, he was uplifting and full of optimism, being an example of kindness and strength – characteristics they believe all should strive to embody.
“Nothing about time is guaranteed, which is exactly why we can’t afford to wait,” Workman said. “Don’t let moments pass you by without appreciating their value.”
They encouraged the class to let Radley’s legacy live on through their lives, to allow joy and to only try to control the things they can control, such as mindset and response to life’s difficulties that come along.
In congratulating the Class of 2026, Principal Craig Swanson noted they came in as nervous freshman but are leaving as leaders, creators and champions who survived early mornings, a series of finals and “endless changes” “with unique grit and heart that defines Lebanon.”
Success isn’t just about the destination, but about the resilience it takes to get there, he said. For all the plans each graduate has hereafter, he reminded them to never forget where they came from.
“Carry the pride of this community with you,” Swanson said. “Be bold, stay curious and keep supporting one another just like we did here.”
Highlights of the class’ accomplishments during their time at LHS included successes in theater production, band competitions, choir, JROTC, FFA, Health Occupations, subdivision construction projects, placements in scholarship programs, biliteracy, basketball, football, dance, wrestling, cheer, and track and field.
During his time as principal at LHS, Swanson noted this year’s graduates include the highest number of whom plan to join the military as their post-secondary plan. He also recognized three staff members who are retiring this year: Darlene Callahan, Helen Fischer and Coach Mardy Benedict.
“I could not be prouder to be your principal, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with you and your families,” he said.
Supt. Jennifer Meckley also congratulated the Class of 2026, noting that as a graduate of LHS herself, she has since watched decades of following generations at LHS “rise up, chase their dreams and make a difference in the world.”
“Now it is your turn,” she said. “Lebanon Warriors are known not only for achievement, but for character. We lead with compassion. We work with integrity. We persevere through adversity. We care deeply about our community and the people around us. We meet challenges with grit, determination and heart. That is what it means to be a Warrior.”
