Gettysburg Area High School celebrated the graduation of its 140th graduating class Wednesday evening at Warrior Stadium, where students, families, faculty, and community members gathered to honor the Class of 2026 and reflect on a journey shaped by resilience, change, and perseverance.
Student speakers repeatedly returned to the challenges their class faced after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their middle school years.
Class co-president William Morris reminded graduates that their class entered high school after missing important experiences in middle school but adapted and succeeded nonetheless.
“Don’t let one missed steppingstone convince you that you can’t reach where you’re meant to go,” Morris said. “Hold on to your dreams, even when the path isn’t straight.”
Class co-president Mei’lani Johnson reflected on how quickly the years had passed and thanked family members, friends, teachers, and classmates who supported her through personal challenges.
“Take a moment to be proud of yourselves because you’ve worked your way here and you’ve earned the right to claim yourself as an individual of Gettysburg High School’s Class of 2026,” Johnson said.
Student-selected speaker Nicolas Oshunrinade focused on embracing change, describing how world events, personal struggles, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence shaped the graduating class.
Oshunrinade encouraged classmates to welcome uncertainty rather than fear it.
“Change is inevitable, and we need to welcome it instead of fearing it,” Oshunrinade said. “No matter where life takes you next, whether you enter the workforce, serve in the military, or attend college, I encourage all of you to become agents of change.”
Oshunrinade also paused to remember a classmate who died before reaching graduation day.
“Zach, we will never forget you,” he said.
Valedictorian Kiran Platt offered a lighter reflection on the memories that define high school, recalling unusual classroom moments, friendships, and experiences that stood out more than daily lessons.
“Life can be very unpredictable and often what you’re left remembering is the random stuff,” Platt said. “Don’t forget to keep making memories, goof off a little, take risks, live your life, and spend time with the people you care about.”
Principal Jeremy Lusk continued a tradition of recognizing military veterans and Gettysburg alumni in attendance before challenging graduates to carry forward the values of the “Warrior Way” — being present, involved, committed, and kind.
Lusk acknowledged the class’s successes while also recognizing the empty chair on the field, a reminder of the classmate they lost.
“Whether it’s sunny or not, it’s up to us,” Lusk said. “No matter the kind of day you wake up to, I challenge you to do this — go about it like a warrior.”
Following a long tradition, Lusk concluded with a poem he had written for the students. “Go Warriors,” urged students to pursue their goals with courage, purpose, and integrity before offering one final rallying cry.
“Go Warriors,” he told the class.
GASD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Matzner praised the graduates for demonstrating perseverance, resilience, and adaptability, qualities he said would serve them well in the future.
“You are ready,” Matzner said. “Not because you have all the answers, but because you have learned how to ask the right questions, navigate challenges, adapt to change, and continue to move forward.”
Following the presentation of diplomas, the Gettysburg Area Board of School Directors formally conferred diplomas upon the Class of 2026. Graduates moved their tassels from right to left as they officially became alumni of Gettysburg Area High School.
The evening concluded with family members, friends, faculty, and staff standing together to give the new graduates one final salute.
“Go Warriors,” the crowd shouted in unison as the Class of 2026 celebrated the completion of its high school journey.
Featured image caption: The Gettysburg Area High School Class of 2026 graduated at Warrior Stadium Wednesday night. (Photo Courtesy of GASD)