Members of the Upper Adams High School Class of 2026 were celebrated May 27 during commencement exercises that blended reflection, gratitude, humor, and advice for the future.
The ceremony honored 122 graduates as they completed their high school careers and prepared to pursue college, careers, military service, and other opportunities. School officials noted that 53 percent of the class plans to attend two- or four-year colleges, 35 percent will enter the workforce, and three graduates have enlisted in the military.
The evening began with a processional featuring the Biglerville High School Band, directed by Rei Philippi, followed by the National Anthem performed by the BHS Select Chorus.
Senior Class Vice President Calvin Cramer welcomed graduates, families, and guests.
Salutatorian Sydney McCleaf compared graduation to stepping out of a familiar softball pitching circle and into a much larger world. “The game is changing. The field is becoming bigger, and the expectations placed before us will be higher,” she said, encouraging classmates to trust themselves, embrace challenges, and find their own roles in life.
The high school band performed selections from Clare Grundman’s “Hebrides Suite” before Valedictorian Percy Keeran delivered an address inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
Keeran encouraged graduates to seek authenticity, independence, and self-reflection as they begin the next chapter of their lives. “The ability to look inward is not an inherited skill, but one that is learned,” Keeran said. “It takes time. It takes solitude.”
Keeran urged classmates to define success for themselves rather than relying on the approval of others. True fulfillment is internal,” he said. “It is living deliberately.”
Senior Ethan Shank presented the Class of 2026 gift, a new track and field record board for the stadium designed to recognize future generations of student-athletes. The gift was accepted on behalf of the district by Neil Weigle.
Graduates also wore golden stoles, part of a Biglerville tradition that allows students to honor individuals who played important roles in their educational journeys. Following the ceremony, graduates were encouraged to present their stoles to those supporters.
Biglerville High School Principal Beth Graham formally presented the Class of 2026, and Superintendent Dr. Todd Dishong accepted the class on behalf of the district before awarding diplomas.
In the evening’s final address, Dishong challenged graduates to think about how they would spend the approximately 3,060 weeks he estimated remain in their lives after age 18.
Rather than merely making impressions, Dishong urged students to make lasting impacts through family, faith, friends, perseverance, flexibility, forgiveness, and service to others.
“Don’t just leave an impression, but make an impact in your life and on those around you,” he said.
Mixing serious advice with humor, Dishong encouraged graduates to stay connected to their roots, embrace challenges, maintain resilience, and remember their Upper Adams heritage.
“Take the lessons and the values that you have learned from your family and Cannon Nation that have got you this far and take it into the future,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater, closing remarks from Senior Class President Andrew Kohler, and a recessional featuring Jeremiah Clarke’s “Prince of Denmark March.”
As the Class of 2026 departed the stage and celebrated with family and friends, school officials formally marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the district’s newest graduates.