Shelbyville High School celebrated the graduating Class of 2026 Friday night at William L. Garrett Gymnasium.
A total of 253 diplomas were presented to a group that accumulated $3.8 million in scholarships and grants to continue their educational paths. Seventy-two percent have announced plans to pursue higher education or military service.
Sydney Brown (photo, at podium), senior class president for the Class of 2026, served as Master of Ceremonies for the commencement ceremony.
Savannah Collins, an Air Force commit, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The SHS Concert Band performed the National Anthem.
Shelbyville Principal Amy Dawson reminded the graduates they were her first freshman class following her hiring in 2022.
“We all know there is something special about the Class of 2026,” said Dawson in her remarks. “They will always have a special place in my heart because they were the first class I started with here in Shelbyville. They have truly set the bar high for future classes here. They have exemplified a work ethic and leadership as well as service to the community in many ways.”
Superintendent Dr. Matt Vance stepped to the podium to present members of the graduating class of 1976 in attendance to commemorate their 50-year anniversary.
Salutatorian Aiden Alton, who will major in Biological Sciences at Notre Dame, focused on a history lesson of the settling of the western frontier of this country during his speech. He weaved the exploration west by frontiersman to his graduating classmates as they leave Shelbyville for new adventures.
The Choir Department seniors performed “We Will Be the Change” by Victor Johnson. Seniors Aubree Hercamp and Sophia Wainscott returned later in the ceremony and sang “For Good” from the movie “Wicked.”
Valedictorian Mylez Clark, who will study Biochemistry in the fall at Butler University, presented a rousing speech where he cited entrepreneur Richard Branson and fictional boxer Rocky Balboa to challenge his classmates to attack life with passion and intensity and be the best at what you do.
The ceremony closed with members of the Shelbyville Central Schools board presenting diplomas to the graduating class.
The graduation ceremony is available for viewing on Shelbyville High School’s Facebook page.
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