Salem Community High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering lauded the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 to the theme of the song “I Can Only Imagine” during opening remarks of Sunday’s graduation ceremonies. A total of 167 graduated. Detering noted 50 graduates were Summa Cum Laude, a record 30 were state scholars, and all CNA students passed their boards.
In his speech Detering said, “I say to you, the class of 2026, proclaiming boldly to your faith, armed with the values instilled by the parents and the knowledge that you’ve already obtained here at SCHS: Know that you are ready. What will the Class of 2026 accomplish in the future, considering the lengthy and not even complete list of honors I just outlined? I can only imagine.”
Finley Puricelli delivered the reflections message, noting how time has flown by.
“Our high school era has ended. The future beckons,” Puricelli said. “We take our morals with us into this next phase. We bring our mistakes and lessons learned into this unknown. We usher in new opportunities to take us to places blessedly unexpected. The future is in our hands.
Carter Lowe provided the aspirations message noting the future is uncertain and unpredictable.
“To live without regrets is to embrace the opportunities that arise. It’s about taking that leap of faith without knowing where we will land. It’s about taking chances, learning from our mistakes, and letting courage, not fear, dictate our path. It’s about making the most of every day and every moment. The important thing is that we should not wait for the perfect moment, because it will never come. You have to create the moment.”
Detering had a moment of silence as the program began for former Agriculture Teacher Matt Pokojski who passed away earlier this year and Class of 2025 graduate Alex Tate who died in an accident last week. He also honored the high school’s two retiring teachers, Jody Childress has been a teacher for 35 years, 32 at SCHS. Amy Telford is retiring after 31 years of teaching, the last ten at SCHS.
Finley Puricelli speaks for the Class of 2026. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
SCHS Choir performs at graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
