By By Irina Perry
The graduating Class of 2026 from Reynoldsburg City Schools gathered for an emotional and inspiring commencement ceremony filled with celebration, reflection, and hope for the future. Families, educators, community leaders, and graduates filled the venue with cheers as students officially closed one chapter of life and prepared to begin another.
The evening opened with powerful words of encouragement reminding graduates to continue evolving, growing, and becoming stronger through every stage of life. That message set the tone for a ceremony centered on resilience, discovery, and purpose.
Dr. Tracy Reed delivered a heartfelt address to the graduating seniors, reflecting on the journeys each student took to arrive at this milestone moment.
“As I look out at the sea of caps and gowns, I don’t just see students,” Reed shared.
“I see a collection of stories, late-night study sessions, championship wins, and the quiet resilience it took to get to this moment.”
Dr. Reed reminded students that success should not be measured solely by salaries, titles, or social media popularity, but instead through persistence, character, and growth.
“Success is persistence. It’s getting back up when a project fails or doors close. Success is character. It’s how you treat people when no one is watching.”
She encouraged graduates to boldly pursue their purpose whether their next chapter leads them to college, trade school, military service, or directly into the workforce.
Several student speakers represented the Livingston Campus, Summit Campus, and Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools, each bringing emotional honesty, humor, and inspiration to the ceremony.
Beverly Williams spoke on behalf of the Livingston Campus, reflecting on the lessons students learned both inside and outside the classroom.
Williams emphasized the importance of community, friendship, and perseverance during difficult moments throughout high school.
“The legacy of Reynoldsburg isn’t about what we achieve individually. It’s about how we lean on one another when the load has gotten too heavy for us to carry alone.”
She also shared how her faith and family became her source of strength throughout her high school journey.
Representing the Summit Campus, Riley Albright captivated the audience with an emotional and deeply personal speech about identity, grief, friendship, and resilience.
Albright reflected on how Reynoldsburg High School became more than a school — it became a place where students discovered who they truly were.
“This school takes whatever you are carrying and gives you somewhere to put it. That is greatness. That is opportunity.”
The speech resonated strongly with classmates as Albright acknowledged students who balanced jobs, family responsibilities, personal hardships, and silent struggles while still persevering toward graduation.
Quoting Denzel Washington, Albright encouraged fellow graduates to “fall forward,” reminding students that every setback can become a step toward success.
Speaking on behalf of Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools, Jasevan Shine reflected on how quickly the high school years passed and how growth often comes from stepping into uncomfortable situations.
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Shine encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty and trust the lessons learned throughout their high school experiences.
“For the first time in our lives, that structure is gone,” Shine said. “And that’s uncomfortable. But some of the best moments come from things we didn’t feel ready for.”
School leaders proudly announced that the 537 graduates in the Class of 2026 earned more than $1 million in scholarships. Students also completed internships, capstone projects, and college coursework while attending high school.
Graduates collectively earned an impressive 2,087.5 college credits during their high school careers.
Dr. Kyle Gibson recognized two students who graduated with both their high school diplomas and associate degrees through university partnerships:
- Morgan Clements
- Christopher Schroyer
The ceremony also honored dozens of valedictorians who achieved cumulative GPAs of 4.0 or higher.
The Reynoldsburg High School Class of 2026 represented a vibrant and diverse community of students from many backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. Throughout the ceremony, speakers highlighted the importance of compassion, leadership, mentorship, and community support.
As graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, families erupted in celebration while administrators reminded attendees that every student’s name deserved to be heard and honored.
The evening concluded with applause, tears, laughter, and pride as the Class of 2026 officially became Reynoldsburg alumni.
Though their journeys will now lead them in different directions, one message remained clear throughout the night: No matter where life takes them next, they will always be Raiders together.
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