06/18/2026
On Thursday, June 18, the Class of 2026 turned their tassels, marking the culmination of their high school careers and the beginning of new journeys beyond Rock Ridge.
Following the staff and student procession, Principal John Duellman opened the ceremony by recognizing the importance of Rock Ridge’s core values: respect, integrity, service, and empathy. After the speech, Director of School Counseling Kevin Terry presented the Latin and military recognitions, and the Rock Ridge combined chorus sang the Rock Ridge Alma Mater and “In My Life.”
Student commencement speaker Samantha Chang reflected on the search for the truth and encouraged fellow graduates to remain curious. “So what if we don’t have the answers right now?” Chang said. “It doesn’t make our story incomplete. It makes it real.”
The ceremony also featured an original poem from Sanvi Challa, titled “Walls of Our School,” which highlighted the impact each graduate made from their freshman year to senior year.
Keynote speaker Kathryn Taylor acknowledged the achievements of students in all forms, including academics, arts, journalism, leadership, and volunteering. Taylor emphasized the importance of community, with a central message of success being about “we” rather than “me.” “We stand here today as Phoenix, with a proven record and testaments of what achieves success,” Taylor said. “It’s about open communication, assisting others along the way, and commitment to a shared goal.”
As the Class of 2026 received their diplomas, they left behind a legacy that will continue to be felt at Rock Ridge as they begin their next chapters.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
✏️ by Lia Davis
📷 by Lia Davis, Kaushal Kalluri, Megan Marr, and Mariia Pecherkina
