Commencement on Thursday evening at South Summit High School was, of course, tailor-made for talking about shooting for the stars. So it was nice that the weather cooperated enough for the 126 graduates — 124 seniors and two juniors — to be outside.
Parents, grandparents, siblings, extended family, high school staff and members of the community witnessed the graduates receiving their diplomas with all the pride the moment inspires.
Career and Technical Education and Student Services Director Stephanie Clegg couldn’t hold back her own tears as she talked about the Class of 2026. Two students had already earned associate degrees from Utah Valley University before turning their tassels on the football field; seven have general education certifications, one is entering the Marine Corps and 88% of seniors plan to attend college.
The Class of 2026 in total earned $3.7 million in scholarships, including $289,000 in local scholarships.
“We have a lot of generous donors from all over the local area,” said Amy Regan, the high school’s scholarship adviser and college access and readiness adviser. “We are very grateful for all the support we receive.”
The moment hit hard for some seniors as they gathered before the ceremonies on the football field.
“It’s a bittersweet moment,” said senior Joey Harris. “I will miss all the memories we had, but it’s nice to move on to bigger things.”
Graduating felt “unreal” for Brilee Edwards.
“I don’t feel we are old enough, but looking around, I guess we are,” Edwards said.
Sue Woolstenhulme, there for grandson Zackery Gortat, said, “I just want him to choose something that will make him happy, and not let anything hold him back.”
Taigon Hardman’s father, Cory, had a similar thought.
“I’m really proud of the choices he has made and the person he has become,” he said, adding that he hopes the entire graduating class will “make big choices, shoot for the stars and reach their dreams.”
Despite a few cold wind bursts, the sun shone as the seniors took their places at 6 p.m. for the big moment.
After a brief welcome from Senior Class Activities Chair Elery Snegirev, Liesel Sorenson sang a haunting a cappella rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
From there, senior Ryan Rowser provided an inspirational thought influenced by former President Barack Obama, stressing unity.
“I could choose to look out into this crowd and see division,” Rowser said, “but I don’t. I see unified people from every culture and background known to man. I see friends, family and people that I might not even know, who deserve kindness and respect. … After we leave here, choose unity.”
The school board selected two members of the class to speak at the event. Unlike many high schools, South Summit does not name a valedictorian.
The first of these speakers was Melany Campos Juàrez, who spoke in English and Spanish and thanked two heroes in her life.
With tears and voice cracking, she asked her “Mami and Papi” to stand.
“It does not elude me for a single second that so many of my blessings have come from their sacrifices,” she said. “They came to this country to give me and my siblings a better life. … They gave up their dreams so I could live mine. I would not be here today without their sacrifice.”
She thanked all the immigrant parents in the audience for all they had given.
Graduating senior Aaron Chandler spoke next.
“If you have walked through a cemetery, you know that each tombstone has two dates, a birth date and a death date, and while those two dates matter, they mean nothing to the dash in between them,” he said. “When you make a difference in someone’s life, or you chase your dreams, you are making the dash on your headstone actually mean something.”
He mentioned the goals and dreams of his classmates and said they all have something in common — they all attended South Summit.
Brighton Hansen and Ethan Leavitt then sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” as they harmonized to a guitar.
Principal Kena Rydlich thanked the Class of 2026, and South Summit School District Superintendent Greg Maughan provided a tribute to the high school’s staff and students.
Principal Kena Rydalch presents the Class of 2026 on the football field at South Summit High School. Credit: Christopher Reeves/For The Park Record 
Principal Kena Rydalch presents the graduating seniors. Credit: Christopher Reeves/For The Park Record 
Superintendent Greg Maughan gives a tribute to students and staff of the 2026 graduating class. Credit: Christopher Reeves/For The Park Record 
Aaron Chandler speaks about skipping a grade when he was younger and his memorable experience of being able to be part of the 2026 graduating class. Credit: Christopher Reeves/For The Park Record 
Bryghton Hansen and Ethan Leavitt perform John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Credit: Christopher Reeves/For The Park Record
Then the school board gave the graduates their diplomas, one at a time. Each turned their tassels to the left and, finally, caps flew and cheers erupted. They all finished with the class singing the school song.
Of course, the ceremony was just the beginning of the evening for most of the graduates, who, after hugs, kisses and photos with family, headed off to celebrate.
“We are going to the senior party at the rec center,” said Hardman. “There we will play games, have fun and say goodbye.”