2026 Graduation Closes Out School Year
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBy Natalie Endorf
Tassels were turned and caps filled the air as 67 seniors officially became graduates during the Pierce High School commencement ceremony held May 9 in the high school gym.
During the ceremony, class president Cameron Kuehler welcomed family, friends, and classmates before salutatorian Colter Anderson and valedictorian Emily Endorf delivered speeches reflecting on the memories they made and sharing some advice that they’ve learned from their years at Pierce High.
“I am going to miss my friends and the memories that I was able to make with them the most. Graduating feels surreal, and I am sad to leave Pierce behind, but excited for the new opportunities and the road that lays ahead. I will never forget the impact that my teachers, coaches, and classmates have had on my life,” Endorf said.
The Pierce High Choir, under the direction of Amy Barnhill, performed “I Sing to Remember.”
Mark Brahmer, principal at Pierce High School, then presented academic letters and recognized the honor graduates. He also honored the two Scholar Athletes, Christian Nordby and Abigail Cone.
A video was played that had all the senior’s baby photos and their senior photos. The songs chosen were “Remember When” by Alan Jackson and “Vienna” by Billy Joel.
“Between fine arts, academics and athletics, they really excelled in all three areas. I like them, they were good kids. I think most of our instructors, if not all of our instructors, would agree, and they provided positive leadership for our younger students. I think for the most part, as you look at the entire body of work for them, they've also represented our community in a positive light, too,” Brahmer said. “I hope they remember it fondly, as they look back on it down the road, they'll look back on it with fond memories, and hopefully a lot of those kids will go out, get an education and then eventually come back and raise families.”
Danielle Goetsch, guidance counselor at Pierce High School, announced each senior along with the scholarships and awards they received. Following the announcements, Kendall Steffensen, superintendent, presented the diplomas.
The graduates officially received their diplomas from board of education president, Dan Unseld before walking out to the recessional performed by the Pierce High Band.
As the ceremony came to a close, the Class of 2026 left the gymnasium one final time as Pierce High students, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives.
