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The Lynnwood High School Class of 2026 celebrated its commencement ceremony on a sunny Saturday morning at the Edmonds School District Stadium, celebrating 332 graduates before they embarked on their next chapters.
Edmonds School District Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Miner opened the ceremony by reflecting on the perseverance and potential of the graduating class.
“I have been to dozens of graduations throughout my career. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a prettier day and a more beautiful start to the morning,” Miner said. “And I can’t help but think that it just reflects the bright futures you have in front of you.”
Class President Meron Merid welcomed her peers, acknowledging the challenges the class faced and the resilience required to reach graduation, from the COVID-19 pandemic to students’ daily personal struggles.
“Joining a new school is hard enough, but this class made it all the more worthwhile,” Merid said. “As it comes to a close, I wish you all the utmost success, happiness and freedom. We made it.”
The ceremony featured speeches from four of the school’s five valedictorians, each offering a unique piece of advice to their classmates.
Valedictorian Jaikin Choy encouraged the class to embrace the future and leave past fears behind.
“In life, we almost never know when something will end,” he said. “However, we know when this chapter ends. This means that after graduation you can decide to be a different person, you can let go of the fears you’ve been carrying. You can pretend to stop being someone you’re not… So ask yourself… What deserves to come with you in this new chapter? What are you going to leave behind? Because the clock only goes one way– and that’s forward.”
Fellow Valedictorian Andrew Doan reflected on personal growth the students experienced over the past four years.
“High school wasn’t about having all the answers,” he said.” It was about learning, not just in classrooms, but about ourselves. So, class of 2026, let’s move forward with confidence, curiosity, and maybe just enough optimism to believe we can survive adulthood.”
Valedictorian Jenevieve Johnston acknowledged the difficult state of the world but challenged her peers to make a positive impact. Nearly the entire class stood when she called on students to stand if they participated in a protest or advocated for a cause they’re passionate about during their high school years.
“We are entering the world at a time when our impact matters most,” Johnston said. “If the world seems hopeless, be the hope that it desperately needs.”
Valedictorian Jacob Seuferling focused on the importance of staying true to oneself.
“I believe that the most valuable lesson we can take away from the past four years is to stop trying to be who others expect us to be and to simply be ourselves,” he said. “As cliche as it may sound, being authentic is what allowed us to grow in confidence.”
Vivian Phan, the faculty-selected student speaker, compared the high school experience to the blooming of cherry blossoms — the trees are always there, but we only stand to admire them when they bloom once a year. She reminded her classmates to appreciate the journey and growth that comes from making mistakes.
“So, class of 2026, this isn’t the end of the race,” Phan said. “It’s not the finish line– it’s the middle, the part where everything we learned finally starts to matter. Keep going, keep growing and don’t forget to look around along the way.”
The senior class selected Principal Jesse Goodsky to deliver the faculty address. He praised the students for their spirit, kindness and commitment to their community.
“Over the last four years, this class has refused to see limits, he said. “When some groups would see difficulties, as a reason to quit or give up. You saw opportunities to push the boundaries. Wherever life takes you, never forget that the world needs exactly what you brought to Lynnwood. Your energy, your kindness, your courage, and your willingness to show up for others.”
View the full graduation program here.
GALLERY
— Contact Ashley at [email protected].
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