High School Memories of the Class of 2026

Valedictorian
Yesterday, 06:00 PM

High School Memories

of the Class of 2026

Parting Thoughts

Seniors ranking in the top six scholastic positions at Osmond High School traditionally share memories of their school days, express hopes for the future and thank those who were a part of their life journey thus far. The 2026 senior speakers left graduation guests with these messages: –––––

Piper Hoffman

Welcome, family and friends, to this special day! I am honored to address you as this year’s valedictorian. Everyone is often told that they’re unique, which is kind of funny, considering that I’ve been told my whole life that I look like my mom — or get confused with my sister.

But as I stand before you today, reflecting on the final "lasts" of this year, I’ve realized that uniqueness is a characteristic we all share; it’s not about how we look or act, but rather about the lives we are living and the people we are becoming.

Today is an emotional day, not because I loved every second of high school, but because high school has been my class’s and my whole world up to this very graduation day. And I know I’m not the only one caught somewhere between holding on and letting go. Class of 2026…where do I even begin?

If we could flash back to elementary school and see the little versions of ourselves, what would we say and what advice would we give? Maybe we would start spilling life advice or reassure them that everything turns out just fine. Maybe we would talk about the silliness of how we grew up - a childhood filled with memories of slime, flip flops, fidget spinners, pigtails, and, yes, even the dab, which Kaleigh tried bringing back.

I can’t share many silly elementary stories from my class because I didn’t start at this school. Up until I transferred from St. Mary’s in town to the public school during my first year of junior high, I was in a class of two, just Abi and me.

That first day of junior high at a new school with a new schedule was one of the scariest adjustments I faced at the time. I remember just crying at school because I felt so lost, but day by day, it got easier. After all, we all started out as cringey junior high kids with no real worries. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: "Don't be afraid of change, because I’d say future me is doing pretty well."

High school has shaped us in so many contrasting and similar ways. Because of that, I am forever appreciative of what high school has done for me. Throughout the past few years, I have lost friends, gained new ones, and reconnected with old ones.

It’s true when they say that high school teaches you who your real friends are. I remember on my first day of freshman year, I met the new girl, Riley, in my class. Instantly, I knew she was going to be my best friend. Obviously, it must have been a mutual feeling, because we’ve been inseparable every day since. She is one of many people who have made these years unforgettable. I couldn’t imagine my life without her, and not only her, but with the people who have been there every step of the way.

I am extremely grateful to have parents who ask me daily how my day was, and they always, always listen. My family wouldn’t be complete without my siblings, who have brought equal parts chaos and joy, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

To the many coaches and teachers I had during high school, I appreciate the life skills you have taught me, such as how to face challenges with an open mind, how to build teamwork, and how to be the best version of myself.

My underclassmen friends, you have truly blessed my life with love and laughter. It fills me with sadness to know that I got so close to you only to have no choice but to leave you behind, but I know you are going to accomplish incredible things.

My support system of people is what I owe all my success to. As many of you know, that support system carried me through a difficult time last year, when my Grandma Cindy passed away. While she is missing this special day, I hope she is proud to see that I have made it this far.

I feel confident that this Class of 2026 has left an exceptional legacy. What other class can brag that they brought home Osmond's first NSAA state champion title? In a few months, we’ll all be in different places — different schools, different cities, different routines. But everything we’ve learned here is coming with us. The world we’re stepping into doesn’t need perfect people — it needs real ones. And I believe this class is ready for that.

We now realize that there will be no more activities, school events, begging Mr. Krause for candy, or sneaking energy drinks into school.

Instead of a "See you tomorrow or next school year," it will be, "I hope to see you again." It's finally hitting me and I'm sure my fellow graduates that in the future, we might look back on this moment with sadness. This chapter of our lives will be a story we retell and not relive. So goodbye senior year, goodbye to our lunch table with our designated spots, goodbye to the endless rants, goodbye to seeing the same people every day, and goodbye to the high school version of me and you.

If you take anything away from this speech, let it be this: show up, get involved, be the kind of person others look up to — because I promise you, you will never regret giving your whole heart to something. Don't be afraid to take up space in the world and soak up each moment.

To everyone who has known me and my fellow graduates, don’t be a stranger when we leave for college; stay in touch, reach out — because if you miss us, chances are we miss you too. As we move forward, let’s not forget that what makes us unique is the story we are about to write next. Thank you.

Jade Halsey

Salutatorian

Good afternoon faculty, families, guests, and the Class of 2026. My name is Jade Halsey, and it is an honor to stand here today as your salutatorian. When I was told I was going to be giving a salutatorian speech, like any other normal 18-year-old, I ignored it until the very last minute. That was when my Google search bar was filled with questions on how to write a salutatorian speech, what all to include, and even how to spell salutatorian.

But here we are. We made it. The day we thought would never come and somehow came way faster than we expected.

Before anything else, I want to thank those that have lifted me, challenged me, and helped me grow.

Dad, you have been my rock and my hero for as long as I can remember. We have had our fair share of arguments, but even in the middle of them, I have never once doubted that you were on my side. You taught me resilience, strength, and how to work hard. We have put in enough hours together to build a lifetime of memories, lessons, and inside jokes that I will carry forever. You have sparked so many things in me, like my LEGO obsession, but more importantly, you have pushed me to try everything, be my best self, and never let one small thing ruin my whole day.

Tam, even though you have not been with me my entire life, I could not have pictured anyone better entering it. You stepped into my life with kindness, patience, and grace. You have fought battles with me that not everyone should go through. You will always be a second mother to me in every way that matters. I am forever grateful for the never-ending support and love.

Mom, our story has not always been simple. But, I will forever cherish the moments we laughed together, the times we sat and talked about everything and nothing, and the gossip we shared. I will always share your excitement for the fun trips we make, the coffee we get, and the times we share in the kitchen. The little moments that end up meaning the most.

And above all, I want to thank God. Every step of this journey has been guided by His grace. I would not be standing here today without His strength, His timing, and His love.

But, my biggest inspiration comes from my best friend, the most amazing individual who is sitting behind me. A simple ride after volleyball practice changed my life more than I ever could have expected. That moment was the start of a friendship that has carried me, challenged me, and blessed me in ways I will always struggle to put into words.

Ava, you are one of the most resilient, hard-working, and genuine people I have ever met. You have taught me thousands of lessons, some harder than others. You are the kind of person who makes me want to be better simply by being yourself. We have seen the worst in each other, but also the best. From our late night Taco Bell runs to simply doing chores side by side, I would not have changed a single thing. I am so grateful that God has blessed me with the most honest, trustworthy, and strong friendship. I hope everyone can experience having their own Ava in this lifetime. I will always be there for you even if I do not always pick up the phone. I know we always joke about growing old together. But, I always wish this would come true. I always picture us walking down the aisles of Walmart, reminiscing on old stories, and laughing at the same dumb jokes. But, no matter where life takes us, I will always be cheering you on no matter what.

For the Class of 2026, this year, I read a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie." There is this line that has stuck with me and it reads, "So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they are busy doing things they think are important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." We are about to step into a world that will measure us by how busy we are or how perfect we look. But this line reminds us that meaning does not come from any of that. It comes from loving people, being part of a community, and building something that actually matters to you.

So as we leave this place, I hope we do not get caught up in chasing the wrong things. I hope we choose purpose over pressure, people over perfection, and life that feels full. If we can do this, we will be ready for whatever comes next.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Jack Berg

Third-Ranking

Good afternoon everyone, and thank you all for taking the time to come and witness the most monumental moment of our high school careers. I, and the rest of my class, have been looking forward to this day since the beginning of the school year, and now that it's finally here, I can really only say: wow, it's finally here.

Yesterday, I found a photo of our class in elementary school holding up a sign that said "Class of 2026," and I was able to remember exactly what that younger version of me thought: "Awwwww, this is gonna take forever." Well, little me, it definitely wasn't "forever", even though it felt like it at times over these last four years of school. As I look back over these few years, I think I realize what people have meant when they say "you'll miss these days when you're older;" granted, I’m not that much older, but the sentiment still stands.

We’ll never be able to discuss shared professors who we, as high school students, have deemed unfit to teach their classes (none of ours from here, of course, we would never), and we’ll never sit out in the open courtyard by the trophy case for lunch again, and I’ll never get to jump three feet in the air and scream like a little girl as I scramble back inside because I saw a wasp. . .

I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons since I began kindergarten all those years ago, and I’m grateful for everyone who had a part in teaching me those lessons, whether it be our teachers, my parents, or my classmates themselves.

I was able to discover what kind of person I want to be, and what kind of life I want to live thanks to all the shared jokes, unhappy moments, and comforting times we’ve had together. They showed me that I want to be the kind of person that supports others, whether that be by sitting by your side silently, or making you laugh just for the heck of it.

And that’s the piece of advice I’d like to leave behind with you all today: be kind to one another. You never know what kind of day someone might be having, and you will NEVER know the way you can change it for the better by just being kind. Dish out a compliment, ask them out for coffee, give them a hug. The smallest thing can make the biggest difference.

I will always be thankful for any and everyone who has helped shape me into who I am today, for better and for worse. I will look back on these days fondly, and I’ll remember all those who helped make high school a bearable endeavor.

On a final note, I'd like to leave you with a quote from Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Thank you.

Meagan Wagner

Fourth Ranking

Good afternoon everyone. I want to start by saying thank you for coming and helping us celebrate this momentous occasion. I also want to say thank you to all of the parents, friends, and teachers who helped us get here. We could not have made it this far without your help and support.

Now I am going to be honest with you. When I sat down to write this speech I had no idea what I was gonna say, but when I started thinking about it, I realized that we did many things this year that we should be proud of.

Whether it was when the volleyball team had to play on the day of homecoming and still came to the dance with their hair and make-up done, how the basketball team made it a whole season with only eight girls, how all the track and golf kids competed on freezing cold days, or how we managed to make a 104-page yearbook with only two girls on the Mass Media team.

And of course, my personal favorite achievement, when our speech team brought home Osmond's first-ever state championship trophy in the history of our school. I mean, it’s all so crazy to think about. During our time at Osmond we were not just making memories, we were making history.

I am sure all of these experiences taught us loads of important lessons that we will carry on into our future lives, but I hope they did more than just that. To all future students, whether you are in high school, junior high, or elementary, I hope that these experiences inspired you to go out and try to make history.

Make the most of your time in school, because it goes by a lot faster than you think. I hope that you put your whole heart into everything you do. And even when things get hard, I hope you persevere and stick it through until the end. I cannot wait to see what all of you accomplish.

Ava Reikofski

Fifth-Ranking

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Class of 2026’s graduation ceremony.

It is only right to start off by saying thank you to everyone who got us all to this point. Our teachers, administration, staff members, family, and friends have all had a huge impact on where we are today.

Now, oftentimes you hear speeches congratulating the students for all the work they put in, and while many of us put in a lot of time and effort over the past 12 years, I would like to focus on the specific people who helped each of us get where we are today. Graduating from high school is likely not the hardest thing anyone in this class will do, but it is where we all are right now, and it requires some people to be mentioned in each of our lives.

I cannot speak for my whole class, but for me, I have had two parents who loved and supported me each day, no matter what decision I made, three older brothers who humbled me daily, but also taught me some of life’s more valuable lessons, and a best friend named Jade who always showed me the best and worst parts of me, but chose to look for the good no matter what.

But most importantly, every one of us in this room has had the Lord above us to watch and hold our hands along the way, and while the people previously mentioned may come and go, the One above us will lovingly guide us through every valley, bump in the road, and path we choose to take.

So congratulations to the Class of 2026, but as we just start our lives, I encourage you to look past what you have accomplished and instead to the people who supported every step of the way. Thank you.

Abigail Brown

Sixth-Ranking

I was told to keep this conclusion speech short and sweet by my fellow classmates so we can all get out of here and finally graduate.

With that, as this ceremony comes to a close, I want to give one final thank you to our parents, teachers, custodians, and every member of this community who shaped us along the way.

Most of all, I want to thank God for not only allowing me to cross paths with my classmates, but to grow up alongside them. They are some of the most lively, passionate, and unique people I have ever met, and it has been a blessing to share our beginnings with each other. I know that wherever you all go in the future, you will make it your own because I have never met people who are more persevering or stubborn.

We have not spent the last six years convincing every teacher not to assign homework, debate on switching due dates, or even shave off their mustache in a bet for nothing. These important life skills will carry on with us as we take the next step in our lives, and I can’t wait to see where each of you ends up.

With that, thank you, and let’s get out of here. :)

Ava Reikofski gets a hug from her mom, school board member Michelle Reikofski, who presented her diploma during graduation on Saturday.