The Parkersburg South High School Class of 2026 marked a milestone not only in their academic careers, but also in school history, as commencement ceremonies were held for the first time on the newly installed artificial turf at Erickson Field.
Families, faculty, and community members gathered to honor the graduating seniors in a ceremony that combined tradition, reflection, and celebration of achievement.
The evening began with the formal procession, presentation of colors by the Parkersburg South High School Junior Air Force ROTC, and the national anthem performed by seniors Madison Archer and Allie Evans. Graduates were then officially presented to the audience, marking the culmination of their four-year journey.
Principal Maria Francisco welcomed guests and recognized members of the Wood County Board of Education and central office administration in attendance. She also extended gratitude to the staff, senior sponsors, and support personnel who made the event possible.
“This is a celebration not only of individual accomplishments, but of the contributions of the Class of 2026 as a whole,” Francisco said.
The ceremony featured performances by the award-winning Parkersburg South Symphonic Band, under the direction of Greg Myers, and the concert choir, directed by Jennifer Ratliff.
Student speaker Landon Henthorn opened the remarks by congratulating his classmates and acknowledging the support of families, teachers, and friends. He also introduced the class motto: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory,” a quote by Dr. Seuss.
Three student speakers — Ella Wilson, Alexandria Evans, and Peyten Mackey — reflected on the meaning of that message through personal stories and shared experiences.
Wilson emphasized the importance of being present and appreciating everyday moments, noting that many of the most meaningful memories come from ordinary days.
“We’ve been living in the good old days and nobody even realized it,” she told her classmates.
Evans spoke about the friendships, experiences, and growth that defined the class’s time at Parkersburg South, highlighting the lasting impact of both successes and challenges.
“Not all the memories are going to be good,” Evans said. “But now we see those experiences as small hurdles we have overcome.”
Mackey delivered a heartfelt message about gratitude, drawing from personal experience to encourage classmates to value time with loved ones and not take life’s moments for granted.
“Don’t allow yourself to get so caught up in your future that you forget you’re living in a time of your life that you used to pray for,” Mackey said.
During the ceremony, seniors were also recognized for academic achievement. Students graduating with honors, high honors, and highest honors were acknowledged based on grade point averages ranging from 3.6 to 4.0 and above.
Francisco praised the Class of 2026 for their achievements, noting their strong academic performance, high attendance rates, and positive behavior.
“You have been one of the highest achieving classes to come through Parkersburg South in a very long time,” she said.
She also commended their school spirit and involvement, referencing their four consecutive spirit stick wins and dedication to extracurricular activities and community service.
Offering final advice, Francisco encouraged graduates to embrace accountability in their lives moving forward.
“Accountability is a powerful force that creates trust and respect,” she said. “It empowers you to make positive change in your lives as well as the lives of others.”
The ceremony also included the introduction of a new tradition — the passing of the musket — symbolizing the transition of school spirit from the current student representative to the next. Senior Austin Perry passed the musket to junior David Monroe, marking the continuation of Patriot pride.
Closing remarks were delivered by Kaidyn Johnson, who urged classmates to slow down and appreciate the present despite the fast pace of life ahead.
“Don’t wait for a memory to grant something its value — notice it now,” Johnson said.
The ceremony concluded with the turning of tassels, the singing of the alma mater, and the official certification of diplomas, signaling the graduates’ transition into the next phase of their lives.
“Your diploma is your ticket to your future,” Francisco told the class. “Your possibilities are limited only by your imagination, your desires, and your work ethic.”
As the Class of 2026 exited Erickson Field, they carried with them not only their diplomas, but the memories and lessons that will shape their futures.
