Union City, Corry High Schools Hold Commencement Ceremonies for Class of 2026

Union City High School honored the Class of 2026 during commencement exercises held June 4 in the school gymnasium.

The ceremony featured several student and faculty speakers who reflected on the challenges, lessons and memories that shaped the graduates’ high school experience.

Faculty Choice Speaker Carter DeSimone compared life to music, telling classmates that both successes and setbacks are necessary to create a meaningful life.

“Life was never meant to be understood. It was meant to be felt,” DeSimone said. He encouraged graduates to embrace both the “major chords” of success and the “minor chords” of adversity, noting that challenges provide growth and perspective. “Don’t be afraid of challenges and adversity, because at the end of the day, it’s what makes you stronger and leads to a fulfilling life.”

Kennady Brenner, one of the class’s summa cum laude speakers, shared four lessons she said high school taught her. Among them was the realization that many of life’s worries are less important than they seem.

“Nobody actually knows what they’re doing. Some people are just better at hiding it than others,” Brenner said. She also encouraged classmates to appreciate small moments, show kindness to others and not spend excessive time worrying about what people think.

“Nobody remembers that day you tripped on stage, messed up your presentation, or had a bad hair day,” she said. “Everyone spends so much time worried about themselves, they don’t have the energy to notice these things about you.”

Fellow summa cum laude speaker Brooke Vantassel built her remarks around a simple piece of advice: “Be a goldfish.”

Referencing the popular saying that goldfish have short memories, Vantassel encouraged classmates not to dwell on embarrassing moments or mistakes.

“Don’t let those awkward times take over your memories,” she said. “Move forward and let go of your mistakes.”

At the same time, she urged graduates not to forget where they came from or the experiences that helped shape them during their years at Union City.

“I hope you all take in these last few moments here at Union City,” Vantassel said. “Remember all the good times and leave the past behind you.”

Student Choice Speaker Cayden Eastman focused on perseverance, personal responsibility and learning from life’s challenges. Drawing inspiration from the fictional character Master Wu, he reminded classmates that growth often comes through adversity.

“Life isn’t incredibly easy, but it’s the challenges that help us grow,” Eastman said. He encouraged graduates to take risks, seek direction, surround themselves with positive influences and continue pursuing their goals.

“Take the road less traveled, try new things, and believe in yourself and what you stand for,” he said. “Never stop trying.”

Faculty Speaker Michelle Bond, a history and government teacher, reflected on the relationships she built with the Class of 2026 during their sophomore and junior years. She spoke about classroom discussions, school events and the daily interactions that allowed her to get to know students beyond academics.

“Sometime during these two years, these young men and women have become more than just my students,” Bond said. “They are like my kids.”

She thanked the class for allowing her to be part of their journey and expressed confidence in their futures.

Superintendent Matthew Bennett challenged graduates to remember a phrase often heard throughout the district: “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.”

Bennett told students that while they cannot control everything that happens in life, they can control how they respond.

“Choose kindness, choose integrity, choose resilience, choose to lift others up, choose to keep moving forward,” Bennett said. “Your future is bright because of the people you are becoming, not just because of the diplomas you will receive tonight.”

School Board President George Trauner congratulated the graduates and reminded them that the Union City community would continue to support them long after graduation.

Principal Daniel Keefer formally certified that the class had met all state and local graduation requirements before presenting the graduates for the awarding of diplomas. In his closing remarks, Keefer encouraged students to pursue their dreams, continue learning and remain connected to their hometown.

“The world doesn’t need more people to simply follow a path,” Keefer said. “It needs leaders, innovators and compassionate people that are willing to create a better future.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas to 78 members of the Class of 2026.

Corry Area High School also held commencement exercises June 4 in its gymnasium. Graduates received their diplomas during a ceremony attended by family members, faculty and community supporters as the school recognized the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

Those who would like to view the ceremonies can watch archived video of both commencements online:

Union City High School Graduation Ceremony
Watch the Union City Graduation Ceremony

Corry Area High School Graduation Ceremony
Watch the Corry Graduation Ceremony