Hopewell Valley Central High School (HVCHS)’s Class of 2026 is celebrating the start of new adventure in life’s journey after throwing their graduation caps in the air to mark the end of high school.
The Class of 2026 wearing their black caps and gowns achieved a major life milestone when they walked across the HVCHS stage on Ackerson Field to receive their diplomas and officially graduate high school.
William John Carter, president of the Class of 2026, in his address at the graduation ceremony on June 18 shared how each and every graduate here tonight earns something unique.
“While our diplomas may look similar every one of them is vastly different … But I can tell you right now our class is one of unwavering determination, talent, and exceptional character,” he said.
“I know I might be going off script here, but I am so grateful to have this opportunity as your president. I am so grateful to serve all of you. I am so grateful to have a front row seat to the character of this class and to witness all of what you will accomplish in these next coming years.”
In this year’s student address, senior Grace Corveleyn, encouraged her fellow graduates to think about not just the shiny, fun stuff, but also the hard work and dedication that made them into the person they are today when they look back at their time at HVCHS.
“High School is hard and you did that. You stayed up late taking up extra shifts or finishing those difficult assignments. In addition to school, you dedicated yourself to your job, to your sport, to your family, activities and the list goes on,” she added.
“So, in your futures remember what it feels like to fight for what you want in this life. Because there is always going to be another mountain it is the climb.”
Corveleyn explained how even if your memories are already slipping through your fingers, they are only as important as the people you got to share them with.
“Just like your favorite music artist the lyrics of your life are defined by those who make it special. Your fellow graduates are some really special people,” she said. “We are kind, we are intelligent, we are hardworking, we are funny, and most importantly we are all bulldogs. And that does not stop because you walk across the stage today.”
Corveleyn further said that people you meet in high school remain your community.
“Hold onto the memories and they will hold onto you no matter how far you may find yourself from Hopewell in the future.”
Patricia Riley, principal of HVCHS, connected her speech to the Dog Pound (HVCHS student fan section) when she talked about the achievements of the class and offered some words of encouragement.
“The Class of 2026 knows a lot about having things to celebrate and they don’t just do things once. The Class of 2026 is the first to be back-to-back champions of the Black and Gold Cup, the first three-time winners of our winter prep rally dance competition, and most of the members from our back-to-back-to-back state champion tennis team were from you guessed it the Class of 2026,” she said.
“On an individual level, members of the Class have so much to celebrate as well. There are Eagle Scouts, recipients of Girl Scout Gold Awards, there are athletes who have competed at the national level.”
Additionally, Riley spotlighted that there are musicians who are performing professionally, there are academic superstars who are already participating in research at the collegiate level, there are first responders who serve our community every day, and there are community volunteers and community employees who contribute to Hopewell Valley day in and day out.
“Class of 2026 as you move forward in life you may not always have a Dog Pound following you around and chanting your name. However, when you have something to celebrate, I want you to think of the people at HVCHS who would be standing behind you wanting to celebrate with you,” she added.
“I want you to the initiative and celebrate yourself and as Mr. Wilson says be nice to yourself. When you face a challenge or a hard time I want you to think of the people at HVCHS who would be standing behind you yelling your name wanting to support you.”
Riley also reminded the fellow graduates of three things.
“I want you to remember you are loved, I want you to remember you will be missed, I want you to remember that you will always have a home here at HVCHS.”
The Class of 2026 celebrates graduating high school by throwing their caps in the air together during HVCHS’s graduation ceremony on June 18 at Ackerson Field.
Senior Cayden Harris (left) claps during graduation.
Seniors Edgar Alfaro (left) and Delainey Ross (right) bump fists after walking across the stage.
Seniors Ty Becker (left) and Kaia Bedon (right) pose next to each other with their diplomas.
Seniors Uchenna Obidike (left) and Zaria Nunnally (right) pose together after receiving their diplomas and walking across the stage.
3800 graduation images available of all graduates on www.mikeschwartz.photo, available for free downloads this year, courtesy of the Parents of the Class of 2026 as well as Mike Schwartz Photography.
HVCHS Class of 2026 graduation ceremony in Pennington.
