Gresham Community School sent 17 graduates out into the world May 22 with diplomas and messages of hope.
Most of the graduates have known each other since kindergarten, according to valedictorian Riley Hohensee, which means there has been no hiding for the class of 2026, because everybody knows each other in the school.
“We didn’t just grow up together. We grew into ourselves together,” Hohensee said. “In a world where people come and go, most of us have been side by side since kindergarten. We learned our ABCs together, survived middle school together — which might have been our greatest accomplishment — and somehow made it all the way here to graduation night.”
Hohensee recounted how his grandfather received his diploma from Gresham 50 years ago, and he said it wouldn’t be that long before he and his classmates would be looking back on high school as a distant memory.
“Not every part of high school was easy, but even the hardest parts taught me resilience and self-respect,” Hohensee said. “I learned that other people’s opinions don’t define your direction. Only your choices do, so let’s be our most authentic selves.”
Hohensee said something he’ll miss is the simple, everyday moments, being a team and knowing the people surrounding him. Even though the class is now heading off in different directions, he said, he knows there is no limit to the impact that the graduates can have on the world.
“We carry something in common — the lessons, the friendships and the resilience we’ve built right here in this small but mighty class,” Hohensee said.
Graduation is the end of one chapter, but it’s not the end of the story, according to salutatorian Allie Cerveny.
“I remember when I was an underclassman, I couldn’t wait to be 18 and graduate,” Cerveny said. “Now that I am, I don’t understand why I was so excited.”
Cerveny looked back on her memories and recounted how nap time was her favorite time in kindergarten. She also told the crowd how she was married in third grade and divorced in fourth grade. She described middle school and high school as scary at times, but the class of 2026 made it through because they did it together.
“After spending every day together for the last 12 years, I can see us as more of a family,” Cerveny said. “Even those who haven’t been here the whole time, it feels like you’ve been here all along.”
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
Valedictorian Riley Hohensee talks about how the class of 2026 was a tight-knit bunch May 22 during his Gresham Community School graduation commencement address, pointing out there was no way to hide from classmates as they journeyed together to graduation. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
Alivia Perez, president of the class of 2026, told her fellow graduates May 22 that they will excel because “that’s just who we are” during the Gresham Community School graduation commencement. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
Graduates Kobe Miller, left, and Kevin Miller march to their seats during the 2026 Gresham Community School commencement May 22. The graduates are holding Madonna lilies, the official class flower. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
Graduates, from left, Cierra Ninham, Alivia Perez and Wyatt Neitzer march to their seats during the 2026 Gresham Community School commencement May 22. The graduates are holding Madonna lilies, the official class flower. (Lee Pulaski | NEW Media)
