Rain Can’t Dampen Celebration for Warren County High School’s Class of 2026

Warren County High School’s Class of 2026 marked a major milestone Thursday night as graduates, families, friends, teachers, and community members gathered for commencement.

The ceremony was held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. Though rain moved through the evening and umbrellas filled the stadium, the weather did not take away from the excitement of the night. Families came ready to cheer, graduates came ready to celebrate, and the Class of 2026 stepped into a new chapter surrounded by support.

The ceremony was live-streamed by the Royal Examiner. The live broadcast has ended, but the replay is now available for those who could not attend in person or who want to watch the celebration again.

For many families, graduation is more than a ceremony. It is the moment years of homework, early mornings, practices, performances, friendships, challenges, and achievements come together. Even on a rainy night, the celebration gave families and community members a chance to honor the hard work of Warren County High School’s newest graduates.

The commencement program opened with the Senior Class of 2026 processional to “Pomp and Circumstance.” Guests were then asked to remain standing for the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. The alma mater was led by senior chorus member Zoey Scherbinski, followed by welcome remarks from Class President Anna Kozhenevsky. Warren County High School Principal Kenneth R. Knesh then addressed the graduates and guests.

Kozhenevsky spoke about growth, wonder, and the feeling of stepping into something unknown. She reminded classmates that change often happens little by little.

“Growth happens in small decisions in ordinary days,” she said. “One day, you realize you have become the person your younger self has always looked towards.”

She also encouraged the Class of 2026 not to fear the future.

“Even though our futures may feel uncertain right now, maybe it’s not something to fear,” Kozhenevsky said. “Before we know it, it’s going to be another beautiful thing we have grown into.”

Her message returned to the image of looking up at the sky, a reminder to stay curious and hopeful.

“I hope we stay curious about life instead of fearful of it,” she said. “I hope we slow down enough to actually see the beauty in our lives while we are living them.”

Knesh’s remarks were warm, personal, and filled with memories of the students before him. He built his message around The Beatles’ song “The Long and Winding Road,” using it as a picture of the journey students have traveled and the one still ahead.

“We gather here today to close one door, a door you walked through as children, and you’re now about to step through as adults,” Knesh said. “But what made this journey, this long and winding road, so special wasn’t the destination. It was the people we shared the road with.”

He said the Class of 2026 helped make Warren County High School feel like home through “the energy, the determination, the humor and the sheer kindness” they brought to the school.

Knesh also reminded graduates that the road ahead will include unknowns.

“You will face setbacks, doubts, and detours,” he said. “But know this, while we don’t have all the answers for the path ahead, we do have each other. We have the memories, the friendship, and the foundation built right here to lean on as we travel down that long and winding road.”

He closed with a message for the graduates as they moved into the next stage of life.

“Class of 2026, today you walk out of one door ready to find your next,” Knesh said. “Here’s to finding your next door.”

The program also included a senior song performed by the Warren County High School Band, Chorus, and Guitar Seniors. The selection was “Drive” by Incubus.

Several awards and recognitions were included in the ceremony. Jillian Ryan, the 2025 recipient, presented the Hugh D. Ite Award. Cheryl L. Cullers, chair of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, presented the Warren County Educational Foundation Scholarship to the top academic student. Dr. Troy Wright, superintendent of Warren County Public Schools, presented the Carl and Emily Thompson Charitable Trust recognition to the top academic student. The Mary Frances Bukva “Ms. B” Award was presented by Mary F. Bukva.

The ceremony also recognized graduates entering military service. Jessica Kelly, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1995 to 1999, led the recognition of military enlistments. Graduates wearing red, white, and blue cords were honored for their commitment.

The program listed several members of the Class of 2026 entering the United States military. Weston Jenkins and Jaxon Russell were recognized for the U.S. Air Force. Savannah Clark and Braiden Morris were recognized by the U.S. Army. Jocey Faile and Hunter St. Clair were recognized for the U.S. Navy.

Academic honors were also recognized during the evening. Dr. G. Michelle Edwards, assistant principal, led the recognition of distinguished honors graduates with GPAs of 4.0 or higher. Those graduates wore gold and maroon cords. Tucker W. Brown, assistant principal, led recognition of honors graduates with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99. Those graduates wore silver and maroon cords.

After the honors and recognitions, diplomas were presented to the graduates. Dr. Troy Wright then delivered the declaration of graduates, officially closing one chapter and opening the next for Warren County High School’s Class of 2026. The ceremony ended with the recessional as the seniors exited the stadium.

Despite the rain, the night was filled with proud smiles, cheers, photos, and plenty of umbrellas. The replay offers families and community members a way to celebrate the graduates’ hard work and share the moment with loved ones near and far.

Congratulations to Warren County High School’s Class of 2026!