On the evening of Friday, May 8, the Santa Fe High School Class of 2026 graduated in a ceremony held in Greg Prather Gymnasium.

The Santa Fe band performed “Pomp & Circumstance” as administration, school board members, class sponsors and graduates entered the gym.

Superintendent Derek Lark led a moment of silence for recently passed school board member Tim Dierking. Principal Paula Brown recognized Mr. Lark and congratulated him on his retirement after 10 years with the district.

Senior Julie Wieland led the pledge of allegiance. Speakers for the class of 2026 included Avy Grado and Lilly Plattner.

Once again this year, students were recognized via the Lation Honor system, which SFHS began in 2024. Under this system, students are recognized in three categories: Cum Laude (GPA of 3.5-3.7), Magna Cum Laude (GPA of 3.8-3.9) and Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 4.0+).

Graduating Cum Laude were: Mia Acosta-Chavarria, Ethan Finkeldi, Mia Lark, Joel Long, Abbi Mueller, Sami Mueller, Will Sowers and Brooke Summers. Graduating Magna Cum Laude were: JoHanna Breshears, Kaylee Drunert, Keastin Kitchen and Mae Vandiver. Graduating Summa Cum Laude were: Lilly Plattner and Julie Wieland.

Students were also recognized for academic excellence by receiving the President’s Education Award for Academic Excellence and the George Washington Carver Award.

The President’s Education Awards Program was founded in 1983 and the honors students for their academic achievement. Each year, thousands of elementary, middle, and high schools participate by recognizing deserving students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the entire academic year. Seniors receiving this award were: Karlea Bolser, JoHanna Breshears, Kaylee Drunert, Ethan Finkeldei, Keastin Kitchen, Mia Lark, Joel Long, Abbi Mueller, Sami Mueller, Lilly Plattner, Will Sowers, Brooke Summers, Mae Vandiver and Julie Wieland.

The George Washington Carver Award recognizes the top 10 percent of each high school’s graduating class. Seniors receiving this award were: Keastin Kitchen, Lilly Plattner, Mae Vandiver and Julie Wieland.

Additionally, students were recognized with Senior Awards which indicate a well-rounded individual. To earn one of these awards, a senior must meet one, two or all three of the following criteria:

• Scholarship: The student must have a 3.25 grade point average or above.

• Service: The student must accumulate 1000 points in activities that are of service to the school, such as being a member of an athletic team, FFA, cheerleader, FBLA or FCCLA.

• Culture: Student must accumulate 1000 points in activities that are designed to enrich the mind, such as band, art club, Quiz Bowl, or choir.

As recipients of these awards, the students were distinguished by the color of ribbon that accompanied their medal.

Wearing a red ribbon for an award in one area were: Brooke Dierking, Avy Grado, Brady Graf, Joel Long, Nahima Moreno- Zepeda, Nathan Neill, Emily Ruiz-Avila, Will Sowers, Chesney Warner, and Amere Wilsie.

Wearing a red and black ribbon for meeting two out of three were: Karlea Bolser, JoHanna Breshears, Brilee Dierking, Ethan Finkeldei, Addyson Hostetter, Mia Lark, Abigail Mueller, Samantha Mueller, Jensen Rehkop, and Brooke Summers.

And wearing a red, white, and blue ribbon for meeting all three were: Kaylee Drunert, Keastin Kitchen, Lillian Plattner, Clara Mae Vandiver, and Julie Wieland.

Next, high school Counselor Lisa Nevels recognized students for scholarship awards. The Class of 2026 earned approximately $341,000 in potential scholarship funds and $323,000 in potential A+ funds, for a total of $664,000 in potential funding to further their education. Twenty- five graduating seniors earned A+ funding. As for plans after high school, 31 graduates plan to attend a trade, technical, two- or four-year school and six plan to join the work force.

The last item on the agenda before the cap toss was awarding of the diplomas. Principal Paula Brown read the names of students who met the requirements for graduation, school board president Russell Limback presented the students with their diploma, and Superintendent Derek Lark turned the student’s tassels. Then they climbed the risers to await their class photo and cap toss. And finally, the graduates exited the gym and formed a reception line to greet guests as they departed.