BY DEBBIE PAGE
A light rained ceased just as the 471 members of the Mooresville High School Class of 2026 entered Coach Joe Popp Stadium on Saturday morning, allowing families and friends to enjoy a damp but joyful ceremony.
After the National Anthem and Presentation of the Colors by the MHS NJROTC Color Guard, Principal Samone Graham welcomed distinguished guests, including Mooresville Graded School District Board Chair Greg Whitfield and board members, Superintendent Jason Gardner, and school district administrators.
“Even if it’s raining, the smiles on the graduates’ faces mean the most to all us, so we are here for a great purpose,” Graham said.
She asked attendees to observe a moment of silence for Mercedes Morris, a member of the Class of 2026 who passed away this year.
“Though Mercedes passed away during this year, her spirit is a huge part of this graduating class. As we celebrate this milestone today, we hold her in our hearts and keep her family in our thoughts and prayers,” she said.
Honor Speaker Ann Marie Hildebrand thanked the standing room only crowd for their faith and support over the years. She noted that only 61 percent percent of the world’s population reaches this milestone.
“These accomplishments mean more than numbers or titles. Behind every diploma are years of work, clubs joined, friendships formed, memories made, challenges overcome, and countless moments that shaped us into who we are today,” she said.
Though each student had a unique path, Hildebrand noted, “we are share one thing in common — we made it here today. While we all may go in different directions after this morning, for this morning we are all together one last time as the Class of 2026.”
“It is a celebration of everything and everyone that brought us here and the beginning of everything still ahead.”
Whitfield, on behalf of the school board, congratulated the students for their hard work and perseverance. “This is your moment. You should all be proud of what you had to achieve to be here.”
Gardner expressed the district’s pride in each graduate. “Today’s marks the beginning of a new chapter of your life, and we can’t wait to see the impact that you’ll make in the years ahead,” he said.
Honor Speaker Nolan Ericson observed that graduates are meeting this day with a variety of emotions. “Luckily, we are surrounded with great models who have been by our side through this journey,” Ericson said.
Ericson thanked parents, friends, and teachers for their support. “You are the people who helped us through our struggles, celebrated our successes, and allowed us to make the most of our time together.”
Ericson also thanked the Mooresville community for cheering the Blue Devils on and his friends who made lasting impacts on the people around them.
“We are capable of accomplishing anything that life throws at us,” he said.
Ericson left his classmates with a piece of advice: “Nobody has everything figured out. That’s okay. The people who succeed aren’t always the smartest or most talented — they are the ones who are willing to show up and keep learning.”
Honor Speaker Gavin Harrington said that although graduates feel significant pressure about what comes next, “I want to remind everyone that this stage of life is not about having everything figured out — it’s about being willing to figure it out.”
Through trying things, making mistakes, and learning and growing from them, “we are actually living life.”
Harrington also encouraged his classmates to forge their own paths rather than trying to fit in or meet others’ expectations. “The people who matter most will value you for who you truly are. Always stay true to yourself. Don’t lose yourself trying to become what others want you to be.”
He also reminded everyone to be present in each moment. “We spend so much time looking ahead — towards college, careers, and whatever comes next — that sometimes we forget to appreciate where we are right now.”
“Don’t rush through moments just because they feel ordinary. Those are usually the ones we end up missing most. It’s easy to always look ahead, but some of the best parts of life happen when we slow down enough to actually notice them.”
“Remember to work hard, take chances, chase big goals, and build a life you’re proud of, but while you are doing that, don’t forget to actually enjoy it. Have fun, be spontaneous, and let yourself experience the little moments along the way.”
After the conferring of the diplomas, Graham declared the recipients as graduates of the Class of 2026, leading to the tossing of caps and the happy cheers of parents and supporters.
Photos
