Guests, friends and family, crowded into Discover Church Friday, May 29, to celebrate the 37 graduates from Bartram Academy.
Prior to the ceremony, Hayden Perez said he was nervous about his role in the ceremony welcoming guests. He plans to work in construction after graduation.
Mason Teague said he felt great and was also preparing to go into construction – already having a job offer. He said his mom, brother, cousins and family friends were all attending the ceremony to support him.
Caden Birchard said it was interesting approaching the end of public education after more than a decade in the school system. He was ready to get experience welding and will be attending Southwestern Community College to add to welding classes taken in high school through the CTE program.
Kyler Hargis said it was nerve-wracking to be nearly ready to walk the stage, but he was still ready for the end. He said he will soon be attending SCC to study cybersecurity.
Jadyn Coffey said she was scared mostly due to graduating two years early at 16 and will be joining the Job Corps to prepare for the future.
During the ceremony, Bartram Academy took time to present special awards to students before they receive their diplomas. Teachers spoke on the merits of each student earning these accolades, all telling the crowd how proud they are of the students’ dedication and progress.
Chris Prysock served as the commencement speaker.
“Today is a celebration. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of another,” Prysock said. “As you guys leave Bartram and head out into the world, there’s some things you need to take with you.”
“You have to be willing to show up. Showing up is half of the game. You showed up every day when you needed to. You showed up when things were hard and progress was slow. Some of you came in kicking and screaming, some of you needed naps, but you still showed up and you still worked to get to where you are today,” he continued. “Success comes to you in all kinds of different ways … it doesn’t always look like how you want it to look, but guess what: you get to determine what it is for yourself.”
Seniors Caden Birchard and Darnelle Esquivel each gave a speech, one in English and one in Spanish to celebrate the class of 2026.
“Over the past few years, we’ve all changed. Some of us have a clear plan for what’s next. Some of us are still figuring it out. Most of us are somewhere in between – which is probably more normal than we’d like to admit,” Birchard said. “But right now, we have this moment together. One last time as a class. And I think that matters more than any grade, award or title we’ve received. What comes next will look different for all of us. Some paths are already mapped out, and some are still unfolding. Either way, that’s OK. Because what matters most is that we keep moving forward … take chances, work hard, and don’t be afraid to fail. The future isn’t about having it all figured out right now. It’s about continuing to grow, learn, and become who we are meant to be.”
To family, Esquivel said, “Many of you sacrificed dreams, time and comfort to ensure that we could receive an education and reach this important goal: earning our high school diploma. This achievement is not only ours; it also belongs to you. When we doubted ourselves, you believed in us. When we felt tired or frustrated, you pushed us to keep going. Thank you for teaching us the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up. Today we celebrate our success, but we also celebrate the love and dedication of our families. Everything we are and everything we will become carries a part of you.”
The students took the stage and received their diplomas, meeting with their instructors for hugs and handshakes as they returned to their seats. When Superintendent Josh Lynch conferred the diplomas, new Bartram principal Nikki Oberley saw the students off.
“Wherever life takes you next, remember that success is not only measured by achievements, but by kindness, integrity, courage, and the impact you make on others. Carry your experiences from this school with pride, and never underestimate your ability to lead, to serve, and to make a difference,” she said. “Graduates, as you leave this chapter and step into the next, know that you will always have a home here. We believe in you, we are proud of you, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish.”