The Palmer Ridge High School Class of 2026 marked an unforgettable milestone on May 19 at The Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs.
Graduates took huge steps towards their future goals as they walked across the stage in their caps and gowns, cheered on by their families, friends, peers, and the D38 community.
Palmer Ridge Principal Dr. Adam Frank welcomed attendees before the first of several incredible musical performances by students including, The Star-Spangled Banner, sung by Senior Benton Miles.
Next, Student Council President Gavin Schmidt and Vice President Roxy Palmer addressed the crowd and urged their peers to drop their barriers, open their ears and minds, and heed the words of everyone speaking at the ceremony.
“Take the time to listen and consider the words spoken tonight. If it must be the only time you do so for the rest of your life, put down your barriers and biases for one day. These speeches are not just formalities, they are a testament to the hard work of gifted students,” Gavin said.
After recognizing the foreign-exchange students who attended Palmer Ridge, the student council leaders introduced the next student performance, an instrumental rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” performed by Cameron Bernard, Everleigh Larsen, and Lizzy Sapp.
Next, Salutatorian Judah Snyder, and Valedictorian Conner Lewandowski each took their turn at the podium.
Judah acknowledged the many incredible accomplishments of his fellow graduates, but urged them to strive for what is really important.
“I want to remind you all that your identity is not found in your respective accomplishments,” Judah said. “You will be remembered for the type of person that you are. For the impact you have on others in everyday life. Your self worth is not tied to your accomplishments, it is tied to the standards you hold yourself to and the actions you strive for. Strive to make an impact. Strive for fulfillment, not for empty achievement,” he added.
Conner began with gratitude for all those that helped him and his classmates along the way, but then focused on challenging his peers to choose to accept, to listen, and to be part of what’s good in this world.
“We don’t get to control what the world does next, but we get to choose what we do in spite of it,” Conner said. “We choose how to treat other people. We get to choose whether we accept or discriminate against one another. We get to choose whether we listen to one another or judge one another. We get to choose whether we contribute to the dark around us or if we become the good in the world,” he added.
After the salutatorian and valedictorian speeches, senior Claire Shin delivered an amazing vocal performance of Adele’s “When We Were Young.” This was followed by the final student performance, a rendition of “Touch the Sky,” by the Palmer Ridge Chamber Singers.
The presentation of the diplomas and turning of the tassels came next, and 219 Palmer Ridge Seniors became Palmer Ridge graduates.
Congratulations to the Palmer Ridge High School Class of 2026!
