Rome High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 at Barron Stadium on May 23, as 450 seniors received their diplomas despite rainy weather.
The event marked an important milestone for students and families, celebrating years of academic achievement and perseverance. Rome City Schools reports a graduation rate of 95.7% and provides technology access to all K-12 students along with advanced academic programs, according to the official website.
The ceremony featured speeches from two salutatorians, Audrey Claire Loveman and Giuseppe Rutledge. Loveman said, “As we continue our journey, we will always have snapshots from Rome High to look back on. These aren’t just images to remind us of who we are and where we come from, but they shape us into who we are. We may turn in our Chromebooks and no longer walk the same crowded hallways, but we will forever have our memories. We take these memories with us. With these moments, we bring our confidence, our resilience, and our sense of direction, guiding us toward the lives we’ve only just started. Now come on, Class of 2026, let’s go make some memories!” Rutledge addressed his classmates by saying, “I don’t know where all of you are going when you walk out of this stadium. Maybe some of you don’t yet either. All of you want to accomplish something, all of you have a vision of the world you want. But to achieve that, you have to get up and fight for it. To change the world, we have to stand up and fight for it… No one ever said changing the world would be easy, but I promise it’ll be worth it.”
Valedictorian Bryson Rosales encouraged graduates as well: “As we begin to step into the next chapter of our lives… I’m going to give my future everything I have… if any graduating class can make a difference it’s the class of 2026.”
Principal Parke Wilkinson presented awards before being honored himself during a tribute video highlighting his career in various roles across Rome City Schools; Wilkinson is retiring after more than twenty years with the district.
Rome City Schools focuses on providing quality education emphasizing academics as well as arts and athletics; its Board sets policy while administration oversees daily operations according to the official website. The district offers Advanced Placement courses alongside career-technical education options for high schoolers while supporting special education needs according to Rome City Schools.
All students concluded their graduation by singing their alma mater together before tossing their caps in celebration.
