-Rome City Schools-
Neither rain nor gray skies could slow down the Rome High School Class of 2026 on Saturday morning as 450 seniors walked across the stage at Barron Stadium and into their future.
Kamran Bawa, Rome High’s senior class vice president and STAR Student, welcomed family members, friends, faculty, and graduates to the ceremony as the Class of 2026 filled the turf at Barron Stadium.
The class filled a large portion of the turf at Barron Stadium, and after the students and faculty made their way to the seats on the field, they were welcomed by several speakers.
Rome High School had two salutatorians this year, Audrey Claire Loveman and Giuseppe Rutledge.
Audrey Claire Loveman talked about how the class’s shared experiences will serve as a bond for years to come.
“Everyone here today has a different version of Rome High, as well as a different version of the people sitting to your left and right. It is our job to remind others of who we are and what we’ve done together so that we can truly encapsulate what the past four years have meant to us. Every high and low that some, or all, of us have shared will forever bond us as we utilize our memories to become who we desire.
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,” she said. “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 started his speech by joking about how long he procrastinated in writing it, and ended his speech by giving a challenge to his classmates.
“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,” he said. “There are those who seek to divide us, to oppress us, to get in our way, but any obstacle we face can be overcome through the strength of our unity. But you have to fight for it. It’s so easy to sit there and do nothing, and let our potential rot away. No one ever said changing the world would be easy, but I promise it’ll be worth it. Don’t try and procrastinate your future, because the future is coming anyway.”
Bryson Rosales, Rome High’s Valedictorian, echoed some of Rutledge’s sentiments offering encouragement to his classmates to leave their mark on the world.
“As we begin to step into the next chapter of our lives, there is a mixture of feelings. Excitement, with just a tiny little whiff of fear. For the first time, we get to experience a life full of independence. Independence is a gift that is thrilling but also terrifying. So all I can promise you is this. I’m going to give my future everything I have. I am going to strive for greatness, and I trust you all do the same,” he said. “The road ahead is going to take discipline. It’s not going to be easy. But if any graduating class can make a difference, it’s the class of 2026. We are a class with gifts, intelligence, skills, and above all, integrity. Now come on, class of 2026, let’s go change the world.”
Parke Wilkinson presented the Principal’s Award to Sophia Styperek and Andrew Neal. Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland presented the Superintendent’s Award to Audrey Claire Loveman and Fred Johnson.
Johnson, the senior class president, said some special words about Rome High Principal Parke Wilkinson before a video honoring Wilkinson played on the video board. Wilkinson, who is retiring after more than two decades of working for Rome City Schools, has served in several roles in the district, including teacher and as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Some graduating seniors have had Mr. Wilkinson as their principal at all three levels.
After the video, Wilkinson was given a huge ovation from the students and the crowd.
All of the students and faculty then linked arms while singing the alma mater before a multitude of hats were tossed in the air in celebration of their graduation.
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