On June 27, Garden City High School celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 92nd annual commencement ceremony at Warren King Field. The graduates entered the field as the school band and orchestra performed “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” under the direction of band teacher Mr. Daniel DellaMonica, officially beginning the morning’s celebration.

The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senior Class Vice President Daly Prybylski, followed by a performance of the national anthem and “Landslide” by the senior chorale under the direction of vocal teacher Ms. Alexandra Frazzetto.

Principal Mr. Kevin Steingruebner welcomed the Class of 2026, their families and guests, and spoke about the school’s theme for next year: “Connection is Key.” “Those who thrive are not always the most talented — they stay connected to learning, and the peers, mentors and opportunities around them,” he said. “The relationships you build matter, and the connections you make can shape your experience in ways you may not realize.”

Salutatorian Olivia Allsbrook encouraged her classmates to embrace the uncertainty of the future and recognize the impact they can make. “If we knew what the future held, we could not feel the joy of choosing what makes us happiest,” she said. “There only needs to be one person to care about something, and then that thing will matter.”

Kayla Cherney, president of the Class of 2026, presented the class gift, which is a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for the classes of 2027, 2028 and 2029.

Alessandra Bonomi, winner of the Julia Maloney Scholarship, gave a speech that honored her fourth grade teacher Ms. Catherine Ehrlein and the impact she had on her educational journey and personal growth. “Her passion revealed the possibilities the world has to offer, and she taught me how to become the best version of myself,” she said. “Because of her, I enjoy school, cherish every learning experience and view life with a deeper perspective.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha compared the graduates’ next chapter to the Artemis II launch mission, highlighting the importance of preparation, perseverance and courage. “Today is your launch day,” she said. “Launch with courage, lead with kindness, choose curiosity, and never forget you will always have a home here in Garden City. Never lose sight of the people and places that helped shape who you are.”

Valedictorian Sarah Phinney drew inspiration from the Gettysburg Address and encouraged her classmates to recognize the responsibility they have in shaping their own paths. “It is for us to decide our futures and conquer the great tasks remaining before us,” she said.

The Class of 2026 selected English teacher Ms. Laurie Bocca as their keynote speaker, who spoke about the importance of embracing the many qualities that make each person unique. “Do not be afraid to be multifaceted, and do not be afraid to embrace new characteristics,” she said. She encouraged graduates to “embrace every ‘too’” and recognize that the traits they may once have viewed as “too much” can be the very qualities that help them grow and define who they are.

Senior class officers Kayla Cherney and Daly Prybylski announced the names of their classmates as members of the board of education presented diplomas. Principal Mr. Kevin Steingruebner officially conferred the diplomas, and the ceremony concluded with the Class of 2026’s recess as they celebrated becoming the newest graduates of Garden City High School.

A special thank you goes to the many parent and student volunteers who arrived early to help prepare Warren King Field for commencement. Working alongside Head Custodian Mr. Tom Nocella and the custodial team, volunteers helped transform the space from an indoor setup in the gymnasium to an outdoor ceremony location in just a few hours, ensuring the Class of 2026 could celebrate this achievement with their families and community.

The Garden City School District congratulates the Class of 2026 on this incredible accomplishment and looks forward to celebrating all they will achieve as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.