Celebrating Lakota's Class of 2026

As another school year wrapped up, Lakota’s Class of 2026 had their own chance to experience the time-honored traditions that mark each graduation season at Lakota. From the reverence of the Military Commitment Ceremony to the energy of the Parade of Graduates, and from academic recognitions to festive senior parades and picnics, each celebration marked an important step in our seniors’ journey.

This past week, those celebrations reached their pinnacle with graduation ceremonies hosted by each of Lakota’s three high schools. Lakota Central High School began the week on May 18 at Center Pointe Christian Church, followed by Lakota West and Lakota East at Xavier University’s Cintas Center on May 19 and 21, respectively.

In total, 1,366 graduates were recognized, surrounded by proud family members and friends. Students played an active role throughout the ceremonies - leading the Pledge of Allegiance, performing musical selections and sharing reflections filled with gratitude and encouragement. A common theme across each ceremony was appreciation, with seniors expressing heartfelt thanks to the parents, guardians, educators and mentors who supported them along the way.

At Lakota Central, Superintendent Dr. Ashley Whitley talked about the core meaning of being central and that graduation is about recognizing that you now become the central force in your own lives. She challenged the Class of 2026 to begin deciding what will become central in their lives and stay grounded to those values. 

“Because the truth is, what we place at the center of our lives shapes everything around it,” she said. “If fear becomes central, it limits us. If comparison becomes central, it exhausts us. If comfort becomes central, it keeps us from growing. But when purpose becomes central… when compassion becomes central… when resilience and character become central… extraordinary things begin to happen.” She concluded with this advice. “As you step forward, hold on to this truth: ‘When purpose is central, everything else finds its place.’”

Principal Eric Bauman then recognized Lakota Central’s 105 graduates, celebrating the unique paths that led them to this milestone. He offered up this advice to the Class of 2026. “As you step into this next chapter, remember: success is not just measured by titles or achievements, but by the impact you make and the integrity you carry. Be curious. Be kind. Be courageous. Also, don't compare yourself to others.  Comparison is the thief of joy!”

At Lakota East, Dr. Whitley spoke about her habit of visiting the Lakota East choir room on those days when the pace of the day becomes especially heavy. She shared how the space makes her pause and that she was especially touched this year by the lyrics of one song titled “Hold On,” a favorite among seniors in Eastside Voices. She went on to draw a connection between the song’s message for not just senior year, but for a lifetime.

“Tonight, as you prepare to leave Lakota East, I hope you remember that resilience is not about becoming hard. It is about remaining hopeful even when life becomes difficult. Hold on to your values. Hold on to your integrity. Hold on to the people who ground you. Hold on to curiosity. Hold on to kindness. Hold on to wonder. And perhaps most importantly—hold on to each other.”

East Principal Matt MacFarlane addressed attendees at the school’s 29th graduation ceremony, highlighting the range of opportunities for students in service, arts, athletics, leadership or academics. When a flood of graduates responded to the request to stand if they were involved in any one of these opportunities, he delivered this message. “Please take a look around. This is what it means to be a part of a vibrant, engaged and thriving school community. This is what it means to be a Thunderhawk.”

To the 562 graduates, one of which was his own son, he left these words: “Know that you have made a positive and lasting impact on Lakota East High School and our community as a whole. Now it’s time to spread your Thunderhawk wings and soar. We’ve loved seeing what you can do. Now we can’t wait to see all that you will do and the people that you will become. Go be great!”

At Lakota West, Dr. Whitley drew a comparison between the symbol of the school mascot and the famous ballet composed by Igo Stravinsky titled “The Firebird.” Comparing the Class of 2026 to the ballet’s main character, she explains how the firebird in this story represents renewal and the belief that from challenge can come strength, beauty and rebirth - the exact trajectory so many of our graduates have taken.

She left these words of encouragement with the graduates before her. “Wherever your path leads, I hope you carry this truth with you: The world does not simply need more accomplished people. It needs more people who bring light. People who create hope where there is cynicism. People who choose kindness when indifference would be easier. People who lead with courage, integrity and humanity. People willing to rise after setbacks—and help others rise alongside them. That is the legacy of the Firebird. Not perfection. Not fearlessness. But the courage to keep becoming.”

West Principal Scott Laman then presented Lakota West’s 699 graduates, recognizing their collective achievements over the last four years and the range of paths forward they have chosen. Noting that as one chapter comes to an end, another one begins, he said his advice was quite simple. 

“Carry the Firebird banner forward,” he said. “Approach life with purpose. Invest fully in all that you do. Stay true to who you are and build meaningful relationships that will guide and sustain you. Your next chapter is simply built on trust. Just as we plant our seeds in a garden without knowing what tomorrow brings, we trust and we believe in the process. We believe in your next chapter full of endless opportunities that lie ahead.”

Lakota Board of Education President Kelley Casper formally accepted the graduates on behalf of the Board. The ceremonies concluded with each student crossing the stage to receive their diploma, followed by the traditional turning of the tassel - symbolizing their transition from students to proud members of Lakota’s alumni community.

Photo albums of the graduation ceremonies for Lakota Central, Lakota East and Lakota West can be viewed on Lakota’s Facebook page. 

---

Statistics about the Lakota Class of 2026

• Graduates: 1,366 total (105 Central, 562 East, 699 West)
• Graduation rate: 99.5% (of East/West senior class); 95% (of Central senior class)
• Pursuing 2/4 year higher education: 70% (East/West); 48% (Central) *
• Entering trade school/apprenticeship: 6% (East/West); 38% (Central) *
• Gap year: 7% (East/West); 7% (Central) *
• Workforce: 5% (East/West); 38% (Central) *
• Military commitments: 21
• Honors diplomas: 22%

* Note that higher education and trade school/workforce statistics are based on those graduates filling out their senior survey