New Kent High School’s Class of 2026 instructed to take reins of their own future

Caps take skyward flight after New Kent High School's Class of 2026 are announced as graduates during the May 21 ceremony. You can see more photos from the event on our photo gallery at www.nkccnews.com.

Robb Johnson photos

New Kent High School’s Class of 2026 is kicking off the next phase of life with plans to work harder and encouraged to live their own life.

That was the message delivered to 245 graduates during the May 21 commencement ceremony at the Henrico Sports Complex in front of family and supporters.
Senior Class President Adam Ayala spoke about the support they received throughout the years.

“Tonight, is much more than a formal ceremony,” he began. “It’s a celebration of growth, unforgettable memories, and the journey that has brought us to this moment.

“Your support has made a difference in the lives of all 245 graduates this evening,” he said, addressing the educational support system. “To the staff and administration of New Kent High School, thank you for investing your time, your energy, and your heart into our class. Your mentorship has helped us to grow academically, socially, and mentally as you celebrated our accomplishments every step of the way.”

Student Government Association President Jayla Holmes referred to the journey not being easy but getting through it together.

“I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you,” she said as she addressed her classmates. “We have worked so very hard to get to this point, but here we are.

“These last four years have not been easy, but we showed up through obstacles and did it together,” Holmes continued. “Today marks the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new one.

“Looking around, I am reminded on how each of us brings something different to the table but yet we have something so valuable to contribute,” Holmes added. “To the Class of 2026, I am so proud of you. Keep dreaming, keep moving forward, and most importantly, never give up.”

New Kent High School’s Class of 2026 Salutatorian Sophia Ward’s message focused on how the journey through high school hopes to teach lessons on self-love and that each classmate should not forget who they are.

“My dad always told me that pressure makes diamonds and for the longest time, I believe that pressure was the only way to succeed,” she said. “While pressure can make diamonds, too much can break you.

“High school changed all of us,” Ward continued. “The people sitting here are not the same people I saw four years ago. We’ve changed from failure to success, friendships to heartbreak, moments where we were assured of ourselves and moments where we lost ourselves completely. And honestly, I think that is one of the hardest but most beautiful things of life.

“Change focuses us to grow and move on and learn from our mistakes,” she added. “It also helps us find out passions of things we never thought of before.

“Life is not to be lived for other people but for ourselves,” Ward said as she wrapped up her speech. “Success is not allowing parents or others live vicariously through you. Success is not sacrificing your own happiness for other people. As we go into the next chapter of our lives, I hope that we allow ourselves to change direction, to rest, to fail, to succeed, and to start over if that is necessary. The goal is not to get by in life, but to live it to the best of our abilities.”

New Kent High School’s Class of 2026 Valedictorian Lily Newman spoke about her journey to the top of the class.

“If you told me I’d be standing here as the valedictorian of the Class of 2026, I would have told you it was impossible,” she began her speech. “We all worked hard to be here today ,and I know that we got hit with senioritis during the year and I know the feeling.

“The Class of 2026 rose to the occasion and emerged successful,” Newman continued. “Our paths do not always turn out how they planned.”

Newman spoke about her plans, thanking God, her family, and how classmates and teammates shaped her.

“My parents were my anchors to what I do, and I thank them for pushing me,” she said. “You’re both my heroes.

The valedictorian returned to addressing her classmates, saying that they are the catalysts to their future.

“We will all aspire to do great things, we just have to reach for them,” Newman added. “We have to challenge ourselves at every opportunity. Whether your plan to enroll, employ, or enlist, we all have a path to carve.

“We only just begun to see the world beyond the classroom walls,” the valedictorian said as she wrapped up her speech. “Let’s go Class of 2026 and change the world.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Nichols addressed the Class of 2026, providing a message of success in the past and the outlook of future greatness for graduates.

“Tonight we celebrate more than a graduation; we celebrate a journey, a story, and a class that has left its mark,” Nichols said as he began his speech. “I don’t just see graduates; I see the future and the future is bright.”

Nichols touted the 2,856 college credits the Class of 2026 has already earned, a record to date for the school. He also highlighted credentials and associate degrees earned.

“Tonight your paths began to separate, but your purpose remains the same; to build a life that matters,” the superintendent continued. “You all remind us that success is not defined by one path, but by purpose, effort, and the willingness to keep growing.

“Class of 2026, no matter where you take your next steps; college campus, job site, military base, or somewhere not yet imagined, never forget where your story began. Your future isn’t something that you are waiting to happen, it’s something that you create.

“You will always be a part of Team New Kent. We believe in you Class of 2026, and your story is just beginning,” Nichols concluded.
New Kent High School Principal Allison Strickland left words of encouragement and positivity to conclude the event.

“While tonight is an incredible celebration, our goal has always been when the tassels are turned and the pictures are shared, New Kent High School graduates leave with purpose in their next steps,” she said. “We don’t want a moment; we want momentum.

“I can say with complete confidence, you are ready for what’s next,” Strickland continued, pointing to lessons graduates learned through their high school journey. “Success doesn’t belong to people who has all the answers; success belongs to people who are willing to learn, adjust, work hard, and keep moving forward.

“That is resilience and that resilience is what is going to bring you success,” the principal concluded. “Show up, work hard, be dependable, stay teachable, and most importantly, treat people with respect.”

New Kent School Board Member Heather Donbrosky (left) hugs her son Brenan Donbrosky as he completes his high school journey.

Mariah Leonard belts out a scream of excitement after crossing the stage during New Kent High School’s graduation ceremonies held on May 21 at the Henrico Sports Complex.

Jayla Holmes expresses excitement as she exits the arena.

Mia Marshburn (right) receives her diploma as she is congratulated by New Kent High School principal Allison Strickland (left).