High schools bid 2026 graduates farewell

A sea of red filled the Liacouras Center on the afternoon of June 18 as East High’s class of 2026 took the stage.

This year’s class boasted a list of achievements: Of the 544 graduates, four completed an AP Capstone, 100 were members of the Cum Laude Society and 26 participated in the DECA International Career Development Conference.

Fourteen students were chosen as honored valedictorians, 147 earned a seal of bi-literacy and two were recognized as candidates for military service. Countless honors and scholarships have been bestowed to the group for their high- school achievements and future endeavors.

Student speakers shared feelings of excitement and nostalgia with the crowd.

“Many of you probably slept in this morning, enjoying no longer needing to wake up before 7 a.m.,” shared the opening speaker. “Others may have woken up early, excited to finally complete this gigantic milestone. Or maybe you were like me, spending your morning in a haze, trying to remember every moment of the past four years.

“Spending their middle school years in the waves of COVID-19 restrictions, this class has embraced every moment of their high-school experience. With 113 student organizations, Cherry Hill East’s class of 2026 involved themselves in activities that allowed them to boast unique backgrounds, passions and future plans.

The SAG (Student Advisory Group) president examined her own feelings about what comes next.

“My fear used to hold me back,” she acknowledged, “but now I am choosing to see the excitement in my future.”

More than 200 students received scholarships and grants for their next steps in a very bright future. Of the 14 honored valedictorians, one student’s speech was selected by lottery as the valedictory address.

“As you all reach for your future goals, the path you take will be uniquely yours,'” observed that student. “It’ll have ups and downs, twists and turns, but despite how tortuous it may be, it will be the right one.

“As the class of 2026 closes the door on its experiences at East, whatever comes next is sure to be great.”

See more graduation photos on pages….