Loved ones, faculty, staff, and fellow students from the Lenape Regional School District gathered in Shawnee High School’s stadium to celebrate the graduation of 365 Medford and Medford Lakes students on the evening of June 18.
The ceremony featured performances from the school’s choirs and band, student speeches, and recognition of exceptional student accomplishments.
Of the graduating class, five students received straight A’s all four years; nine students will enter the military service post-graduation; 44 students will play sports in college; and over 140 local awards and scholarships were earned. Plus, the Class of 2026 excelled in the arts and sports, earning a plethora of awards and titles.
“What I think I’ll remember most, though, isn’t any single award, game, performance, or accomplishment. It’s the everyday moments we shared along the way. The conversations in hallways between classes, the Friday night football games, the spirit weeks, Snowball, the spirit weeks, and all the little memories that seemed ordinary at the time, but somehow became the moments we’ll miss the most,” said class president Julia Pullen in her speech at the start of the ceremony, after the welcome speech from principal Matthew Campbell.
Pullen has represented the class of 2026 since freshman year, and she encapsulated the pride and comfort she continuously felt amongst her peers.
“Whether we were close friends or just familiar faces passing each other in the halls, every one of us helped shape what Shawnee felt like,” she said. “Together, we created a community that I’m proud to have been a part of.”
Students Logan Heim and Reagan Kerns also gave speeches, and they each encouraged their peers to cherish every moment and take risks as they leave Shawnee.
“What if the good old days aren’t behind us? What if they’re happening right now? Right now, we are proudly graduating from Shawnee High School. Right now, we are surrounded by people who love us unconditionally, cheering us on during one of the biggest milestones of our lives,” Heim said. “As we go on our own separate paths, let yourselves be captivated by the wonders of life in every waking day. The good old days can stay with you all the time.”
“Remind yourself that it isn’t cringey to be ambitious. No part of working hard will ever be stupid or go to waste. Nothing is embarrassing about wanting a better life and chasing it. In the end, the biggest regret is letting the opinions of others control your life,” Kerns said.
“So whatever comes next, I hope we all stop waiting until we feel completely ready, because we probably never will.”
Shortly after Kerns’ speech, every tassel was turned, every cap was thrown, and every member of the Class of 2026 became a Shawnee alum.
