Broadalbin-Perth celebrates the Class of 2026 at commencement ceremony

The Broadalbin-Perth Central School District celebrated the accomplishments, perseverance, and bright futures of the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony Friday evening at Broadalbin-Perth High School.

Surrounded by family members, friends, faculty, and staff, graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas while reflecting on the lessons, memories, and relationships that shaped their high school years. Throughout the evening, speakers encouraged the newest Broadalbin-Perth alumni to embrace who they are, stay true to their values, and confidently pursue the opportunities ahead.

Principal Adam Barnhart welcomed the graduates by reflecting on the choices they made throughout their time at Broadalbin-Perth. He reminded students that while life will bring challenges, they will always have the power to choose courage, perseverance, integrity, and kindness.

"Your future will not be defined by one moment," Barnhart said. "It will be built one decision, one opportunity, and one choice at a time."

Valedictorian Graden Murphy shared his experience of transferring to Broadalbin-Perth before his junior year and finding a welcoming school community. Drawing on lessons he learned while training to earn his pilot's license, he encouraged his classmates to let go of what weighs them down, adapt when plans change, and keep moving forward through life's challenges.

Salutatorian Jay Mannato spoke about the importance of living with intention, urging graduates to care deeply about the people around them and the choices they make.

"Caring," he said, "is acknowledging the world you live in, the role you play, and your power to influence what that looks like."

Gianna Bianco closed the student addresses by comparing people to gemstones, reminding classmates that their individuality is their greatest strength.

"In a world full of diamonds, be a sapphire, be a ruby, be an emerald," she said. "Your differences are not weaknesses. They are what make you valuable."

Board of Education Vice President Chad Egan encouraged graduates to remember that meaningful success is built through consistent effort, integrity, and character. Comparing life to constructing a building, he said the strongest foundations are often the work no one sees.

"The unseen work matters," Egan said. "In fact, it often matters most."

He reminded students that while diplomas recognize an important milestone, they also represent years of perseverance, growth, and challenges overcome, encouraging graduates to let their actions — rather than their words — define who they are.

Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson reflected on the unique personalities and memories that made the Class of 2026 unforgettable, weaving together the students' own yearbook quotes. He urged graduates to surround themselves with people who encourage them, stay disciplined through challenges, and resist the distractions of negativity.

Using the analogy of an eagle soaring above a crow, Tomlinson encouraged graduates to keep their focus on their goals rather than criticism.

"Don't waste your precious energy fighting the crows," he said. "Instead, change your altitude and keep climbing."

The ceremony also featured a performance of "I'm Gonna Remember This" by members of the Class of 2026 band and chorus. Before diplomas were presented, class co-president Nico Minkler announced the Class of 2026's gift: a $500 scholarship that will be awarded next year to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to community service.

As graduates turned their tassels and celebrated with family and friends, they closed one chapter of their lives and began another — carrying with them the lessons, friendships and memories that will continue to shape their futures.