There were smiles everywhere Sunday as 211 seniors from Marshfield High School crossed the stage and officially became the Class of 2026.
The graduation ceremony was held at O'Reilly Family Event Center on the campus of Drury University, and by all accounts, the place was packed.
“It looked to me like every seat was filled,” Marshfield High School Principal Nicki Thompson said. “There were quite a few people standing as well. It was pretty packed.”
And honestly, that’s about what you’d expect for a class this size. Families filled the arena. Cameras flashed constantly. Every graduate seemed to have a cheering section somewhere in the crowd.
Thompson said the ceremony featured several student speakers this year. Molly Henry spoke as student body president, while Gioia Frick and Saquiyah Francois delivered the main student speeches. Gracie Wester gave the introductory remarks.
The district’s superintendent, Mike Henry, also addressed graduates before members of the Board of Education handed out diplomas.
Thompson said student speakers go through a tryout process each spring. Interested seniors prepare speeches ahead of time and audition in April.
“All of these students had really strong messages,” Thompson said. “We thought they would be good for the entire audience to hear.”
Graduation photos are expected to be shared soon through the Marshfield High School Facebook page and the Marshfield High School Counseling Department Facebook page. Thompson said Greenbox Photography handled graduation photography this year and will provide free downloadable images for graduates and families.
She also noted that the Project Graduation committee is providing each graduate with a free printed 5-by-7 diploma photo, which students will receive with diploma packets in early June.
For the Class of 2026, it was a night filled with applause, proud families, and plenty of memories that probably won’t fade anytime soon.
