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JERSEY SHORE AREA
SCHOOL NEWS 570.398.1561 • www. jsasd. org
Class of 2026 Celebrates Community, Kindness, and Opportunity
For years, our students have heard me say,“ Be at your best, make others around you better.” As we celebrated the Class of 2026, it was clear that our students have taken this to heart. While each student speaker shared a unique perspective on their experience at Jersey Shore, a common theme emerged: success is not achieved alone. Their reflections celebrated the friendships, connections, kindness, and the pride of being a member of our Bulldog Nation.
Class President R. Dittmar spoke about the resilience and growth that emerged from years of navigating exams, athletic seasons, performances, clubs, and the everyday challenges of student life. Roman said,“ At the end of the day, we built something that actually matters: a community.” Dittmar reminded classmates that success is not measured by always having the right answers, but by having the courage to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward, knowing you’ ve got the Bulldog Nation behind you.
Salutatorian Julia Herman offered appreciation,“ To every loved one that encouraged us, supported us, and advocated for us along the way, I thank you. Without your continuous support, we graduates wouldn’ t be where we are today.” Herman emphasized that the true value of the high school experience cannot be found in a transcript, but rather in the friendships, memories, and stories that graduates will take with them. While the class was marked by many talents, she highlighted kindness as its defining characteristic.
Valedictorian Briar Cohick encouraged graduates to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. She emphasized the importance of forming connections and remaining open to new experiences. Quoting the film La La Land, Cohick reminded her classmates that“ someone in the crowd could take you where you want to go, if you’ re the someone ready to be found.” She challenged graduates to lead with openness and kindness, as those are“ the key factors to putting yourself in the perfect place to be found.”
The Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of kindness, community, perseverance, and connection. As graduates embark on new paths, they carry with them the lessons learned from one another: ask questions, value relationships, seize opportunities, and never underestimate the power of kindness. Roman Dittmar said it best,“ As you move on in life, whether that’ s being close to home or far away, remember one thing … it will always be A Great Day To Be A Bulldog!”
by Justin Armbruster, High School Principal Please patronize this fine local sponsor of JSASD News:
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