Page 2 Monticello Graduation • Thursday, June 4, 2026
MONTICELLO— On the evening of Friday, June 5, 2026, Monticello High School’ s 139th graduating class of 352 students will earn diplomas, joining more than 14,587 alumni who have taken part in the school’ s long-standing commencement tradition.
Graduation day will begin with rehearsal at 10 a. m. Later that evening, students and advisors will gather at 6:15 p. m. for the commencement ceremony, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p. m. at the Monticello High School Stadium. Family members, friends and community supporters are expected to fill the stadium as the Class of 2026 marks the milestone together.
During the ceremony, all 16 valedictorians will have the opportunity to address their classmates, staff and parents. The students earned the distinction after maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average throughout all four years of high school.
The 2026 MHS valedictorians are: Alexandra Andrist, Hannah Chaffins, Calvin Chang, Julia DeChene, Nicholas Green, Alisha Grue, Lauren Hansen, Koleson Ketchum, Ellie Koprek, Ruby Minder, Meah Morris, Eve Nygaard, Claire Paumen, Abby Ruda, Addison Ruda and Samantha Voll.
Junior Honor Guard members will also assist with this year’ s graduation ceremony, helping guide and support the proceedings. These 11thgrade students currently hold 4.0 GPAs and are on track to become next year’ s valedictorians for the Class of 2027.
Members of the Junior Honor Guard are: Adalynn Biegler, Evey Bluhm, Alexis Brown, Kamryn Dahlke, Grace Gustafson, Veronica Joseph,
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Rivers, Cole Schwickerath, Katelyn Suckow, Callan Turner and Evan Ziemer.
Following commencement, seniors will head to Monticello Middle School for the annual chemical-free All-Night Graduation Party, an event organized by parents and supported by numerous local businesses and community sponsors. The overnight celebration has become a longstanding tradition aimed at giving graduates a safe way to celebrate together one final time as classmates.
The graduating seniors were also recognized during several events held throughout May. On May 13, Monticello High School hosted its monticellotimes. com
Monticello High School to send off 352 graduates
annual Senior Awards Program, where scholarships were presented and Monticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry awards recognized a variety of academic accomplishments and student achievements.
In addition, the annual Baccalaureate Program took place Wednesday, May 27, in the MHS Performing Arts Center, offering graduates, families and community members an opportunity to reflect on the transition from high school to the next chapter ahead.
For the Monticello High School Class of 2026, graduation marks the close of one journey— and the start of many more. A tassel worth the hassle, as they say.
The best investment is in yourself.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!