West Liberty-Salem Schools hosted graduation exercises for the Class of 2026 during the district’s 65th Commencement Ceremony Sunday evening, May 24, in the high school gymnasium.  

Ninety-two seniors crossed the stage to receive their diplomas surrounded by family, friends, staff and community members. 

The ceremony opened with greetings from High School Principal Dr. Greg Johnson and Superintendent Kraig Hissong.  

Class officer Amani Grantham welcomed the audience on behalf of the graduates and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and High School Counselor Molly Smith recognized the Top 10 Seniors of the graduating class. 

Dr. Johnson introduced Salutatorian Emma Smith, who delivered her address titled “Stepping Outside of Our Comfort Zone.”  

Co-Valedictorian Geneva Estep followed with her speech, “Dear Younger Me,” and Co-Valedictorian Dylan King concluded the student addresses with “What’s at the Finish Line?” 

Rounding out the top 10 students are: Emery Longaberger, fourth; Lyndee Harrison, fifth; Elijah Christison, sixth; Levi Miller and Victoria Douthwaite, tied for seventh; Caleb Ling, ninth; and Brevin Louden, 10^th.  

Closing remarks were delivered by class officer Emery Longaberger before Garrett Wallen led the traditional moving of the tassels. 

Musical selections throughout the evening were provided by the West Liberty-Salem Band under the direction of Paul Waibel and the West Liberty-Salem Choir directed by Anastasia Hiatt. 

The Class of 2026 leaves West Liberty-Salem with an impressive record of academic achievement and future readiness. Of the graduating class: 

• 46 percent will attend a four-year college or university; 

• 13 percent will attend a community college or trade school; 

• 36 percent will enter the workforce; and  

• 5% will serve in a branch of the United States Armed Forces. 

The class also achieved remarkable success through the College Credit Plus (CCP) program. Collectively, the Class of 2026 earned 1,577 free college semester hours, representing more than $551,000 in tuition savings based on the average tuition rate of a four-year public university. 

In total, 55 seniors earned college credit during high school, averaging 28 semester hours per student and saving nearly $10,000 each toward future college degrees. 

Military Recognition for the Class of 2026 includes: Ohio Air National Guard – Sam Strapp; and U.S. Army Reserves – Tevis Cox, Bradley Petry and Jake Lauck.