Graduates gather with family and faculty at the George Gervin GameAbove Center to mark the end of their high school journey
The Skyline High School Class of 2026 celebrated commencement at Eastern Michigan University’s George Gervin GameAbove Center, where graduates, families, faculty, and staff gathered to mark the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another.
The ceremony opened with the Skyline Orchestra performing Elgar’s Fanfare and Processional as graduates entered the arena. The Skyline Choirs followed with a combined arrangement of The Star-Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing, before performing Initio Vitae, a choral work by Stuart Scott.
Principal Casey Elmore welcomed the Class of 2026 and reflected on the milestone they had reached.
Representing the senior class, Henry Ward shared remarks with his classmates, looking back on their time at Skyline and ahead to the opportunities that await them.
Henry reflected on graduation as both an achievement and a deeply meaningful journey, opening with “The big day is here and it seems a little surreal,” and emphasizing that the graduates have earned this day. He highlighted the range of experiences that shaped the Class of 2026—from academics and athletics to personal growth—noting that “I got to figure out who I was; I learned more about myself than anything.”
He explained that he pursued the role of commencement speaker to show love and appreciation to the class, and gathered insight from staff about what defined their class. A key takeaway came from Principal Andre Criswell, who pointed to Skyline’s core values: “Agile Minds, Big Hearts, and Deep Questions.” Henry reflected on how these values came to life through everyday experiences, from collaboration and tutoring to small acts of kindness, realizing that “we didn’t just hear those words, we became them through our action and effort.”
He concluded by urging his classmates to recognize those who supported them, encouraging them to thank the people who stayed by their sides as they grew up, and expressing deep appreciation for their teachers.
Henry ended on a celebratory note, affirming their accomplishment and community pride: “Great job. Love you all. Go Eagles!”
Members of the Senior Student Leadership Council then presented the class gift.
Speaking on behalf of Skyline’s four pillars were Shyanna McCraney for Integrity, Emily Mei for Diversity, Madison Duniec for Equality, and Daniel Zhou for Academic Innovation.
The Skyline administration team delivered the commencement address before Superintendent Jazz Parks spoke to the Class of 2026, assuring them that this is their moment.
“You have earned your place here today,” she said, “where you will not only become Skyline High School graduates, but you will also become alumni who will forever be a part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools community.”
Following the conferring of diplomas, the Skyline Choirs and Orchestras joined together to perform the school’s Alma Mater. The ceremony concluded with Elgar’s “Fanfare and Recessional” as the newest Skyline alumni departed the arena.
You can watch CTN’s complete broadcast of the graduation ceremony here. Check out more photos from the event on the Ann Arbor Public Schools Facebook page.
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