387 graduates celebrated at the George Gervin Game Above Center
Hundreds of family members and friends filled the George Gervin Game Above Center at Eastern Michigan University on Saturday afternoon as Pioneer High School held its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026.
Performing the ceremonial march was the Pioneer Symphony Band, setting a celebratory tone for the commencement ceremony that recognized not only academic achievement but the character the graduates had forged along the way.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed by the Pioneer Choir, before Principal Desmond Smith stepped to the podium to welcome families, faculty and honored guests, including members of the Superintendent’s cabinet and the Board of Education.
Welcome Address
Principal Smith welcomed the graduates and introduced Superintendent of Schools Jazz Parks and members of the board. In his remarks, he reflected on the journey the Class of 2026 had undertaken.
Smith urged graduates to choose their own path as they leave high school, reminding them that while family and mentors offer guidance, true fulfillment comes from pursuing what genuinely inspires them. He encouraged them to take thoughtful risks, and build a life that reflects their own values rather than others’ expectations. He also emphasizes the importance of cherishing the present moment—connecting with classmates, expressing appreciation, and holding onto memories—since they may never all be together again.
He closes by encouraging them to be brave, be extraordinary, and carry the spirit of a pioneer into their futures.
Sydney, co–Student Council President and President of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, reflected on the honor of representing the Class of 2026. “We made it,” she said, acknowledging that while the journey was not always easy, the class showed up and persevered through every challenge.
As the “COVID kids,” this class experienced a high school career shaped by change, yet still rebuilt traditions and strengthened their community. Fletcher pointed to the phrase “be bold, be brave, be extraordinary, be a Pioneer” as a true reflection of the class. She described boldness as taking risks and showing up authentically, and bravery as continuing forward even when things felt uncertain. Quoting her grandfather, she reminded classmates, “nothing beats a fail but a try.”
She also thanked Pioneer’s teachers and staff for their dedication before highlighting the class’s accomplishments, including numerous athletic championships, national academic and arts recognitions, and hands-on contributions like building a home through the Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program. “We did that,” she said, celebrating the impact of the graduating class
In closing, Fletcher encouraged her classmates to embrace the unknown ahead. With no set roadmap, “you are the author” of what comes next. Whether pursuing college, careers, or other paths, she urged them to carry forward the lessons of Pioneer: “be bold, be brave, be extraordinary.”
She ended on a celebratory note: “Class of 2026… hashtag, we out. Congratulations.”
Retiring Pioneer teacher Don Packard, selected by the Class of 2026 as its Student Choice Keynote Speaker, reflected on the uncertainty that accompanies major transitions. After 38 years in education, he said he has been asked the same question many graduates are hearing now: what’s next? While people readily accept his answer — “I’m not really sure” — he acknowledged that graduates often feel pressure to have their futures mapped out, even when those plans are still taking shape.
Packard reminded students that while graduation marks the end of a familiar routine, they do not have to navigate what comes next alone. Looking back on his own life, he realized that mentors, friends, and family members helped guide him at every stage.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for help. Nobody does life alone.”
He shared how his own path was far from straightforward. As a college student, he began studying engineering before discovering it wasn’t the right fit. A later attempt at business left him equally unfulfilled. It wasn’t until a professor asked him which classes he genuinely enjoyed that Packard recognized his passion for English and writing.
“Why don’t you take more English classes if you love them so much?”
That advice eventually led him toward teaching, but Packard said he truly discovered his life’s purpose while working as a lifeguard and swim instructor. He recalled helping a young girl who was afraid to put her face in the water. After weeks of patient encouragement and small steps forward, he watched her finally swim on her own, gaining confidence and independence.
“Little did I know, but in teaching that little girl to swim, I found my life’s purpose.”
As graduates move into adulthood, Packard encouraged them to pursue the things that genuinely interest them, seek out people who share those interests, and remain open to new experiences. If a path isn’t working, he said, it’s okay to change direction and try something else.
“My generation has left you quite a mess, and today’s world is changing faster than we can record it. But you have an inner strength, even when you’re not feeling strong.”
Packard closed by telling graduates that their years in school have already given them the tools they need to succeed. He urged them to keep moving forward, meet new people, embrace new opportunities, and trust in their ability to adapt. Thanking students, parents, and colleagues for a career he described as “wonderful and long,” he told the Class of 2026 that he looks forward to hearing about both the big and small accomplishments that lie ahead.
The A Cappella Choir sang “You Do Not Walk Alone” by Elaine Hagenberg, a reminder to the graduates that their community would remain a source of strength long after they crossed the stage. The Symphony Band followed with “Windprints” by Richard L. Saucedo.
Special Honors
Dean of Students Keith Wade and Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Eve Claar presided over a special honors recognition, acknowledging students who had distinguished themselves in scholarship, service and athletics throughout their time at the school.
Horatio N. Chute Award — Given to a young man in recognition of outstanding worth in those qualities that make up the finest type of school citizen. Established in the 1920s by alumni to honor Horatio N. Chute, who served Ann Arbor High School for 49 years before retiring in 1922. Winner: Arthur Lessin
Alice Porter Award — Presented annually to a young woman who displays outstanding leadership qualities, high character, and good citizenship. Named for Alice Porter, an outstanding teacher who served the school for 42 years.Winner: Abigail Hood
Mary Ellen Lewis Humanitarian Service Award — Established in 1961 by the faculty to honor Mary Ellen Lewis, who retired after 39 years of service to the youth of Ann Arbor. Given to a young woman considered outstanding in her altruistic attitude toward her classmates, high moral character, dependability, and service above self. Winner: Peyton Peters
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award — Established in the spring of 1968 by the Pioneer High School faculty. Honors two graduating seniors — one male, one female — who exhibit respect and consideration for others regardless of race or status, display leadership in the promotion of equal rights, and have made contributions in the fight to uphold them. Winners: Sydney Fletcher & Isaiah Clifton
Spirit of Pioneer Award — Given to two young adults in honor of their determination and pioneering spirit. Recognizes students who have faced challenges with courage, strength, and resilience, transforming adversity and inspiring others to persevere, dream boldly, and lead with hope. Winners: Nevaeh Carano & Ciaron Conley
Ray Pittman Outstanding Senior Athlete Award (Female) — Selected annually since 1977 by the Ann Arbor Booster Club, this award recognizes an outstanding senior female athlete who is a varsity letter winner, displays good sportsmanship, participates in multiple Pioneer sports, and is a good citizen in both school and community. This year’s recipient earned nine varsity letters across four sports, was a two-time all-stater in wrestling and the first female wrestler in Pioneer history to qualify for the MHSAA state finals, and carries a 4.0 GPA. Winner: Quincy Behm
Ray Pittman Outstanding Senior Athlete Award (Male) — The male counterpart to the above. This year’s recipient was a four-time varsity letter winner and team captain in both Cross Country and Track, was named Michigan’s Mr. Cross Country, is a State Champion in the 3200 meters, and was part of a 4×800 relay team that won the State Championship. He carries a 3.8 GPA and will attend Michigan State University. Winner: Beckett Crooks
Superintendent Jazz Parks expressed pride in the Class of 2026.
“May your journey ahead be filled with joy, purpose, and the character that allows you to continue to not be defined by the things happening around you, but rather gives you the courage to write your own story.
She then formally accepted the Class of 2026 on behalf of the district.
Following the diploma presentations, A Cappella Choir seniors led the graduates and the audience in singing “The Purple and White,” the school’s alma mater.
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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