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FEDERALSBURG – Colonel Richardson High School launched 110 new alumni in a festive yet dignified evening commencement ceremony in the school’s auditorium on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The rural school’s 65th annual commencement began promptly at 6 p.m., and by 7:15 p.m. the newly minted graduates were filing out with their tassels turned.
Entering to the familiar tune “Pomp and Circumstance,” Board of Education administrators and members, as well as CRHS faculty, wore their academic regalia, while the graduates assembled on stage wearing black gowns, white stoles bearing the CRHS insignia, and many draped with colorful cords denoting awards and activities.
On the front row sat student leaders, including Valedictorian Jeffrey Lin and Salutatorian Fatima Amjad. Lin received the University of Maryland Banneker/Key Scholarship, a “full-ride” award which includes tuition, textbooks, room and board.
Highlights of the ceremony included recognizing top students, with remarks by Principal Jared Sherman, Caroline County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons, school board member Troy Plutschak, and Senior Class Co-Presidents Violet Cheezum and Blaiden Roe.
A Colonel tradition is the passing of the school flag to the rising senior class. Accepting the flag from Senior Class Spirit Officer Jordan Poole was Junior Class President Ella Downie.
Under the direction of Director Thomas Cheezum, the CRHS “Spirit of the Revolution” Band helped open the ceremony with the National Anthem, and conclude it with Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
The keynote speaker was Class of 2006 alumnus Ryan Edgell, who teaches physical and cultural geography, psychology and AP psychology at his alma mater. He called the Class of 2026 “a bright, creative, outgoing and savvy group of young men and women” who are “more than ready for (the future).”
He advised them in a world of “AI and misinformation” to “be curious, but demand evidence,” and to “approach every situation objectively (and) most importantly, you’ve got to find the humor.”
“This world you're entering will challenge you, test you, inspire you, change you – but you have already proven that you possess the determination, the resilience and the strength to rise to the occasion,” Edgell said. “Continue to question, continue to learn, and never forfeit your ability to laugh through the difficult moments, and when necessary, at yourself. Hold firmly to your curiosity, your integrity, and your humanity, because it is those qualities that will carry you farther than any title or achievement ever will.”
Receiving the Maryland Governor’s Award were students in the top 5% of the class: Fatima Amjad, Emma Brewer, Breanna Joseph, Kaley Lednum, Jeffrey Lin and Leah Vanderhoff.
Nearly half of the graduates earned scholarships totaling $498,266, with $344,820 of institutional aid self-reported by students. Of the Class of 2026, 37 dual-enrollment students graduated with college credit; 27 students earned Distinguished Honors, 14 earned High Honors, and 13 earned Honors; and 78 grads are going on to higher education.
Thirty students were invited in the National Honor Society, 80 were CTE student completers, 36 are entering the work force and one student, Dani Morales, enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves.
As each graduate’s named was called by School Counselor Jennifer Reed, they walked across the stage to receive their black Maryland diploma folder. Each was cheered and applauded by family and friends. However, a couple of the more enthusiastic graduates elicited gasps. One quickly tossed about $50 in one-dollar bills towards the assembly, but most landed on the floor in front of the stage. The other shed his boots and landed a flip before receiving his diploma folder.
The three Caroline County Commissioners posted their congratulations on social media. “Caroline County is proud to watch you step into this next chapter with determination, kindness, and resilience,” the letter stated. “Never forget where you came from or the community that will always be cheering you on.”
Likewise, the Town of Federalsburg posted encouragement on its Facebook page: “This is not just the end of senior year. It is the beginning of the lives you are about to build. Go chase big dreams. Take chances. Support one another. Make memories. And never be afraid to leave your mark on the world. Once a Colonel, always a Colonel.”
