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RIDGELY – The North Caroline High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated their graduation and the unlimited possibilities of the future on May 28, 2026, inside the NCHS stadium.
NCHS’s guidance office said that the Class of 2026 received an estimated $4.1 million total in scholarships, with over 180 students planning to attend a higher education institution, whether it be for a two-year, four-year, or trade-based program. Graduates Emma Russell, Kylie Ogden, and Ingrid Diaz were awarded the famed Greenly Scholarship. The Mid-Shore Community Foundation awarded over $615,000 in 111 total scholarships, and Chesapeake College distributed $31,440 to 25 deserving graduates.
In addition to those planning to continue their education, five seniors have already decided to go into the armed forces. United States Army recruits include Keith Truxton III, Ben Davis, Aarron Bjorklund, and Selena Lopez, while Darly Di Ortega-Miguel will be going into the United States Air Force.
Three impressive graduates were recognized for their character through two staff-voted awards, the Presidential Award and Citizenship Award. “[These] are considered to be the most prestigious awards we give. They are not based upon grades or test scores, athletic ability, or special talents. Their selection is based upon leadership, school involvement, community activities, their ability to work with peers and teachers, their honesty and integrity,” said Spiker. Glother Gabriel and George Schwaeble were selected for the Citizenship Award, and Josselyn Mazareigos Raymundo took home the Presidential Award.
309 total graduates filed onto the stadium to receive their diplomas. Words of wisdom were shared by NCHS Principal Matt Spiker, Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons, CCPS Board of Education members Mark Jones and Chrissy Bartz, and the guest commencement speaker, former NCHS Vice Principal Thomas Jefferson. A common theme in their words was the unpredictability of the future, the vast opportunities that lie ahead, and the idea that a non-linear path is sometimes for the best.
“Find your why, stay true to yourself, and remember it’s never too late to start,” said Jefferson. He spoke of his unconventional pathway to becoming an educator, assistant principal, and now principal, having worked jobs from construction worker to corrections officer. “I realized I was moving through life. I had goals and dreams, but I never truly planned for them. I was existing, but not living with a purpose.” After deciding to go back to school full time while working and raising two young children alongside his wife, Jefferson said he thought finding a teaching job after graduating college would be simple. “I was turned down four times…that could have been the moment I gave up.” Instead, he accepted a position as a classroom aide and has worked his way up the ladder since. “I share my story tonight because I want you to understand something important: your path does not have to look like everyone else’s. Some of you already know exactly what you want to do. Some of you are still figuring it out. Some of you may change your minds multiple times along the way…always remember it is never too late to start.”
Valedictorian Matthew Thornton thanked the influences that got himself and his peers where they are today: parents, guardians, mentors, school staff and administrators, and even buffalo chicken nachos. Salutatorian Emma Davis told her class to “have the courage and determination to keep moving forward.” Through tears, Class of 2026 President Miranda Rubio Angeles also thanked her family, speaking in Spanish.
Dr. Simmons left the graduates with four key principals: do your job with enthusiasm no matter what, never make someone feel small for needing help, keep your personal issues separate from your professional life, and reject a “that’s not my job” mentality.
As the students walked the stage and shook hands with their now former Principal, each one handed Spiker a miniature bulldog figurine, a surprise for him to navigate as he was busy handing out diplomas and snapping photos with each graduate. “This class is amazing…thank you all from the bottom of my heart. That meant so much, I appreciate you all,” he said. Another surprise was the unveiling of a new “Top Dog” trophy in honor of the Class of 2026 for having won all four consecutive homecoming float competitions. The trophy will henceforth be passed along to each class that wins the competition, as Board Member Chrissy Bartz put it, to mark the legacy of the NCHS Class of 2026.
