Photo by Roger Coda Giada Kirell, the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, delivers her address

More than 150 students who pioneered a new educational chapter in the Dunkirk City School District were awarded diplomas in a Saturday morning ceremony at SUNY Fredonia’s Harry A. King Concert Hall.

The story of these graduates, commented Director of Secondary Education Corey Markham, “is unlike any other class that has come before you.” They entered Dunkirk Middle and High School as the first eighth-grade class in school history.

“You helped define what it meant to be a middle and high school student under one roof,” said Markham, who served as master of ceremonies and presented class highlights. School Superintendent Brian Swatland welcomed guests to the school’s 168th commencement that drew a near capacity crowd.

Moreover, students began their journey when schools were still finding their footing after the COVID pandemic. Routines had changed, and many school traditions were interrupted. But students persevered, adapted and, more importantly, “you did it all together,” Markham beamed with pride.

In her address, class salutatorian Ryleigh Donato said this day means more to students than being awarded diplomas; it’s also about acknowledging those who supported them in their educational journey, citing contributions and support from parents, siblings, and grandparents as well as administrators, teachers, counselors, and coaches.

Photo by Roger Coda Laci Delcamp and Ella Biddlecom (from left) and Olivia Rivera prepare to turn their tassels.

“I know my classmates would agree; our school is filled with some outstanding role models,” remarked Donato, who will study nursing at Jamestown Community College.

Class Valedictorian Giada Kirell thanked the school staff for “sticking with us these past few years through thick and thin, for helping us to grow into the people we were today.”

During the last four years, Kirell explained, “many of us found ourselves, our groups and became who we are today.” Kirell counts herself among students who welcome the closing of this educational chapter at Dunkirk and are now ready for new adventures.

“While we are all pursuing a variety of different goals, trying to find our purpose, Dunkirk has prepared us for the journey ahead,” said Kirell, who will major in digital marketing and sport management at Niagara University.

As today’s graduates reflect on their high school careers, Senior Class President Olivia Cole said, “we remember the moments that have shaped us into who we are today. We’ve celebrated victories, learned from setbacks, and faced challenges that pushed us to become stronger, more capable versions of ourselves.”

Photo by Roger Coda Isiah Durling proudly displays his Dunkirk High School diploma.

What students will remember are the moments that brought them together and the legacy they leave behind, Cole said. “Today marks the end of one chapter, but not the end of our story. The rest is still unwritten.”

The parents of all three students were recognized by hearty applause.

Board Vice President Claudia Szczerbacki presented diplomas to the grads-to-be as they crossed the concert hall stage. Spirit of DHS Award winners Alexander Biscaro and Mekiah Sedlacek led the traditional turning of the tassels.

Madelynn Wait is the recipient of the two honors: the John J. and Helen B. Mancuso Scholarship and the Dunkirk Teachers Association Award.

Alexander Biscaro, the Principal’s Award winner, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The NJROTC color guard posted the colors. Hanan Mohamed Narvaez sang the “Star Spangled Banner,” accompanied by organist Tonia Piede.

Photo by Roger Coda Madelynn Waite, recipient of the John and Helen B. Mancuso Scholarship and the Dunkirk Teacher Association awards, with Jill Domenico, chair of the high school Social Studies department and graduate of Dunkirk High School and SUNY Fredonia.

These seniors were an integral part a highly successful athletic program. The boys’ basketball team won the league championship and set a milestone by shattering the all-time scoring record and, notably, swept the series against rival Fredonia. The girls’ bowling team won another league title and Unified Basketball netted first place in their bracket.

Announcement of Eva Colon DeJesus becoming the first female wrestler in school history to quality for the New York Championships drew hearty applause.

“Eva’s accomplishment reminds us all that barriers are meant to be broken and that perseverance often creates opportunities for those who follow,” Markham said.

The seniors selected health teacher Kimberly Delgado as the school’s “Teacher of the Year.”

How this class achieved success is really how this class stands out, according to Markham. “Mekiah (Sedlacek) consistently preached something that perfectly captures the spirit of the Class of 2026: ‘We are all best friends here.'”

“Those five words say more about your class than any statistic, championship, or award,” Markham continued. “You supported one another. You celebrated one another. You persevered together.”

He urged students to remember the words that defined their class: “We are all best friends here.”