Congratulations to the WVCS Class of 2026

West Valley Central School honored its graduating Class of 2026 at commencement exercises held Friday, June 26.

Annabelle Proseus delivered the valedictory address, reflecting on the shared journey of the class. "Every challenge, every success, every mistake, and every lesson has helped shape who you are today," Proseus reminded her classmates. "I am so proud of each and every one of you for making it this far, because I know just how far you are going to go."

Salutatorian Payton Ehnes reflected on a class that has shared the same hallways since elementary school, recalling field trips, a senior prank spent camping in front of the school, and the memories in between.

Class President Derik Schoepflin has served in the role since 7th grade, and he used the moment to thank his classmates: "I could never imagine a better group of people to grow up with," he told his classmates. "These guys have been here for me through all the highs and many, many lows. Not a single day went by that I felt alone."

The class selected science teacher Joe Guagliardo as their commencement speaker — a choice that carried special meaning. Guagliardo was a first-year teacher at West Valley when the Class of 2026 first walked into his classroom, and he spent the years since watching them grow as students, athletes, and young adults. "You helped shape my experience at West Valley just as much as I hopefully helped shape yours," he told the graduates. Guagliardo closed his address with a charge to the students: "Stay curious. Stay resilient. Work hard. Support one another. And never underestimate the impact you can have on the people around you."

Board of Education President George Kazmierzak presented diplomas to the graduates, along with superintendent Dan Amodeo and Principal Rachel Mychajluk. With diplomas in hand, West Valley's Class of 2026 concluded the ceremony by leading the audience in the school's alma mater before heading out to celebrate with family and friends.

Watch the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026.