At Newton Community High School, the excitement of graduation season is officially underway as members of the Class of 2026 recently took part in Decision Day, a nationwide tradition that recognizes seniors as they commit to their plans after high school.
Hallways at NCHS were filled with pride, anticipation, and just a little bit of nostalgia as students shared where life will take them next. From college commitments and trade programs to military service and entering the workforce, Decision Day highlighted the wide range of opportunities being pursued by NCHS seniors.
Students showed off their future plans in a variety of ways—wearing college apparel, sharing announcements with classmates, and celebrating alongside friends who have been part of their journey for the past four years. The event served as both a celebration and a reflection of the hard work it took to reach this point.
Decision Day is about more than just choosing a destination—it’s about recognizing the dedication behind each student’s path. Over the past year, seniors have balanced coursework, extracurricular activities, applications, interviews, and important life decisions. This moment brings all of that effort into focus.
At NCHS, the day also reinforces an important message: every path forward is worth celebrating. Whether a student is heading to a university, enrolling in a technical program, joining the military, or stepping directly into a career, each decision represents a meaningful step toward the future.
For families and staff, the event is a proud milestone—and a reminder that graduation is just around the corner. The Class of 2026 is preparing to turn the page, carrying with them the lessons, friendships, and memories made at Newton Community High School.
As these seniors move forward, Decision Day stands as a powerful symbol of what’s ahead: new opportunities, new challenges, and the beginning of the next chapter.
Front Row Left to Right: Chloe Sutter, Roxie Kuhl, Kelsie Leffler, Rhyc Bierman, Tieler Long, Megan Miller, London Will, Kaitlyn McClure, Mackenzie Holder, Morgan Schafer, Shay Bennett, Layna Marshall, Lily Yager, Laura Gentry, Brianna Zwilling, Peyton Tandy, Kylee Smelley, Alexandria Tarr, Delanee Parsons
Second Row: Ana Naranjo Ramos, Tanner Whitaker, Michael Kennedy, Kaleb Kocher, Kahlin Michl, Sienna Mitchell, Joslynn Pitcher, Isabelle Probst, Peyton Willenborg, Audrey Elliott, Katie Biernan, Elliott Kocher, Lucy Bierman, Sophia Kidwell, Zoey Michl, Kahlyn McGrath, Kylie Higgs, Karly Deckard
Third Row: Daniel Lowery, Wade Ochs, Noah Goad, Hydi Bierman, Isabel Meinhart, Reed Tharp, Kody Bergbower, Ryan Spiker, Dominic Baltzell, Caleb Flasch, Adam Weber, A.J. Pitcher, Parker Shaffer, Johnnie Brant, Wyatt Ochs, Jailyn Hall, Audrie Reich
Fourth Row: Eathan Florey, Alex Birchfield, Lance Volk, Dexter Fulton, Hayden Borgic, Matt Haskett, Owen Schackmann, Blake Harris, Greyson Dow, Drake Wolf, Turner Tarr, Dalton Marshall, Brady Bergbower, Cameron Newkirk, Sadie Iffert
Front Row: Left to Right Megan Miller, Sienna Mitchell, London WIll, Kaitlyn McClure, Mackenzie Holder, Morgan Schafer, Joslynn Pitcher, Izzy Probst, Sadie Iffert. Second Row: Matthew Haskett, Hayden Borgic, Reed Tharp, Kody Bergbower, Drake Wolf, Turner Tarr, Cameron Newkirk
SIUE Left to Right: Blake Harris, Kahlin Michl, Zoey Michl, Isabel Meinhart, Elliott Kocher, Kylie Higgs
EIU: Karly Deckard, Kahlyn McGrath, Jailyn Hall, Rhyc Bierman, Kelsie Leffler. Second Row: Noah Goad, Lance Volk, Ana Naranjo Ramos, Chloe Sutter, Tieler Long.
Kaskaskia College: Dominic Baltzell, Peyton Willenborg, Allison Brummer
Wabash Valley College: Katie Bierman and Laura Gentry
Illinois State: Lily Yager
Southern Illinois University: Audrey Elliott and Shay Bennett
Olney Central College: Allie Tarr, Roxie Kuhl, Audrie Reich, Brianna Zwilling. Second Row: Eathan Florey, Caleb Flasch, Greyson Dow, Alex Birchfield.
Indiana State University: Lucy Bierman
Royal School of Cosmetology Sophia Kidwell
Lincoln Trail College: Michael Kennedy and Hydi Bierman
Vincennes University: Layna Marshall
Military: Parker Schaffer, Wyatt Ochs, Johnnie Brant, Delanee Parsons
Trades: Wade Ochs and Dalton Marshall
University of Illinois: Ryan Spiker
Illinois Wesleyan University: Owen Schackmann
Knox College: Dexter Fulton
Cedarville University: A. J. Pitcher
Ozark Christian College: Tanner Whitaker
Called College: Kaleb Kocher
Monmouth College: Luke Farley
