The Newton Community High School Class of 2026 officially crossed the stage Saturday evening during commencement ceremonies held in the NCHS Gymnasium.
The ceremony featured traditional graduation elements, including the processional performed by the high school band with “Pomp & Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, opening and closing prayers, recognition of academic excellence and military honors, presentation of graduates, and the awarding of diplomas by members of the Jasper County Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education.
Principal Beth Probst welcomed those in attendance and also handled the recognition of academic excellence and military honors, along with the presentation of graduates. Lily Yager spoke as NCHS Student Body President during the ceremony.
Special music for the National Anthem was provided by Lucy Bierman, Karly Deckard, and Sadie Iffert. Owen Schackmann delivered the opening prayer, while Hayden Borgic gave the closing prayer.
Dan Blankenship served as Class Sponsor and conducted the roll call of graduates.
Diplomas were presented by Board of Education President Mandy Rieman.
The Class of 2026 Executive Board included Allison Brummer, Audrey Elliott, Joslynn Pitcher, and Isabelle Probst.
Graduation marshals were Allie Hermann, Zoe Luthy, Alayna Ochs, Jacob Petitjean, Claire Probst, Grace Schumacher, and Michael Shamhart.
School officials recognized the accomplishments of the graduating class while family members, friends, and community supporters packed the gymnasium to celebrate the milestone occasion.
The ceremony program also noted distinctions for graduates, including National Beta Club membership, Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, and military honors cords.
Second Row: Isabel Meinhart, David Ferguson, Ryan Spiker, Zoey Michl, Morgan Schafer , Mackenzie Holder, Isabel Probst, Roxie Kuhl, Peyton Willenborg, Jailyn HallAudrey Elliott.
Third Row: Kahlin Michl, Kaleb Kocher, Brady Bergbower, Michael Kennedy, Reed Tharp, Sophia Kidwell, Tieler Long, Alexis McNary, Sadie Iffert, Chloe Sutter, Dexter Fulton, Joslynn Pitcher.
Fourth Row: Tanner Whitaker, Hayden Borgic, A.J. Pitcher, Owen Schackmann, Lance Volk, Adam Weber, Alex Gier, Luke Farley, Cameron Newkirk, Drake Wolf, Wyatt Ochs, Wade Ochs
