Class of 2026 is Resilient, Ready, and Rewriting the Future

Nearly 4,000 seniors celebrated a milestone years in the making as Seattle Public Schools honored its graduating class. 

The World Cup didn’t stop families from turning out in droves, packing venues with cheers, signs, and flowers as students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. In total, nearly 4,000 diplomas were awarded—each one a symbol of perseverance, growth, and triumph. 

Graduations for the district’s nine comprehensive high schools were held at McCaw Hall June 15–17 while Memorial Stadium remains under construction. Alternative school ceremonies took place at locations across the city the week prior, ensuring every graduate had their moment to celebrate. 

For many in the Class of 2026, the journey began under unusual circumstances. In 2022, they entered high school as freshmen after spending formative years learning online during the COVID-19 pandemic—navigating social awkwardness, uncertainty, and a very different version of school life. From those early days of screens and distance, they’ve grown into a class defined by resilience and adaptability. 

They also came of age in a rapidly changing world—one shaped by the rise of artificial intelligence, widespread activism, and ongoing conversations about equity and justice. Along the way, they found connections through culture that defined their early high school years. Popular favorites included TV shows like “Euphoria” and “Stranger Things,” songs like “As It Was” by Harry Styles and “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals. Nationally, they lived through significant moments such as the ongoing COVID-19 recovery, the war in Ukraine, and continued movements for racial justice. 

At commencement ceremonies, student speakers reflected on these shared experiences, encouraging their peers to use their voices, challenge the status quo, and make meaningful change. A consistent message rang out across stages to be kind—even when no one is watching—and define success on your own terms. 

Districtwide recognitions were paired with moments of remembrance. Many schools honored classmates and staff members who passed away before graduation, calling their names into the celebration. At one ceremony, family members of two seniors who were killed in January accepted diplomas on their behalf—an emotional reminder of both loss and community. 

Class of 2026 Standouts 

Ballard High School graduated 368 students, with an impressive 98% of seniors having enrolled in at least one advanced course. The class demonstrated strong engagement beyond academics as well, with 512 cords awarded for participation in sports, clubs, student unions, and the arts. On average, each Ballard graduate was involved in 1.4 extracurricular activities, reflecting a well-rounded and highly engaged class. 

The Center School’s 41 seniors had a strong showing of achievement across arts, academics, and service. Students earned multiple honors, including three Allied Arts Foundation awards, three Seattle Schools Scholarships, two valedictorians, six Washington State Honors Awards, and two National Honor Society recognitions. Five students logged more than 150 hours of community service. In addition to their accolades, seniors actively engaged in civic life, meeting with legislators in March to advocate for issues important to them.

Cleveland STEM High School’s 218 graduates distinguished themselves in STEM pathways and scholarship success. Three of the eight recipients of the prestigious Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship in Washington state were Cleveland seniors. Additionally, Cleveland students led the state with 30 Washington Opportunity Scholarship Baccalaureate winners, with each student earning up to $22,500 to support their college education. 

Middle College’s 24 graduates made a powerful impact—literally! During a lighthearted moment in the ceremony, Hiba Redewn broke a board after her name was read at graduation showing off her Taekwondo skills. Academically, every student earned college credit through Running Start. Among them, Jer’Miya West stood out for being accepted to 29 universities and receiving full ride offers from Harvard, Yale, Clark, and North Carolina A&T. She ultimately chose North Carolina A&T, the largest Historically Black College and University in the country.  

West Seattle High School celebrated 345 graduates, with several students continuing their studies or specialized programming. Academic excellence stood out, with 18 valedictorians earning perfect 4.0 GPAs and one student named a National Merit Scholarship finalist. The school also saw six students complete pre-apprenticeship programs. Beyond academics, the school can boast that 261 seniors applied to Seattle Promise by the first deadline. 

As caps flew into the air and celebrations continued across Seattle, one thing was clear: the Class of 2026 is ready. Ready to lead, to innovate, and to shape a future that reflects their values and vision. 

Congratulations, Class of 2026—your next chapter starts now.