Columbus valedictorian Colby Lewis takes a selfie during his speech for the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, May 21 at Memorial Stadium. Photo courtesy of Lewis
The Columbus High School Class of 2026 donned bright red gowns, decorated caps and honorary cords to cross the graduation stage and celebrate with friends and family May 21 at Memorial Stadium.
The 120 outgoing students earned over $615,000 in scholarships and included 14 honor graduates.
This year was also the first year Columbus High still had a sports team competing in a state tournament after graduation, an honor that belongs to the Lady Cardinals softball team.
Ava Weidemann led the Pledge of Allegiance and Gracie Schobel provided the opening. Ryan Carruthers was the salutatorian and Colby Lewis was the valedictorian.
The students chose “Good Riddance” by Green Day as the class song and picked as their motto “We did alright for a couple of goofballs,” quoted from SpongeBob SquarePants. The class colors were red, white and gold. The class flower was red and white carnations.
Thea Schobel (back left), Savannah Daniel, Caylie Neisner and Gracie Schobel (front) hug after graduating from Columbus High School May 21 at Memorial Stadium. All photos below by The Citizen | Allison Drinnon
Ava Weidemann (right) hugs a friend after graduating with fellow members of the Columbus High School Class of 2026 May 21 at Memorial Stadium.
Jadyn Ross is embraced by numerous family and friends following commencement exercises May 21 at Memorial Stadium at Columbus High School.
Columbus High School valedictorian Colby Lewis switches the tassel on his graduation cap, Thursday, May 21, at Memorial Stadium.Cayson Fitzgerald (second from left) crosses the stage to receive his diploma from board member Michele Eden during the Columbus High School commencement observance May 21 at Memorial Stadium. Brody Vinklarek and Caylie Neisner joined him onstage.Jase Rau fist-bumps Jennifer Demers after crossing the stage during the Columbus High School graduation ceremony May 21 at Memorial Stadium. Rau also greeted teachers Garrett Schindler (second from left) and Zachary Venghaus.Columbus High School seniors decorated their graduation caps for the ceremony, Thursday, May 21, at Memorial Stadium.
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