WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools celebrated the Class of 2026 on Friday, as graduates crossed the stage surrounded by family, friends, staff and the community members who supported them throughout their journey.

Held at Fisher Field, the evening recognized not only academic achievement, but also the experiences, relationships and memories that shaped the graduating class over the past 13 years.

The ceremony opened with a senior-created multimedia presentation by Daisy Leyva Solis, Emilia Samaranayake and Khloe Shepherd, highlighting moments from the Class of 2026’s journey. The Warsaw Community High School Band, directed by Mark Ziegler and David Knouse, performed the traditional processional while the WCHS JROTC presented the Colors. The Festival Choir, under the direction of Marilyn Mason, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Throughout the evening, student speakers reflected on perseverance, hope, family and the opportunities that lie ahead. Senior Class President Daisy Leyva Solis welcomed guests and shared heartfelt reflections on the sacrifices made by families whose hard work and perseverance helped students reach graduation day. She encouraged classmates to remain proud of where they come from while boldly pursuing their futures and thanked the teachers, mentors and loved ones who helped guide students along the way.

Principal Troy Akers reflected on the Class of 2026's journey over the past four years, revisiting milestones, accomplishments and memories that defined their high school experience. He challenged graduates to recognize their own worth and potential, encouraging them to reject negative self-talk and approach the future with confidence, self-esteem and belief in themselves. Akers reminded students that they are strong, capable and prepared to meet whatever opportunities and challenges lie ahead. The ceremony also included a Moment of Remembrance, honoring loved ones who continue to hold a special place in the hearts of the graduating class.

Student Body President Kristina Kolembe welcomed guests and celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.  Reflecting on the journey to graduation, she acknowledged the challenges and memories that brought the class to this moment and reminded graduates that while their paths may soon lead in different directions, they will always share a common bond as Warsaw Tigers.

Later in the ceremony, she returned to the stage to lead the turning of the tassels, officially marking the transition from students to alumni.

Commencement speaker Ian Parrott centered his remarks around the class motto, “Love the life you live. Live the life you love” by Bob Marley.  Ian encouraged graduates to embrace hope during seasons of uncertainty and challenge. He reflected on the many talents and accomplishments represented within the graduating class and reminded students to continue pursuing their goals while appreciating the people and moments that shaped them. Parrott challenged graduates to enjoy the present, remain hopeful for the future and strive to make their mark on the world.

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert reflected on the lasting impact the graduating class has made on Warsaw Community Schools and reminded students that they are now part of a 182-year tradition of public education in the Warsaw community. He recognized the perseverance and growth demonstrated by the Class of 2026 throughout their educational journey and encouraged graduates to carry the mission and values of Warsaw Community Schools with them wherever life may lead.

Board members Heather Reichenbach (president), Matt Deuel (vice president), Melissa Kissling (secretary), Dennis Duncan, Randy Polston and Tom Westerhof awarded diplomas to the graduates as families and loved ones celebrated this milestone moment.  Board member Bradley Johnson participated in absentia.

Graduates earning academic honors and distinctions were recognized throughout the ceremony, including students receiving Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude honors, National Honor Society stoles, WACC National Technical Honor Society cords and Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency medallions.

Warsaw Community Schools extends its sincere appreciation to the many individuals who helped make commencement a memorable celebration for the Class of 2026. Special thanks to the WCS Board of School Trustees, WCS Cabinet and the adult commencement planners, including Principal Akers, Mr. Barkey, Mrs. Graham, Mr. Camargo, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Swartzentruber, Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Dubbeld, Mrs. Anderson, Officers Phil Reed and Brandon Zartman, Mr. LeMasters, Mr. Ellinger and the WCHS custodial staff for their months of planning, preparation and support leading up to graduation day.

The commencement program cover was designed by senior Kora Rockwell and featured the Class of 2026 colors, Stormy Sea Blue and Bubblegum Pink, along with the Tiger Lily as the class flower.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see where your journey leads next.

The post WCS students celebrate 2026 graduation at Fisher Field in Warsaw appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW -- WCHS Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) students recently participated in the  Career Development Conference.

The conference is held annually for JAG programs in Region 2. JAG is a resiliency-building workforce preparation program that helps students learn in-demand employability skills and provides a bridge to post-secondary education and career advancement opportunities.

Students were chosen by Madison Sims, their JAG specialist, to compete in various events such as Employability Skills, Career Presentation, and Outstanding Senior. During the competition, participating schools can also participate in group competitions to create a marketing brochure or social media campaign.

WCHS student Hailey Booher won the Cover Design and Digital Invitation and was recognized as Outstanding Senior for the entire region. She has been nominated for the Ken Smith Scholarship award and will head to the state competition.

Warsaw JAG won 1st place for their brochure, which qualifies for the state competition and 2nd place for the Social Media Campaign. WCHS senior Hope Rose won 3rd in Career Presentation and WCHS senior Cierra Ousley won 3rd in Writing Skills.

Madison Sims, WCHS JAG specialist, stated, “I am so proud of all of Warsaw’s JAG students who participated in CDC this year! Students begin working on their projects months before competition, while non-competing students help to prepare them. I was blown away by the competitors' drive and hard work, as well as our non-competitors' helpfulness in getting them prepared! What a wonderful way to represent the JAG program and WCHS.”

WCHS principal Troy Akers added, “We are incredibly proud of these young adults and excited about our partnership with Work One. We are also proud of Madison Sims and her leadership of the program. Hayley Booher's accomplishment is the first of its kind for WCHS.  To be named the most outstanding senior for the region is well deserved.”

[caption id="attachment_74898" align="alignnone" width="696"] Hope Rose, Vanessa Eudave, Hailey Booher, Emily McNees, Cierra Ousley, Elizabeth Palacios-Sanchez and Madison Sims, WCHS JAG specialist.[/caption]

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WARSAW -- What began as a tribute to a super coach on Tuesday night turned into a moment of remembrance for a super fan.

[caption id="attachment_73657" align="alignright" width="200"] John Elliott[/caption]

Tuesday night's throwback game, played in the old Tiger Den at Lakeview Middle School in Warsaw in honor of former Warsaw basketball coach Al Rhodes, was expected to provide plenty of emotions on its own, but the death of John Elliott on Sunday provided another dimension to the night's activities.

Coach Rhodes, whose coaching career spans 42 seasons, returned to his old stomping grounds where he won 405 games, including a state championship while developing a premiere high school hoops program.

Rhodes was honored with a gathering of basketball alumni at center court before the game.

Pregame ceremonies also reflected on the life of Elliott, whose four children went on to play high school basketball in Warsaw. He died Sunday at the age of 78 in South Carolina. A service will be held in Winona Lake Saturday.

High School Principal Troy Akers, memorialized Elliott as a pillar of the community and acknowledged Elliott's role as a "friend, mentor, parent and servant leader."

"John, my Buckeye friend, you have the best seat in the house tonight," Akers said before a moment of silence.

"Your servant leadership, love for others, and generosity will never be forgotten," he said.

In the end, Rhodes left the 52-year-old gym floor a winner again. No. 3 ranked Penn, won the game, 50-40.

[caption id="attachment_73639" align="aligncenter" width="696"] For the first time in more than two decades, Coach Al Rhodes was roaming the sideline of the old Tiger Den at Lakeview Middle School. On Tuesday, he returned as coach of Penn High School. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_73640" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Penn Coach Al Rhodes hugs former player Dan Elliott before the game between Warsaw and Penn Tuesday at Lakeview Middle School. Elliott's father, John Elliott, died Sunday. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_73649" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Former Warsaw Community High School players gathered for a photo with Al Rhodes (center) at halftime of Tuesday's throwback game played at Lakeview Middle School. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_73653" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Former players surround Coach Al Rhodes following a ceremony at halftime. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_73655" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Warsaw athletics fan Gene Butts (left, greets former coach Al Rhodes as Warsaw Coach Matt Moore looks on. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_73643" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Penn High School Coach Al Rhodes arrives on the floor of the old Tiger Den Tuesday ahead of the junior varsity game. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_73650" align="alignnone" width="696"] Coach Al Rhodes is seen prior to the junior varsity game at Lakeview Middle School Tuesday night. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

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