Philomath Academy’s Class of 2026 will gather at 7 p.m. Wednesday to celebrate students receiving their diplomas. The ceremony will take place on the lawn near the corner of Applegate Street and South 16th Street.
The ceremony’s program includes a welcome message by Olivia Wilkerson, principal address by Garth Gerot and the presentation of diplomas by Philomath School Board members. Also at the event, Olivia Leage and Jennifer House will present the National Anthem, counselor Beth Edgemon will read a land acknowledgement, Superintendent Susan Halliday will formally present the class and Phil Ayer and Justin Barron will read off the names of those to receive diplomas.
Twenty-two students completed requirements to receive diplomas:
- Danny Barron, Hudson Beck, Nate Bennett, Livia Bryant, Connor Childers, Olivia Cole, Max Davis, Gracie Gassner, Myla Griebel, Wylie Griffith,
- Zainab Homeid, Olivia Leage, Briahna Ledbetter, Alex Maghan, Dylan Martins, Bryce Maurer, Macey Mosbrucker, Colton Phillips, Nayeli Sanchez, Tyler Smouse,
- Olivia Wilkerson, Sway Ziolkowski.
Smouse passed away on May 9 but had completed requirements for his diploma early. His name will be read among the graduates.
The school did not name a valedictorian this year.
In addition, nine students completed requirements for a General Educational Development certificate: Logan Buffa, Peyton Fleming, Blaze Gellatly, Lauren Johanson, Saint Johnson, Fox Nyers, Mars Price, Ruth Steen and Jackson Tinch.