On Friday, June 26, 125 Liberty High School students walked across the stage in the high school gym and officially became Redhawk alumni.

In an evening of thanks and remembrances, a theme of impact flowed throughout the speeches.

“At Liberty, you have met people who have made those impacts on you, even if you haven’t realized it,” Salutatorian Lia Guillerme said. “Whether it may be the teacher who you went to after every hard math class to re-explain a lesson, the friends that could always make you laugh when you needed it, or the person you hated suddenly becoming your best friend. These people, and these memories, are what we have to hold onto as we move into the next chapter of our lives.”

Valedictorian Cassandra Porter said she was shy and withdrawn at the start of high school, adding she almost gave up on trying to become valedictorian because of having to give a speech at graduation.

“That changed due to all of you,” she said to her classmates. “When I say all of you, I mean all of you. … The majority of you treated me with such kindness, that it caused me to break out of my state of secludedness, and actually got me involved in dozens of activities in school. You have all helped me become the strong, confident, and passionate person that I am now.”

And it wasn’t just the students who were impacted by their classmates and adults in their lives. The students have had a lasting impact on the faculty and staff, Principal Stephen Matuszak said.

“Over the years, I have watched you mature into thoughtful young adults, but I have grown alongside you as well,” he told the graduates. “You helped me see situations through different lenses. You pushed me to reflect on my decisions and continually strive to improve. Because of you, I leave each day with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, serve, and support a school community,”

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan praised the Class of 2026 for believing in caring about Liberty and showing an impact by asking questions and letting their thoughts be known..

“The most powerful act one can do is advocate for yourself and others with your voice, and your voice was heard,” he said.

Class President Shawn Bickham encouraged his fellow students to continue to make an impact on others.

“You all have a gift to change the world,” he said, “so be that change that the world needs.”

Watch the livestreams of the graduation ceremony: Graduation overhead view or the Graduation floor level view.