LCHS holds graduation for class of 2026

Edward Street in Panaca was lined with dozens of cars this past Friday, May 22, as Lincoln County High School celebrated the completion of another school year and the graduating class of 2026. Families and friends filled the bleachers and chairs inside the Rick Phillips gym, all of them standing at once as the LCHS band began playing “Pomp and Circumstance” and the young men and women who had just finished their time as Lynx walked two-by-two down the aisle.

Speeches were kicked off by Benson Bleak, student body president and one of the graduates, as he welcomed all in attendance. A performance of the National Anthem followed, led by LCHS Show Choir Seniors Shaun McCabe, Jackson Free, Jenna Faehling, and Rylee Midgely, accompanied by the LCHS band.

Shaun McCabe’s introduced his best friend and a co-salutatorian of the class, Jackson Free. McCabe described Free as one of the hardest workers he’d ever met and highlighted that he had participated in every concert, play and event in the performing arts. He also pointed out how he had been prolific in sports, especially in wrestling and track. For his part, Free talked about effort and how it has shaped his life and will shape the lives of all who apply it. He went on to talk about discipline and dedication, and took a moment to thank the families and friends who had helped them get this far. Free wrapped up his comments by comically “breaking up” with Lincoln County High School.

 

Next up was Camryn Patricelli, who was proud to present the other co-salutatorian, Emily Truman. Patricelli described Truman as a hard worker and an exceptional dancer, but most of all, a good friend. Truman focused her remarks on perseverance, stating that they had only reached this point because of the hard work and effort they and those around them had put in. She expressed that this class was much more than grades and that they had endured so much to get to this point. She talked about how struggles will always be a part of life, but how we respond to the setbacks is what sets each of us apart.

“Growth does not happen when everything is easy,” Truman said, “it happens when we push forward.”

Ella Beckstrand introduced the valedictorian for the 2026 graduating class, Ava Markarian. Describing Markarian as a talented painter, singer and guitarist, Beckstrand also noted her strong work ethic and that she was always a high achiever, earning her the nickname “All-Ava.” Markarian’s remarks focused on the fear many graduates have about the future. She pointed out how this is a very turbulent time in history, and that has a lot of people nervous. However, being a class that had to endure COVID, among other things, they have learned that fear doesn’t need to define them. They were afraid before they took state in basketball, before they put on shows and before they had to take some of the most important tests of their lives. However, “Failure has never stopped us before,” she proudly stated, “so we can let fear stop us from trying or we can ‘do it afraid’.”

Commencement speaker, Sean Fitzsimons, was introduced by Kaley Bart, who described Fitzsimons as an energetic and involved member of the community. Bart highlighted his experience as a coach at LCHS, as a member of the Caliente town board and as a current member of the NIAA staff. Fitz, as the kids often call him, began his remarks by recognizing the teachers and staff in attendance, highlighting how they had put in so much work to get these kids to this point. He went on to reflect on graduating from this same school in the 90s and not knowing just how much lay ahead. He talked about the community and how much it had shaped him, and mentioned that “tonight is about unity” and how such unity defines Lincoln County. He urged the graduates to never forget where they came from. He said that unity is sometimes difficult to achieve at times, stating, “If you get three people from Lincoln County in a room, you’ll get four opinions,” but unity isn’t about agreeing with everything; it’s about showing up. 

Fitzsimons went on to mention the four things he wished someone had told him before he graduated: Don’t rush your story, serve something bigger than yourself, let people in and most importantly, remember where you came from.

A slideshow reflecting off the growth of these wonderful young men and women was shared just before the principal’s remarks. Sharon Dirks stated that she felt particularly proud of this class because it was the one she’d started her tenure as a principal with. While she did mention that this class was known for its mischief, it was also the class that had gotten things done, and the school would miss them.

Then it was Sarah Somers’ turn as class advisor, and she recalled that many of these kids had been in her sixth-grade class during her time as a teacher. However, due to the quarantine, she had always felt like she had been robbed of a full experience with these children, so she had been very pleased to get a second chance in high school.

With that, the names of the graduates were read off, their diplomas were presented. The ceremony ended with a blast of confetti and a final send-off of the LCHS school song as the ceremony came to a close.