A Look Back at Graduation 2026

This article was created with support from Dave Porreca, Communications & Social Media Specialist.

The 2025-26 school year concluded with an event-packed week, hosting several different celebrations across our schools. Among the most notable were Elm Middle School’s 8th grade graduation and Elmwood Park High School’s 12th grade graduation. Read about both events below to see how they went!

Elm 8th Grade Graduation

The Elm 8th grade graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, May 28, at EPHS Stadium. On this day, 210 Cougars marked the end of their middle school journey and were officially welcomed into high school.

Principal Dr. Ashley L. Groeneveld presided over the ceremony, which also included speeches made by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Leah Gauthier and Board of Education Vice President Peter A. Volpe.

Elm music teacher and band director Stephen Hawk conducted the band as it played ceremonial songs for the audience to enjoy. One highlight included their rendition of “Freedom Finale: A Patriotic Salute,” which was the final Elm Band piece played by this year’s 8th graders.

Science teacher Therese Nolan announced the winners of this year’s Cougar Pride Award, Amelia Pogorzelski and Finnegan Cahill. She spoke about the ways that they stand out as students—using teachers' words to describe their bright personalities, talents, and resilience.

Student Amelia Pogorzelski stands to be recognized for the Cougar Pride Award

Following Dr. Groeneveld’s presentation of the class, the Board of Education (led by President Frank J. Parisi) presented diplomas to each graduating student.

Dr. Groeneveld then officially announced the students as graduates and the crowd erupted in cheers. The graduates embraced and celebrated with each other, capping off a truly remarkable middle school experience. Congrats, Cougars, for all that you’ve achieved and all that’s to come!

Ceremony Recording   Highlight Reel

Photo Gallery   Student Portraits

EPHS 12th Grade Graduation

On May 29, the Class of 2026 gathered at the EPHS stadium to walk across the stage and into a new chapter of their lives. This ceremony was certainly one to remember, featuring remarks from Principal Dr. Amanda Brode-Rico, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Kimberly Ontiveros, and Board of Education Member Monica F. Doyle.

Student Council President Meredith Brayton welcomed guests, while Class President Claire Doyle announced the Class of 2026 gift: two bike stations and a custom EPHS bike rack. Salutatorian Camilla Budzyna and Valedictorian Maximilian Ziuzia reflected on the support of their families, teachers, and peers throughout their educational journeys. They shared memories and spoke about navigating their futures. Recent academic and athletic achievements were also celebrated.

Valedictorian Max Ziuzia delivers a speech to Class of 2026

The ceremony featured memorable performances by the EPHS Band, directed by Kyle Rhoades, and the EPHS Choir, directed by Grant McEachern. For the graduating seniors in the ensembles, it was their final performance at EPHS, making the occasion especially meaningful. A few performances that stood out were excerpts from “Abracadabra” by the band and “Ad Astra (To the Stars…)” by the choir.

All 232 graduates, starting with the top 5% (Tiger Scholars) and 10%, were then recognized and awarded diplomas by Board President Frank J. Parisi. After a final tassel-turning tradition, seniors celebrated by tossing their caps into the air!

The day was filled with perfect weather, positive attitudes, impressive musical selections, heartfelt speeches, and endless opportunities. Congratulations to the Elmwood Park High School Class of 2026! We wish you the best in all your future endeavors. Go Tigers!

Ceremony Recording   Highlight Reel   Photo Gallery 1

Photo Gallery 2   Photo Gallery 3   Student Portraits