“Remember the good old days, but also recognize the good new days. Although this chapter of our story is ending, a new journey is beginning,” Basel told his classmates. “Enjoy the journey and keep moving forward.”

A total of 55 Lakeview seniors received their diplomas at commencement ceremonies on Friday evening. The ceremony included music, recognition of students’ families, and even a final shower of confetti as graduates were dismissed.

“Thank you, everyone in this room, for supporting us in every way and making it possible for us to graduate today,” said class salutatorian Teegan Fiene.

In their commencement addresses, Fiene and Basel said graduation was an accomplishment that the Lakeview class of 2026 put a lot of work into.

Photo by Deb Gau The 55 Lakeview High School graduates presented flowers to their families, and received hugs, during commencement.

“Standing up here is something I’ve worked toward my entire life,” Fiene said. “There have been countless late nights, early mornings, so many mistakes and even more tears put into this.”

Speakers said graduates’ shared memories and experiences also made the moment special.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory,” Basel said. He told fellow graduates that saying goodbye to high school should not feel like a loss, or regret for missed opportunities. Instead, he said, “Find in them the motivation to live your life to its fullest, and appreciate what you had.”

“I know we’re all headed in our own directions to change the world in some way, but I hope we never forget the memories we all share,” Fiene told fellow graduates. “As we leave this chapter behind and step into whatever comes next, I hope we carry the people and the memories that shaped us.”

Faculty speaker Krishana Dempcy said the class of 2026’s impact went beyond the classroom, to the extracurriculars and community work that students did during their time at Lakeview.

Photo by Deb Gau Lakeview graduates embraced family members during commencement Friday.

“For so many of you, the work that you do, the work that you have put in, has been very visible and it has been a joy to witness,” Dempcy said. “You should feel proud of all that you have accomplished.”

Dempcy called on graduates to remain fully present in the moment. “As you leave this place tonight, don’t rush too quickly into the next thing. Pay attention to your life as it unfolds,” she said. “Because one day these ordinary moments will become the snapshots that you treasure most.”

“There will be moments ahead of you that challenge you, and surprise you, and break your heart and change you for the better. Meet them fully,” she said. “I am proud of you. Go do great things.”

Photo by Deb Gau Lakeview senior choir members performed "Rivers and Roads" during Friday's commencement ceremony.