Paw Paw High School held their Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, May 20 in the high school’s gymnasium during a sunny evening following a stormy day.
The class of 10 shared their motto of “Cherish Yesterday, Live for Today, Reach for Tomorrow.”
Graduates include Marshall Carder, Payton Farris, Alexis Kidwell, Dakota McDonald, Lydia Ross, Randall Ryan, Jr., Tomy Santos, Shayla Tanouye, Grace Deschenes (James Rumsey) and Starlet Polson (James Rumsey).
Salutatorians Alexis Kidwell and Shayla Tanouye shared their recollections of years spent together as a class at Paw Paw Schools. Kidwell is a member of the National Honor Society and is pursuing certification for a career in welding. Tanouye will attend West Virginia State University to pursue a degree in social work and to join their track and cross country teams on a full scholarship.
Valedictorian Payton Farris urged his classmates to have hope and to be present in their lives instead of being stuck in past mistakes or focusing too much on the future. Farris will attend West Virginia University on a full ride scholarship to pursue a degree in nursing.
The class chose Megan Bennett as their commencement speaker. She’s taught science at Paw Paw High School for 10 years. Bennett recalled many moments with the class over six years of teaching them.
“Your educational journey thus far has prepared you for today. What now?” she asked.
Bennett told graduates they “must choose to persist” when adulthood presents challenges and roadblocks.
She said that will determine their success in life – whether they fall into the trap of giving up or choosing to persevere toward their goals.
“Choose what is right, not what is easier,” Bennett said.
Principal Melinda Kasekamp and Assistant Principal Amber Gutherie presented diplomas to the eight attending graduates after a presentation of scholarships and awards by Counselor Tina Boswell-Stickley. Graduates were then honored with a slideshow of childhood and high school photos of each.
Board of Education members Aaron Close, Laura Smith, Chuck Bergen, Justin Litten and John Rowland honored graduates with Superintendent David Banks.
