06/10/2026
The Carbondale Area Class of 2026 celebrated its commencement with a day filled with tradition, pride, and community spirit. Before the graduation ceremony began, members of the graduating class participated in a celebratory parade through the streets of Carbondale, allowing residents, family members, and friends to recognize and congratulate the seniors on their accomplishments.
The commencement ceremony opened with the Academic Processional as the Carbondale Area Concert Band performed Pomp and Circumstance. Evan Rodney and Stone Rodney presented the colors on behalf of Eagle Scouts. Assistant Principal Lawrence A. Gabriel III welcomed those in attendance and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Carbondale Area Chamber Singers performed both the National Anthem and the Alma Mater.
Academic honors were highlighted as Salutatorian William Murphy and Valedictorian Matthew Serkosky addressed their classmates, families, and guests. Murphy encouraged his fellow graduates to use their talents and opportunities to make a positive impact on the world around them, reminding the Class of 2026 that even small actions can create meaningful change. Serkosky spoke about the importance of believing in oneself, having confidence in one's abilities, and being willing to take chances. He encouraged his classmates to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new opportunities, and trust themselves as they pursue their goals and dreams.
Principal Joseph W. Farrell introduced commencement speaker Chrissy Richards, a member of the Carbondale Area Class of 1998. Richards shared personal experiences and words of encouragement, urging graduates to pursue their goals with confidence while remaining connected to their roots and community.
A cherished graduation tradition continued as Olivia Lawler, President of the Class of 2026, formally conferred the senior mantle to Kymara Mcgann, President of the Class of 2027. Mcgann then delivered the Junior Response, accepting the responsibility of carrying on the traditions and leadership of the school.
The ceremony also included the presentation of the Ruth Giles Schroeder Scholarship. Murphy was announced as the recipient of the prestigious scholarship, valued at $25,000 this year. The scholarship was presented by Mrs. Megan Ruggiero, Director of Guidance, and Principal Joseph W. Farrell. Thank you to the trustees for providing this generous scholarship year after year.
Principal Joseph W. Farrell formally presented the Class of 2026, and Superintendent Holly W. Sayre accepted the class on behalf of the Carbondale Area School District. Prior to accepting the graduates, Sayre reflected on Carbondale's rich history and proud traditions, highlighting the resilience and determination that have defined the community since its coal mining roots. She encouraged the graduates to embrace their opportunity to leave their own mark on history, reminding them that it is now their turn to shape the future while carrying forward the legacy of those who came before them. The awarding of diplomas was conducted by Mr. David Osborne, President of the Carbondale Area Board of Education, assisted by Mrs. Ruggiero.
Following the conferring of diplomas, graduates celebrated with family and friends as the ceremony concluded with the Academic Recessional to Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.
The commencement ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance for the members of the Carbondale Area Class of 2026. As they embark on new journeys in college, the workforce, military service, and other pursuits, they leave behind a legacy of achievement and school pride that will be remembered throughout the Carbondale community. The parade through Carbondale and the commencement ceremony served as fitting celebrations of a class prepared to make its mark on the future.
Congratulations to all and best of luck in your future endeavors!
See a list of graduates and pictures below. All photos taken can be found on the Class of 2026 Senior Team.
Carbondale Area Class of 2026
Angelina Andidora, Dominick Andidora, Nicholas J. Andidora, Ashleigh Arnese, Jaeden Arthur, Amya Olivia Attmore, Mallory Hope Brower, Kayden Bruno, Caleb Buddie, Marty Bufano, Isaiah O’Neil Camacho, Braedyn Elizabeth Campbell, Angelyna Carey, Ella Hope Casper, Abigail Ciesielski, Ethan James Clark, Kurtis Loew Clever, Cameron Cloutier, David W. Coacci, Kaemon D. Compton, Taylor Lynn Corrigan, Asmin De La Cruz, Erika Miley Delanoy, Leonard DeMarco III, Xander Mason Dombroski, Julianna Drake, Dominick Drob, Samuel Duplessis, Cole Michael Emily, Aurora Esgro, Alyssa Evans, Avasia Erica Laton Evans, Julian Fedorchak, Avery E Galinsky, Ethan Scott Gaughran, Bethany Gill, John Thomas Gorel, Mason James Griffin, Emily Grover, Alyssa Gulowaty, Hailey Anne Guzman, Nicholas Herrmann, Collin Domenick Hollis, Aiden Ryan Houston, Xander Gene Keill, Jaiden Keller, Joshua Kilhullen, Madison Gwendolyn Kilmer, Malkijah Kizer, Keagan Riley Kuna, Grace Jerrica Lane, Gabriel Lynn Langille, Nicholas Laub, Olivia Lawler, Jaden Litke, Chelsea Lowe, Aundra Lumpkin, Abigayle Victoria Lynady, Alexander Mackey, Naydon Malar, Leila Christina Maldonado, Sean Manley, Aiden Travis Mannis, Jakub Marecki, Nathan Matos, Serenity McGowan, Anthony Melnyk, Morgan Delos Michalek, Makenna Rose Miller, Olivia Taylor Montaperto, Dennis L. Morales Jr., Janely Carolina Morrobel Martinez, Emma Sophia Mrakovich, William Murphy, Leo Valentine Mursch-Davitt, David O'Neil Myers, Albion Nasufi, Gavin Michael Nepa, Mason Anthony Nepa, Maureen Grace Newcomb, Maximilian Nieves, Noah Nystrand, Anthony Joseph Paiva, Gianna Perry, Ciara Elizabeth Pidgeon, Riley Pietrowski, Leslie Prieto, Dean Ellis ProKarym, Christian Carl Propes, Killian Reidy, Connie Repsher, Landon Anthony Rivera, Adriana Roberts, Jason A. Rodney, Tyler Rodriguez, Jozlyn Santos, Charles Scott III, Matthew Serkosky, Thomas S. Seymour, Kyle Lochlan Shenise, Amanda Lillian Singleton, Gabriel Paul Smith, Parker Perri Smith, Nathaniel Sonera, Averi Samantha Sopko, Cobin Christopher Sosa, Angel St. Clair, Rayne Stephenson, Delaney Ann Strain, Damian Khair Swain-Lee, Zachary Robert Tarchak, Michael Tellep, Savannah Thompson, Kayla Michelle Tighe, Arianna Nicole Tiripicchio, Antonio Jose Torres, Denasia Trice, Nathan Ulmer, Xavier Andre Vargas, Emily Waering, Joseph Eugene Watkins Jr., Adriana Wolfe, Bryden Yetter, Alysa Marie Yost, Madelena Zaccone, and Claire Elizabeth Zuraski.