For the 196th time in its history, the Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District honored a graduating class, hosting Commencement exercises for 121 members of the Class of 2026 on June 27.
Jillian Levakoff, the senior class president, served as master of ceremonies. Matthew Arrington, Allegra Johnson and Ariella Punaro sang the National Anthem.
In her salutatorian’s address, Finley Raiber told her classmates she doesn’t have all the answers for what lies ahead.
“As we walk across this stage today, we’re closing one chapter of our lives and beginning another. None of us knows exactly where the future will take us, but maybe that’s the point. Life is unpredictable, constantly changing, and full of surprises. So take chances. Embrace the uncertainty. Appreciate the people around you. And wherever life takes you next, make the most of every moment,” she said.
Abigail Kujawa, valedictorian, reflected on the challenges the Class of 2026 faced on their journey to graduation day and how those challenges have prepared them for the future.
“Today marks the beginning of the rest of our lives. And from experience, we already know there will be difficult moments ahead,” she said. “But I think that no matter what our futures bring, we're going to be okay. All we have to do is keep going. And luckily for us, that's something we already have practice with.”
Graduates heard an inspirational message from 1984 alumnus, Eric Orton. Orton was a student athlete who continued to play football at Buffalo State University after his time at SGI. It was a move to Colorado that inspired his career change to become an endurance athlete, competing in Ironman triathlons, road cycling and mountain ultra marathons. He is also internationally recognized as a coaching star for other endurance athletes, has published two books and has been featured in a BBC documentary on the topic.
Orton used a story about a mountain ultra runner he coached to give advice about hard work and following one's dreams.
“Realizing your dreams, you have to know exactly what you're doing, right? Absolutely, categorically, unequivocally wrong. The very nature of creating something is that you almost never know what you're doing. Sure, you know most of the steps involved. That's the easy part. But the real meaning of the creative process, the inspiration that will set your dream on the path of its own, is far more complex and elusive than that,” he said. “... The difference between the average dreamer and the person who goes after their dreams? The successful person is willing to put up with the hard work because inside of it, they find a joy like nothing else on earth.”
Brooke Hebeler, senior class vice-president, presented the class gift to Superintendent James Bialasik. The class donated a scholarship to pass on to a member of the Class of 2027 who exemplifies being a Griffin - humble, strong, and resilient.
Bialasik thanked the Class of 2026 for the gift and reflected on their journey and accomplishments.
“You leave behind a powerful legacy of generosity and leadership. And as you turn the page today to move on to all the world holds for you - and believe me, it holds so much - know that you have left this place, this school, this District better than you found it,” Bialasik said.
Levakoff ended the ceremony with a little advice from her grandfather, "Use your head for something other than a hat rack."
“This graduation cap is more than a hat. It's a reminder of what we've already accomplished and what we're capable of achieving next. It reminds us that what matters most isn't the hat we're wearing, it's the person and mind underneath it,” she said. “Today, we all wear the same cap. Tomorrow, we'll each wear different hats and follow different paths. No matter where those paths lead, I hope you remember to use your heads for something more than a hat rack. To think boldly, choose courage over comfort, and trust yourself enough to pursue the dreams and lives you want to build.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!