MANSFIELD — As the final notes of pomp and circumstance faded, the beat of feet stomping on the bleachers filled Pete Henry gymnasium with a sound like thunder.
Principal Kris Beasley stood at the podium, arms waving upward, urging the crowd to continue cheering.
“Who’s ready to celebrate these kids?”
Mansfield Senior High School gained 169 new alumni Saturday with the class of 2026’s commencement ceremony.
Speakers included class president Saneyah Saavedra, salutatorian Tilia Ames, valedictorian Abagail Seitz, Beasley and Supt. Stan Jefferson.
The Mansfield Singers performed “For Good.”
The school also recognized two honorary graduates, Margo Gilbert and Ja’Myrion Hobbs.
Gilbert is retiring this year as the head secretary of Mansfield Senior High School after 39 years of working in the school system.
Hobbs was a proud member of the class of 2026 who lost his life to gun violence last August.
The class of 2026 selected “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA as their class song. The class selected “dream big, work hard, be kind” as their class motto.
