Thorp High School graduated 41 students with the Class of 2026 Friday, May 22.
Taking place at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium, the graduation festivities started with the processional "Pomp and Circumstance" written by Sir Edward Algar and arranged by Osterling, performed by the Thorp High School Band.
Following the processional, a welcome was given by senior Brent Abramczak, with Mr. Michael Dombrowski announcing the top ten percent from Thorp High, including Brent Abramczak, Vivian Brown, Amy Kotecki, and Ashley Kotecki.
Valedictorian Vivian Brown spoke as well, giving the valedictory address.
“This is it,” she said, “the moment everyone on this stage has been waiting for. We’ve counted down the years, months, days, hours, and we’re finally here. Today is a celebration of every late night spent studying, every early morning dragging ourselves to class, and every challenge we’ve overcome together. I believe each of us will make a meaningful impact on the world.” Quoting Nelson Mandela that “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world,” Brown shared that “I believe we are ready to do just that—change the world.”
Thanking friends and family, while acknowledging the road ahead, Brown said there were choices to make.
“In life, many choices will come your way,” she said, “some small, some life-changing. When you face them, remember all the lessons we’ve learned; they will guide you correctly. Be brave enough to take risk, be kind, and stand up for what matters. The world needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership…Congratulations, Class of 2026—we’re going to go far!”
Following the speech by Brown, the Thorp High School Band performed "Bang" as arranged by Isbah Coz.
Salutatorian Amy Kotecki gave the Salutatory Address following the band performance.
“When first told I had to give a speech at graduation, I still had two months to write it,” she said. “As today approached, I wasn’t sure how to start or how to finish. Even yesterday I was unsure of it, but today it doesn’t matter because we are here and now.” Kotecki went on to share how the class had grown in academics, responsibilities, and social relations, with time to study, laugh, work, and get stuff done.
“Many of us sit here today overjoyed that school is over,” she said. “We won’t miss the school work, the homework, or the tests, but we will miss the deep conversations, making fun of each other, pushing the boundaries of what we were allowed to do, and constant interaction with each other.” Active in softball during high school, Kotecki had a thank you.
“I personally want to thank my family, my close friends, my teammates, coaches, and teammates’ families from the softball team for all showing up and caring for this first chapter of an amazing journey,” she said.
After Kotecki's speech the duet "You're Going to Go Far" by Noah Kahan as arranged by Kelsey was performed by Vivian Brown and Anna Ciolkosz.
Dombrowksi then announced the Crest Award winners, followed by the performance of "Rivers and Roads" performed by the Thorp High School Choir, with song by The Head and the Heart with words and music from K. Hensley, J. Johnson, J. Russell, C. Thielen Willians and C. Zasche. The song "I lived" by One Republic was then performed by seniors Preslee Lew, Daniel Lechleitner, and Payten Wicks.
Following the song was a video presentation of the senior class, followed by presentation of diplomas, made by Mr. Adrian Foster and the Board of Education. Dombrowski presented the senior class, with presentation of flowers followed with a farewell by Emily Neisius. The recessional was "Arms Wide Open" by Creed.