Rain or shine, Fox Lane Class of 2026 graduates

By LOGAN KREISBERG

Precipitation was unable to stop the 286 members of the Fox Lane High School Class of 2026 from graduating on June 23. 

Despite a two-hour rain delay, the ceremony p

roceeded as friends and family filled the stands and sidelines at the George Morell Fox Lane Memorial Stadium. Graduates were seated between the 40- and 60-yard lines, while nearly a dozen planes passed overhead throughout the evening, adding an unusual element to the atmosphere.

Master of ceremonies and graduate Gabrielle Shifrin opened by sharing a few words on the importance of the role of young people in a community. She then introduced Salutatorian Nora Dooley, whose address drew from the work of poet James McCrae to examine how to respond to change. Dooley encouraged her classmates to appreciate the experiences that defined their time at Fox Line, including visits to King Kone, which she noted will be inaccessible when she attends the University of Virginia.

Graduates toss their hats in the air. JIM MACLEAN PHOTO

“Don’t allow fear of failure, disappointment, or rejection to get in the way of looking for joy, finding the people who make your soul feel safe, and most of all, earning some battle scars and good stories,” said Dooley, a three-season athlete. “Don’t look too far ahead, or you ’ll miss it all happening. It really does go by in a blink.”

Valedictorian David Matz also used his address to encourage classmates to appreciate the present moment. Against the backdrop of a pink sunset, the National Merit Scholarship winner and future Johns Hopkins student urged graduates to set aside their anxieties and embrace the occasion. “Try to relax,” said Matz. “Try to lose those worries for a bit. Try to be.”

Students played a prominent role throughout the ceremony, with performances by the concert band and chamber choir, class gifts presented by officers and remarks from senior Ella Brown. In her speech, Brown reflected on the process of “becoming.”

AP biology teacher Dana Luna gave the evening’s address to the senior class, pulling from her scientific background to explain the importance of human connection. Citing lessons from neuroscience, she said that humans are wired to thrive more in the presence of others and encouraged graduates to embrace meaningful relationships while they are still possible. 

“You have an extraordinary capacity to transmit love into the world,” Luna said. “So go do that.”   

Before diplomas were awarded, Fox Lane Principal Jennifer Amos celebrated the accomplishments of the 286 seniors, citing achievements in academics, athletics and the arts as the class prepares to attend 123 different institutions.

In the audience, supporters found creative ways to celebrate their graduates. Some families brought air horns, blowing them as their graduate crossed the stage, while others held up Fatheads of the student’s face. One senior even received a shoutout from the firefighters stationed on-site for emergency response, who briefly sounded their siren in recognition.

After 38 minutes of diploma conferral, Amos certified the graduates, allowing them to move their tassels from right to left and celebrate with the traditional cap toss. 

Although the graduation marked the end of the seniors’ time in BCSD, Superintendent Robert Glass reminded students that new challenges and opportunities lie ahead.   

“Just as you have found great success, the next chapter of your life experience is likely to reveal something else that is very important to understand: the reality that success is not a final destination; it is a cycle,” Glass said. “You encounter a challenge, you adapt, you persevere, you succeed, and then — because you are Fox Lane Foxes — you find the next mountain to climb and you start the cycle all over again.” You can purchase this and other photos of this event. For a full selection, visit The Recorder's Photo Galleries. Ordering is simple and easy.