Nederland High School graduated 25 seniors in a ceremony with speeches, performances, and diplomas
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Nederland's Class of 2026 toss their hats in joy!
Is this basketball or graduation? Nederland's graduates have taken on the tradition of entering the ceremony in a unique way. Leo Filippello and Mason Ivey, two of Nederland's basketball players, took the tradition to new heights.
Nederland graduates Trinity Prahl and Orion Schimberg walk into the graduation ceremony to cheers and applause.
Jace Thurston waves to his family during his Graduate Address.
US Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd congressional district, gave a Commencement Address at Nederland Middle-Senior High School's graduation ceremony on May 16, 2026.
Raya Levy gave one of the Graduate Addresses. She encouraged her classmates to show the world what they can do.
Roo Mannion read a poem she wrote during the graduation ceremony.
Jeff Miller spoke to the graduating class. He was the principal at Nederland Elementary School while this class was attending there.
Caleb Walker receives his Nederland High School diploma from Principal Caleb Melamed.
Enzo Shows receives his Nederland High School diploma from Principal Caleb Melamed.
Nederland High School’s Class of 2026 at their graduation ceremony on May 16, 2026.
Nederland's graduates enjoy a slide show during the graduation ceremony.
Gary Koziel hugs his mom after the graduation ceremony at Nederland High School.
Corbin O'Rourke gives his mom a hug after the graduation ceremony.
Trinity Prahl and Sierra Tomlinson are all smiles before their graduation ceremony begins.
Moments before the ceremony starts. Gary Koziel, Indio Koonz, Mason Ivey, and Drew Hertzfeld are ready to graduate.
NEDERLAND — The tassels are turned and a new chapter begins for the 2026 graduates of Nederland High School.
On May 16, Nederland Middle-Senior High School recognized, honored, and gave diplomas to 25 graduates.
Tradition dictates that "Pomp and Circumstance" accompanies the graduates' entrance, while Nederland graduates add their own flair to the entrance as they meet a classmate and walk down the center aisle. This class was not short on creativity.
Principal Caleb Melamed welcomed all the people who came to honor the graduates on this very special day. The high school orchestra then played "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve.
The first Commencement Address speaker was US Congressman Joe Neguse. Neguse was asked to speak at the graduation by senior Reya Levy. In his inspirational speech to the graduates and their families he said, "The love we receive from those around us gives us strength..."
He acknowledged that the Covid pandemic came at a time in these students' lives when they were at an age that was extremely impactful for them.
Congressman Neguse encouraged the graduates to use their talents and expertise (they are not too young) to make the changes they want to see. He wants to see this generation make positive changes in the country and world.
Jace Thurston was the first graduate to speak. He was followed by Roo Mannion and Reya Levy. Thurston opened by saying he was the class valedictorian of fashion. No one could disagree with that. Mannion presented a poem that she had written. Levy spoke to her classmates about their time together and encouraged them to show the world what the 25 of them can do.
The high school select choir the Loquations sang "Butterfly Fly Away" by Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus.
The last Commencement Address came from former Nederland Elementary School Principal Jeff Miller. Miller said that when he first came to Nederland he quickly learned that mountain kids are a little more resilient and are a little tougher than other kids. Other lessons he learned that he does not want the graduates to forget is the great generosity of mountain folk. Neighbors really help neighbors and make sure people are cared for. He also said that mountain kids have a trailhead in their minds. They know what they need.
It then became official that the seniors were graduates of Nederland High School with all the rights and privileges that come with the diploma. Their names were said, diplomas given, tassels turned, and hats tossed in the air.
Graduates, as you go through the twists and turns of life, keep these wise words from Andre De Shields in mind: "1. Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming. 2. Slowly is the fastest way to where you want to be. 3. The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing."
Congratulations Brandon, Perrine, Eliza, Leo, Tyler, Sam, Drew, Abby, Mason, Indio, Gary, Reya, Roo, Kai, Corbin, Lucas, Halle, Trinity, Liam, Orion, Enzo, Jace, Sierra, Caleb, and Ben.
You are Nederland High School's Class of 2026!
