130 Olean High School seniors graduate in 144th Commencement Saturday

By RICK MILLER

Olean Star

OLEAN — In her remarks welcoming families and friends to Saturday’s Olean High School’s 144th Commencement, Ava Moses, the 2026 Co-Secretary, advised her classmates to “take a moment to look back on our time here. Remember the place that became a home, memories that shaped us, and the people who grew into family.”

“Though today marks the end of a chapter, it does not mark the end of what we’ve built together. Let’s take today to celebrate as a family one last time and, for the first time, celebrate as graduates. Congratulations, Class of 2026, and thank you,” she said.

Valedictorian Isabelle West congratulated her classmates. “Four years of hard work got us to this point, and you should all feel great pride in this accomplishment. I would also like to thank all the teachers and staff at Olean High. If it was not for you showing up every day ready to support us, we would not have the privilege of walking across this stage today, so thank you.”

West, a dancer, said, “I spent all my time dancing, a true passion of mine that has come to define me. I think what makes OHS so special is realizing that my choice was okay. We all have different interests and hobbies, but at the end of the day we are all huskies.”

West said, “When I think of my time in high school, I think of it as a performance. As we move on to the next chapter in our lives, or our next performance, here are three lessons I think we should take away from our first show:

•  Lesson 1: It is important to acknowledge that high school is a very small part of our life. Take this experience at OHS to learn from your mistakes and cherish the good memories.
• Lesson 2: You need a lot of dancers to put on a performance. When I think about performing, a huge part of that joy resides in my teammates. Cherish your friends and classmates that show up for you, not only for your achievements but also in times of struggle.

 After all, it takes all the huskies to pull the sled. 

• Lesson 3: “As much as people try to tell you that performing is an easy task, it truly is difficult. However, the show must go on! Learn how to be resilient and persevere when it gets difficult to carry on. Through times of plight, keep in mind that you’ll always have an audience to applaud you at the end. Graduates, remember to thank the people in your lives that continuously show up for you and cheer you on. The hardships we endure throughout our performances make the final bow even more rewarding. Remember when the curtain closes that this is not the end, but the beginning of many more performances to come.”

Salutatorian Samuel Morgan started by thanking the graduation band and director Lisa Kranz. “From making me a better musician, coming to my performances when I knew no one else would, or forcing me to tap dance horribly, Kranz has been my top supporter. Without her, I can promise you all I would not be standing up here today.”

Morgan said besides being heavily involved in music during high school, “I have also done a lot of theatre outside of it through Olean Community Theatre and Olean Theatre Workshop.”

Morgan said, “The most important aspect of passion is not how good you can become but seeing a little bit of yourself in those who will replace you. It is so easy to get caught up in pushing yourself to exhaustion without ever thinking about why. Why work yourself to death for arbitrary achievements? Why go above what is required? I believe the answer falls to the deep-rooted reason we’re saddened to leave – and that’s that no one wants to be forgotten.”

He said, “That’s what we’re all a little afraid of. After we’re gone, what will become of all that we’ve accomplished? Fortunately, we don’t need to worry. The people that we’ve taught will step up for the next generation, and they in turn will pass a bit of themselves to their younger peers. Within that portion of themselves, there lies a piece of us.”

Morgan concluded: “We all have taken different paths throughout high school and will continue to do so as we move forward in our lives. All those different paths will cause each of us to interact with and affect different people. I am confident that we have already made an impact on this school and the surrounding area, and it’s finally time to move on. As every single one of us branches off, I trust that you will find a way to make the rest of the world remember you.”

In her closing remarks, Co-President Serenity Durphy congratulated her classmates and thanked guests for attending. She spoke about watching members of the Class of 2026 grow.

“I saw the beauty of watching my classmates grow,” she said. “Throughout our high school years, I watched you throw red powder at every homecoming game, ride Top Thrill 2 at cedar point and run around the rainbow parachute at senior sunset. Now I watch you put on your robes and proudly smile as you walk across this very stage and accept your diploma that you worked so hard for. I know this because I witnessed firsthand all of your hard work, your resilience and your dedication to not just your homework but to yourselves as well.” 

She added: “I am glad we have these four years of memories to look back on and smile at, but when we walk out of those doors today and eventually go our separate ways we will have new challenges and new experiences waiting for us. My life has many uncertainties ahead of me that I am sure many of you could relate to as well. I am scared of my new teachers, harder classes, and finally being on my own. I am scared of missing my relationships, old routine, and lifestyle. But most of all, I am scared of all the things I haven’t discovered yet: the unknown.” 

“But because of our time at Olean high school. I am confident that all of us can face any challenge, or mistake, and learn from them. Our unique experiences will help us move towards an uneasy future. Our hardships will continue to make us stronger. And our relationships we built will only inspire us to create more,” Durphy said. 

District Superintendent Dr. Genelle Morris gave a congratulatory message to the graduates and proclaimed: “This is a super-great day to be a Husky.”

Diplomas were presented by Morris, Board of Education President Catharine Young, High School Principal Jeffrey Andreano, Karen O’Dell and Joshua Austin. Young told the graduates: “Having the right attitude is the key to everything.”

The 2026 graduates are:

Summer D. Ambers, Owen M. App, Nicholas C. Austin,  Caleb G. Ayers, Anna K. Bates, Ayonna E. Battle, Madeline A. Bellreng, Zackary M. Best,  Olivia N.N. Valadares-Black, Lauren J. Blazejewski, Adrian G. Bohdanowycz, Addison P. Bowser, Jabre`yah C.R-A.Brown, Michelia N. Brown, Aaron J. Budaj, Jaelyn L. Callahan, Mallory A. Carter, Finnian D. Caya, Audriana M. Clemons, Michael R. Cox, Miley Crawford, Serenity G. Cruz, Aiden J. Curcio, Brynn E. Cygan, Ellowyn L. Davis, Destiny M. Dearbeck, Caine, M. DeGolier.

Isabel A.L. Dolch, Connor E. Dowdell, Serenity B.S.T. Durphy, Oasis M. Dwaileebe, Lauren D. Dyal, Braelyn C. Eaton, Lily G. Eaton, Michael H. Ellman, Sara G. Emerton, Ava M. Finch, Cam`Ron J. Fischer, Isabella M. Flynn, Zaiden D. France, Xander J. Gaylor, Alexis M. Geise, Cory T. Givens, Konstanze L. Greene, Courtney L. Gross, Lauren B. Gumtow, Kailee M. Hadley, Logan B. Hammond, Victoria M. Harris, Jade J-L. Haskins, Larson T. Hawkes, Tawny-Michelle J. Hein, Domonick A. Hirliman, Cole R. Hirt, Aubree M. Hund. 

Caidence A. Hutchison, Kyle E. Jackson, Anthony E. Jandrew, Nolan A. Kelsey, Lee A. Killingbeck, Lailla S.E. King-Rogers, Urijah O. King-Rogers, Joshua L. Koch, Kaylin N. Kratts, Jayla M. Lee, Nolan P. Liguori, Gavin E. Lounsbury, Viktoriia Lozynska, Nakaia I. Mannings, Hannah G. Marshall, Ana L. Martynowicz, Aubrey L. Mason, Mickenzie L. McNeil, Gina L. Mercer, Joseph C. Mest, Austin J. Miles, Tyler J. Miller.

Dakota J. Moore, Maddilyne J. Moore, Parker O. Morgan, Samuel K. Morgan, Jourdan M-A. Morris, Ava J. Moses, Gabriel M. Myers, Carlos F. Ordonez, Demarion M. Parks, Tiana M. Pascucci, Logan J. Perkins, Maverick J. Plants, Mariah S. Prosser, Collin J. Reagle, Elle A. Redding, Leah N. Richardson, Brady J. Riehle, Mia Ruth M. Rivera, My‘Kel A. Rivera, WinterRose I. Rodriguez, Ryan J. Rogosienski, Brayden M. Ruggles, Michael T. Saxon, Nicholas J. Scull, Analyse E. Sevinsky.

Samantha M. Sherr, Mia E. Sibilio, Baby Lola L.L. Singleteary, Sage P. Smith, Grady J. Smucinski, Kaden N. Sosa, AnnaMarie D. Stanton, Acacia J. Steffenhagen, Chloe M.A. Stitt, Shia L. Suzara, Hosea N. Swan, Taylor E. Teachman, Jonathan A. Tidd, Josiah D. Todd, Braylon A. Torres, George G. VanCleaf IV, John F. Vosburg, Kwalik L. Warmley, Cali J. Weber, Ava M. West, Isabelle E. West, Jayleigh A. Whitehead, Calvin J. Williams, Kane L.R. Winslow, Dickson Yang, Zaraivon B. Yeager, Marrianna R. Young, Amir O. Zayed.

Scholarships and awards were announced by High School Principal Jeffrey Andreano:

Bates, Anna K. – Tyler Bihler Scholarship, Good Samaritan Award Scholarship, Moose Menter Memorial Scholarship, Magis Scholarship – John Carroll University, Joe DeCerbo Scholarship Award

Black, Olivia N. – Sara Mollica Memorial Scholarship, Lorna J. Thornbury Memorial Scholarship, Seal of Civil Readiness Award, Mercyhurst University Merit Scholarship, Virginia E. Stauffer Scholarship, J. M. Hodges Educational Fund Trust Loan

Bohdanowycz, Adrian G. – Chautauqua Cattaraugus Board of Realtors Scholarship, OHS Class of 1961 Scholarship Fund, Pitt Success Grant, Panther Pride Award, New York State Academic Excellence Scholarship

Bowser, Addison, P. – West Virginia University Scholarship 

Brown, Jabre’yah C.R.A.- Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts, Virginia E. Stauffer Scholarship 

Budaj, Aaron J. – Ohio University Cutler Scholarship 

Carter, Mallory A. – Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship, St. Bonaventure Provost Scholarship, St. Marianne Cope Scholarship, Bona Bridge Scholarship

Caya, Finnian D. – Mary Elizabeth Smith Scholarship, Pride of New York Scholarship – University at Buffalo, New York State Stem Incentive Program, 

Crawford, Miley S. –   Mary Elizabeth Smith Scholarship, Don and Bern Holcomb Memorial Scholarship

Dowdell, Connor E. – True Blue Scholar Award, Ace Scholarship 

Durphy, Serenity B.S.T. – ConnectLife Scholarship

Dyal, Lauren D. – Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship

Eaton, Braelyn C. – Bridget Murphy 2001 Memorial Scholarship, Presidential Geneseo Scholarship, Marjorie and Robert Schaumleffel Rotary Scholarship, Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts, Benjamin Litteer Memorial Art Scholarship, Ora and Bernard Gavin Scholarship, Olean Portville Lions Club Scholarship, The John Ballak Memorial Scholarship

Eaton, Lily G. – Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship, OHS Class of 1983 Scholarship, Ohio Excellence Scholarship, Ohio Trustee Award

Finch, Ava M. – Olean High School Sports’ Booster Scholarship, Signe, Svenborg, Agnes and Selma Johnson Scholarship, George and Marcia Pancio Scholarship, Sutton Scholars Award – Indiana University of PA, Michele Foss Bartholomew Good Person Scholarship

Gross, Courtney L.- J. Michael Shane and City of Olean Firefighters Scholarship

Harris, Victoria M. – Thomas & Robert Smythe Scholarship, Bernadette E. “Bernie” Taylor Memorial Scholarship

Hawkes, Larson T. – Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship, Paul and Betty Hanson Career/Technical Scholarship, Gregory D. Spring Perseverance Scholarship, NYS Tap Grant, Alfred State Pioneer Award, Big Blue Advantage, SUNY Tuition Credit Grant

Hirliman, Domonick A. – Tyler Bihler Scholarship, Tim Bushnell Memorial Scholarship, William D. and Catherine Griffin Fraser Scholarship, Jonathan Teuscher Scholarship, Don Scholla Memorial Scholarship, Gene and Sandra Froebel Teachers Scholarship

Hund, Aubree M. – Alyn J. Heim Music Scholarship

Hutchison, Caidence A. – Virginia E. Stauffer Scholarship, ConnectLife Scholarship

Kelsey, Nolan A. – Paul and Betty Hanson Career/Technical Scholarship, Gregory D. Spring Perseverance Scholarship

Kratts, Kaylin N. – J. Michael Shane and City of Olean Firefighters Scholarship, Jack and Muriel Fogarty Memorial Scholarship, J. E. Howe Educational Fund Trust Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship – Alfred State College, Alfred State College Alumni Scholarship, 2026 Bray, Dohl and Driscoll Memorial Scholarship 

Lee, Jayla M. – Robert E. Hull VMD Memorial Scholarship

Lozynska, Viktoriia – Betty Bergreen Scholarship, Big 30 Athletic Fund, Chautauqua Cattaraugus Board of Realtors Scholarship, Elias Eade Jr. Scholarship, Louis W. Ensworth Charitable Foundation Trust Scholarship, Ora and Bernard Gavin Scholarship

Mercer, Gina L. – Dr. Brian O’Connell Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Mest, Joseph C. – Betty Bergreen Scholarship, Moose Menter Memorial Scholarship, Xavier University Merit Scholarship, Tuition Exchange Award 

Miles, Austin J. – The David Block Memorial Family Scholarship, Olean High School Sports’ Booster Scholarship, Michele Krahe Peace Olean High School Scholarship, Dennis M. Napolione Scholarship, Triple “C” Award

Morgan, Samuel K. – OHS Class of 1961 Scholarship Fund, JoAnn Wehmeyer English Scholarship, Olean Theatre Workshop’s Leslie W. Larson Memorial Scholarship Fund New York State Academic Excellence Scholarship

Morris, Jourdan M-A. – Anthony and Gayle Iacovino Legacy Scholarship Fund, Olean High School Alumni Association Scholarship, Juneteenth Committee Scholarship, Burger King Scholars Scholarship, UNC-Charlotte University Honors College Scholarship  

Moses, Ava J. – National College Match Scholarship – University of Chicago, New York State Academic Excellence Scholarship

Redding, Elle A. – Olean Theatre Workshop’s Leslie W. Larson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Richardson, Leah N. – J. Michael Shane and City of Olean Firefighters Scholarship, Pitt-Bradford Panther Scholarship, Louis L. Marra Memorial Scholarship, Lee W. and Jeremie I. Swartz Pitt-Bradford Scholarship, Tracy Veno Memorial/OPF Local 1796 Scholarship, Michele Foss Bartholomew Good Person Scholarship

Riehle, Brady J. – Jamestown Community College Unified Student Assistance Scholarship

Rivera, My’Kel A. – Hughey Family Award for Resilience

Sibilio, Mia E. – Louis W. Ensworth Charitable Foundation Trust Scholarship, St. John Fisher University’s Presidential Scholarship, Seal of Civil Readiness Award

Smucinski, Grady J. – Louis A. “Louie” and Patricia Magnano Scholarship, St. Bonaventure University Ryan Owen Hughes Memorial Scholarship, St. Bonaventure Friars Scholarship, J. E. Howe Educational Fund Trust Scholarship, J. M. Hodges Educational Fund Trust Loan

Steffenhagen, Acacia J. – Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts, True Blue Scholar Award, Advancing Completion Through Engagement (ACE) Award
Teachman, Taylor E. – University of Akron Merit Scholarship, More Yes Scholarship 

Todd, Josiah D. – Olean High School Alumni Association Scholarship, James A. and Joan E. Maguire Family Scholarship, – Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship, St. Bonaventure Provost Scholarship 

Torres, Braylon A. – John Hopkins Memorial Scholarship

Vosburg, John F. – 1911 Scholarship, Centennial Hall Scholarship 

Warmley, Kwalik L. – Virginia E. Stauffer Scholarship

West, Ava M. – Herbert L. Sackett Memorial Scholarship, Mary Elizabeth Smith Scholarship,
Colt 45 Strong Inc. Scholarship, Chuck Pettit Memorial Scholarship, J. M. Hodges Educational Fund Trust Loan
West, Isabelle E. – James M. Garvey Scholarship, Signe, Svenborg, Agnes and Selma Johnson Scholarship, Ora and Bernard Gavin Scholarship, New York State Academic Excellence Scholarship

Whitehead, Jayleigh A. – Weston Mills Fire Department Vo-Tech Scholarship

Williams, Calvin J. – OHS Walter L. Reisner Unsung Lineman Award

Yang, Dickson – Mary Elizabeth Smith Scholarship, Burt Scholarship, Ora and Bernard Gavin Scholarship