Riverside High School’s class of 2026 turned their tassels on Tuesday morning at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

More than 400 Riverside High graduates filled the arena alongside their friends, families, teachers and mentors. Principal Darah Huffman recognized the class for their achievements, reminding them to enjoy the journey as they step into their futures.

“The most important transformation is often invisible while it's happening. Most growth happens quietly — in small moments, hard moments, and moments when you're unsure of yourself but keep going anyway,” Huffman said. “I believe your ability to adapt, learn, connect and work together will matter more than having all of the answers. Our future is in good hands with you.”

Of this year’s graduating class, 92% of students have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and 63% have a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Several students also made an effort to achieve a credential alongside their diploma. 97% of students completed high school with college and career readiness certification, 150 seniors took advanced placement courses and 204 seniors took dual enrollment courses. 

“While those accomplishments might look like just statistics on paper, they represent something much bigger,” said Audrey Hartsell, senior class president. “They represent the people beside us who helped make them possible. Every success is filled with their support.”

Riverside High’s student body president, Berkley Tate Bryant, echoed this sentiment, speaking to the school’s Alma mater. Specifically, Bryant highlighted the third line, which reads “Warriors strong in brotherhood.”

“To me, brotherhood means being there for one another, celebrating the highs together and helping each other through the lows,” Bryant said. “No matter what challenges came our way, we’ve always found a way to support each other.”

Other student speakers included the class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian. These titles were earned by Sashwath Sivaraman and Grace Qin, respectively. In his speech, Sivaraman encouraged his fellow graduates to reflect on the memories and people that made Riverside home.

“I was talking to my grandfather, and he told me, ‘Now, you’re the youngest you’ll ever be, so savor every moment,” said Sashwath Sivaraman, valedictorian. “And now, all I can do is remember the memories I’ve made here … It’s taught me that the grades, the competitions, the points we score, the numbers — they aren’t what we’ll remember. It’s the people.”

In her remarks, Qin focused on the future, reminding graduates that the point is not to be the best, but to do the best you can.

“Making a mistake is not failure. Refusing to learn is,” Qin said. “… “While we may never be the best at everything we do, I hope we become people who get to live fully, love deeply and never stop growing.”

To watch a recording of the Riverside High School class of 2026 graduation ceremony, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/gcIsXGghpxo.