Forsyth honors graduating class of 2026

On Friday evening, May 15, Forsyth High School celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 in a commencement ceremony at The Mansion Theatre, with many family members, community leaders and friends gathered for the event. 

Twelve students were named Distinguished Graduates based on their academic achievements and campus involvement. (Photo by Cynthia J. Thomas)

Following the processional, Student Council President Jade Robison led the Pledge of Allegiance and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Mingus introduced the featured speaker. Continuing the school tradition of an alumnus being invited to speak at commencement, 2010 FHS graduate Chelsea Sisk took the stage to address the graduates. 

Ms. Sisk graduated from College of the Ozarks and is currently an account supervisor at ADSmith Marketing. In her remarks, she encouraged the graduates to continue growing. “Clear away the clutter, and make space for things that make up who you really are,” she said. “Take the trip; apply for the job; start over if you need to.” She encouraged them to prioritize their uniqueness and their dreams; to allow themselves grace to learn from failures; and to think of others, such as teachers and mentors, who have impacted their lives, and find ways to do the same. 

High School Principal Dr. Phillip Guy introduced this year’s 12 distinguished graduates, including the evening’s student speakers, Gabrielle Thompson and Sophia Douglas. 

Thompson drew from Matthew 5:16, Jesus’ instructions to “let your light shine before men” (BSB). She encouraged her fellow graduates to look for opportunities to make a difference, telling them, “Maybe life is about having the character to keep going.” 

Douglas took a unique approach, revisiting an essay she wrote in third grade about “If I Were President,” which listed priorities like plenty of candy, being rich and being well-liked. Adapting those priorities to fit her 2026 self, she encouraged her friends to embrace the unique and to create a life rich in friendships. 

Members of the Forsyth Board of Education presented the diplomas as Assistant Principal Mike Linehan read the names. Mr. Linehan also acknowledged the impressive list of graduates who are scholarship recipients planning to continue their education at different colleges and universities. 

The class’s selected recessional music was “Ribs,” by Lorde. 

The Globe staff add our congratulations to those of family and friends, with best wishes to the Forsyth Class of 2026! 

Isaiah Brayden Appelgren                                     Jacob Glen Jennings  

Levi Scott Beasley                                               Sequoia Marie Jennings               

Mickayla Rose Benzen                                         Michael Parker Johnson     

Drake James Blackstock                                       Aidan Matthew Jones 

Maverick James Blevins                                       Isabella Mystery Jones  

Gage Allen Borkenhagen                                      Olivia Grace Jones  

Benjamin Grant Boyer                                          Rebecca Jean Keeney  

Case William Calhoun                                          Noah Troy Keys  

Elijah Eugene Camerer                                         Cadence Analee Kleeman 

Amaya Lea Cantu                                                Alexandra Marie Lawrence  

Tyler Wallace Carter                                            Nathan Gage Long  

Ava Marie Castillo                                               Avery Michelle Maggard 

Kayden Raziel Cedeno                                         Simon Willis Matson 

Chase Matthews Chitwood                                    James Dean McNeely 

Jenna Marie Chronister                                         Cathaleen Bernice Miller  

Lauren Emily Clements                                        Christian Alexander Miller  

Griffin Casey Coen                                              Kaden Fisher Mingus 

Joshua Lee Coggins, Jr.                                        Allyssa Lynn Mitchell  

Juan Daniel Comer                                              Aydin Isa Murray  

K’Viyon Martel Conway                                      Conner Robert Murrell  

William Isaac Davis                                             Mason Ford Ngo-Russell  

Ryan Steven Deroo                                              Bryce Allen Nolen  

Aloura Grace Dewett                                           Aaron James Michael Patrick  

Sophia Claire Douglas                                          Makenna Monique Perez  

Joshua Paul Dunn                                                Anthony Julian Powell  

Alexis Nichole Edgmon                                        Dylan James Pride  

Seth Randall Ervin                                               Emma Lane Rhynes  

Loren Jay Estenson                                              Delaina Jewell Rich  

Hallie Faye Evans                                                Jade Madalyn Robison  

Mina Izabelle Fellers                                            Dalton Lane Rogers 

Ryder Jay Fisher                                                 Hudson Thomas Russell  

Ecko Jean Frank                                                  Ryan Carter Saffle  

Damian John Frazey                                            Zeb Thomas Sanders  

Autumn Breanne Gibbs                                        Makinzie Lorene Lee Saucedo  

William Pace Gillman                                          William Alexander Schofield  

Bayden Ray David Good                                       Gabrielle Alyse Thompson 

Josalyn Kate Graham                                           Aleaha Nicole Topka-Cornett 

Lorelei Lee Hager                                                Lauren Elizabeth Turner  

Christopher Don Halbrook                                    Kady Rae Van Volkenburgh 

Tarrant Clyde Hall                                               Abigail Ruth Vanderpool 

Cole Fischer Hesketh                                           Colton James Voliva  

Benjamin David Hodge                                        Ziyu Wang  

Caseigh Belle Hodges                                          Kamdyn Elle Watson  

TaMarkus Nathaniel Holmes                                 Caitlynn Ann Westbrook  

Robert Lee Huffman                                            Abigail Sophia Wheeler 

Heath Conner Jackson                                          Mason Dale Wilder 

                                                                        Elizabeth Rose Williams 

                                                                        Reid Stanford Wyman 

                                                                        Justin Edward Yates, Jr.