Fifty-two seniors set to graduate May 16

School is out for the graduating class of 2026. For one last time, they will congregate in the Custer Armory for the 2026 Custer High School graduation ceremony Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. before dispersing into the world and beginning the next chapter of their lives.
This year, there are 52 graduates. Samuel Cochran is the valedictorian, and Kylee Ellerton is the salutatorian.
Following the opening processional and anthem, superintendent of schools Dr. Tim Frederick will welcome everyone in attendance. Those with purple tickets may sit on the floor. Everyone else may sit in the stands.
From there, the ceremony will include a student speaker, special music, a guest speaker, a senior slideshow and the announcements of Regent Scholars and those with a GPA of 4.0 and above. This will be followed by the presentation of the diplomas and turning of the tassels before the closing procession.
Graduate Keira Nelson will be giving a speech during the ceremony, and this year’s guest speaker is high school English teacher Cherri Block.
The Class of 2026’s motto is “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” by Dr. Seuss. Their class colors are purple and gold, the class flower is a tulip and the class song is “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.