The O’Neal School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 during its Commencement Ceremony held May 22 in the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center at Sandhills Community College.
The ceremony honored 21 graduates as they completed their upper school journey and prepared to begin the next chapter of their academic and personal lives.
Salutatorian Caitlyn Blockinger delivered the welcome address, reflecting on growth, perseverance, and the evolving nature of dreams. Drawing inspiration from composer Stephen Sondheim, Blockinger encouraged her classmates to embrace life’s uncertainties and adapt their goals as they move forward.
“We have learned that you cannot always trust dreams, but you can readjust them,” she said. “This moment is a celebration of the lives we have lived and the possibilities yet to come.”
Valedictorian Ethan Kim delivered the student address, focusing on the importance of effort, resilience, and relationships. Reflecting on the shared experiences of the Class of 2026, Kim noted that success is shaped not only by achievement but by perseverance through challenges.
“The real story of our class was written in the unseen hours,” he said. “When effort meets resilience, growth follows.” Kim also expressed gratitude to parents, teachers, and mentors for their support throughout the students’ journey.
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by O’Neal alumna Nicole Poteat, Class of 2006, who returned to campus 20 years after her own graduation. A National Merit Scholar, Poteat earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and went on to earn her law degree from Boston College. A senior vice president in corporate finance, she and her family live outside of New York City.
Interim Head of School Steve Lisk delivered the closing remarks, recognizing the Class of 2026 for its character, individuality, and positive contributions to the O’Neal community. Lisk noted that the class earned acceptances to more than 70 colleges and universities and will matriculate to 13 different campuses this fall.
The Class of 2026 has amassed $3 million in merit-based scholarships and will attend colleges and universities such as Duke University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Colorado School of Mines, NC State University, and the University of San Diego.
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Contributed article/photo.
