With Humor, Heart, and Harmony, BASH Class of 2026 Steps Into the World

by Lesley Misko and Expression Staff

Boyertown Area Senior High School's class of 2026 did not just graduate on June 5 — it took a collective breath, looked both backward and forward, and stepped into the future with confidence, humor and reflection.

Before 497 seniors officially became alumni, the commencement ceremony unfolded as a celebration of voices — musical, personal, and communal — that shaped four years of shared experience. From laughter at inside jokes to moments of quiet emotion, the evening captured a class defined as much by empathy and curiosity as by academic accomplishment.

Valedictorian Diego Peredo advises his classmates that "the world belongs to those of you who are bold enough to ask for it.”

Valedictorian Diego Peredo set that tone with his address, “Dare to Ask,” blending humor with a message about courage and self-advocacy. Reflecting on moments of hesitation in the classroom, Peredo encouraged classmates to push past fear and speak up.

“Whenever I got scared of asking a dumb question, I just asked anyway,” Peredo said, adding that the willingness to seek help often makes the difference between stagnation and growth.

Peredo also spoke personally about his family’s sacrifices, recalling how his parents emigrated from Bolivia to create new opportunities. His remarks underscored a recurring theme of the night: success is rarely achieved alone.

“The world belongs to those of you who are bold enough to ask for it,” he told his classmates.

BASH seniors Lindsey Peterman, Kamryn Pier, and Reagan Vining performing the class song, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.

Music provided emotional moments throughout the ceremony. The BASH Show Choir performed ABBA’s “Thank You for the Music,” offering a  tribute to teachers, families, and mentors. Later, seniors Lindsay Peterman, Cameron Peer and Regan Bynum delivered a heartfelt performance of the class song, Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” prompting a wave of applause from the audience.

Salutatorian Stanley Yang followed with a speech titled “When Pigs Fly,” using the metaphor of a paper airplane to reflect on how life’s experiences shape individuals over time.

Salutatorian Stanley Yang prepares to toss a paper airplane into the crowd at the end of his creative speech.

“Every moment, every idea, every beginning starts blank,” Yang said. “Over time, your blank slate gets folded… and finally, your folds become wings.”

Yang reminded graduates that while their paths will differ, each student is prepared to take on what comes next. “You spent 18 years folding,” he said. “Now make the flight worth it.”

Superintendent Dr. Scott A. Davidheiser praised the Class of 2026 for its character, compassion and civic awareness. He encouraged graduates to rely on what he described as their “internal compass,” urging them to carry patience, kindness and optimism into an unpredictable world.

“There is no script, no set of directions,” Davidheiser said. “But what we do have is our own internal compass.”

BASH Class of 2026 President Gianna Beth Martin offers a farewell address to her fellow classmates.

Class President Gianna Beth Martin expanded on that message in her farewell address, “Carpe Diem,” encouraging graduates to remain in the present rather than living only for future milestones.

“Life doesn’t just hand us meaning,” Martin said. “We create our meaning through the moments we choose to notice.”

She cautioned classmates not to let graduation become the defining moment of their lives, but instead a foundation for future growth. “Use today’s accomplishment as proof that you can reach another,” she urged.

Earlier in the ceremony, Principal Mr. Jared Sparks acknowledged the educators, staff, and families who supported the class and highlighted the district’s commitment to preparing students for a wide range of postsecondary paths.

“This is what a district focused on continuous improvement truly looks like,” Sparks said.

A hallmark of Boyertown tradition also took place with the passing of the Lamp of Knowledge, a ceremony dating back to 1932. Martin presented the lamp to Joe Perretta, president of the Class of 2027, symbolizing continuity and responsibility between graduating classes.

Callie R. Bartman waits to be called up and receive her diploma.

Diplomas were presented to graduates in alphabetical order, culminating in the official declaration of commencement by Davidheiser, who instructed seniors to move their tassels from right to left.

As cheers filled the arena and families rose to their feet, the class of 2026 exited not as students, but as alumni — 497 individual stories shaped by questions asked, risks taken, and moments seized.

BASH graduates move their tassels from the right side to the left side of their mortarboards, symbolizing earning their degrees and transitioning from a student to a graduate.

Boyertown Area Senior High School — Class of 2026

Commencement Date: June 5, 2026
Graduating Class Size: 497 students

Class Officers:

• President: Gianna Beth Martin
• Vice President: Evan Michael James
• Secretary: Piper Quinn Zaharchuk
• Treasurer: Brayden Michael Tinney
• Public Relations Officer: Samuel Joseph Ledder

Academic Leaders:

• Valedictorian: Diego Peredo
• Salutatorian: Stanley Yang

Superintendent: Dr. Scott A. Davidheiser

Principal:  Mr. Jared Sparks

Class Advisor:  Mrs. Jennifer D. Benning

Musical Selections:

• “Thank You for the Music” — performed by the BASH Show Choir
• “Landslide” — performed by Lindsay Peterman, Cameron Peer and Regan Bynum

Tradition Highlight:

• Passing of the Lamp of Knowledge (established in 1932)

Cllass officers Evan M. James, Samuel J. Letter, and Brayden M. Tinney, Piper Q. Zaharchuk prepare to receive their diplomas along with alo as Valedictorian Diego Peredo and Salutatorian Stanley Yang.

Mrs. Jennifer D. Benning, senior class advisor, prepares to distribute diplomas to a new group of BASH graduates.

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