Lexington Senior High School Celebrates the Class of 2026
Lexington Senior High School proudly celebrated the graduation of 222 students as members of the Class of 2026 during commencement exercises held this spring.
The Class of 2026 leaves Lexington Senior High School with an impressive list of accomplishments, including earning $6,895,395 in scholarship awards. The class also included 20 Honor Graduates and 75 students recognized as College and Career Ready.
Leading the class academically were Valedictorian Jaylen Rashawn Jones and Salutatorian Violet Jean Shaw. Graduates also earned distinguished Latin Honors recognition, including one Summa Cum Laude graduate, 13 Magna Cum Laude graduates, and 19 Cum Laude graduates.
Beyond academic achievement, students demonstrated a strong commitment to preparing for life after high school through college, career, military, and workforce readiness opportunities. Throughout the school year, students participated in 901 work-based learning experiences, completed 19 internships, and completed three apprenticeships. Three students received job offers before graduation, while two graduates secured workforce placement opportunities.
Four members of the Class of 2026 also committed to military service, continuing a tradition of service and leadership beyond graduation.
The ceremony celebrated not only academic success, but also the traditions and connections that make Lexington Senior High School special. Seventeen graduates were recognized as Legacy Graduates, representing families with multiple generations of Yellow Jackets. As part of a longstanding tradition, parents and guardians who previously graduated from Lexington Senior High School presented Legacy Pins to their graduates during the ceremony.
The commencement program featured student leadership from Class President Amaya Hairston, a special poetry presentation by Leo Mateo, and remarks from keynote speaker Cory Holt, a member of the Lexington Senior High School Class of 2003.
“The Class of 2026 has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and determination throughout their high school journey,” said Dr. Jermaine Porter, Principal of Lexington Senior High School. “We are proud of their accomplishments and excited about their future. As they move forward, I encourage them to continue to win the day and embrace the opportunities ahead.”
Lexington City Schools congratulates the Lexington Senior High School Class of 2026 and wishes each graduate continued success as they pursue higher education, military service, workforce training, apprenticeships, and careers across North Carolina and beyond.
Valedictorian Jaylen Rashawn Jones
Salutatorian Violet Jean Shaw
Keynote speaker Cory Holt (Class of 2003), Superintendent Dr. Ron Anthony, and Principal Dr. Jermaine Porter pause for a photo during Lexington Senior High School's Class of 2026 graduation ceremony. Holt encouraged graduates to embrace opportunities ahead as they begin their next chapter.
Members of the Lexington City Schools Board of Education attend Lexington Senior High School's Class of 2026 graduation ceremony in support of the graduating class.
Family members, friends, staff, and community supporters fill the audience during Lexington Senior High School's Class of 2026 graduation ceremony.