Grads celebrated for achievements, bright futures

INTERLACHEN – Graduates hugged their teachers and cheered with each other as they celebrated their final high school accomplishment and prepared to venture into their lives as young adults.

A total of 152 students graduated as part of Interlachen Junior-Senior High School’s Class of 2026 on Tuesday night at the Doug Feltner Field at Thompson-Baker Stadium. 

Some students had already received associate degrees from St. Johns River State College, and others had obtained industry certifications before they graduated high school. 

In her address to her departing students, Principal Amber Symonds said she was proud of all the graduates for, among other things, the dedication and resilience they’ve shown throughout their education journey. She called it a privilege to watch them grow during high school to the point where they are ready to face the future. 

“I urge you to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with courage and enthusiasm, whether you choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce or explore other paths,” she said. “Remember that you have the knowledge, skills and potential to make a meaningful impact in this world. Today is not just about academic achievements. It’s also about the friendships forged, the lessons learned and the memories created along the way.” 

As the graduates prepared to embark on their next journey, Senior Class President Ja’ena Foshee reflected on the years spent with her classmates. 

“We have celebrated (victories) together, picked each other up through hard times and learned lessons both inside and outside the classroom,” she said. “One of my favorite memories will always be cheering under those Friday night lights (during) homecoming week, when we dressed up, cheered on the (Interlachen High Rams) and spent Saturday dancing the night away. Those memories, I will cherish forever.” 

Superintendent Rick Surrency said the Putnam County School District was proud of all its graduates. At Interlachen High alone, he said, the Class of 2026 completed 3,752 community service hours, had 58 students earn college credit, and earned 56 industry certifications total, he said. 

“Those numbers represent more than achievement on paper,” Surrency said. “They represent service, discipline, opportunity and preparation for life beyond graduation. In Putnam County, we believe that graduation isn’t just about walking across the stage. It’s about walking into life with a purpose.” 

Many of the speakers touched on the success of the Class of 2026, but graduate Araceli Cerro opined on what it means to be successful. She said everyone defines the word differently, but she emphasized the best kind of success people can have is having a relationship with God and knowing Jesus. 

“My prayer is not simply that we become accomplished people,” she said. “I pray we become people of integrity, compassion, conviction, humility and purpose – people who use what we’ve learned not only to build careers but to serve others well – and, above all, that we be servants of the true living God. Because true success is not becoming successful in the eyes of the world. True success is knowing Jesus and spending an eternity with Him.”