Morton High School honors class of 2026 at commencement ceremony

Morton High School held its commencement ceremony for the class of 2026, featuring student speeches, musical performances and the formal certification of graduates.

Principal Kirk Edwards opened the ceremony, introduced members of the board of education and district leadership, and thanked families and staff for supporting the seniors. He asked the board to accept the class of 2026 as graduates, saying they had met district and state requirements to earn diplomas.

Student council president Blair Lurski welcomed attendees and reflected on the class's academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Senior ensemble performed a musical piece, followed by senior addresses from Mila Crunkleton and Tessa Fitzgerald, both of whom urged classmates to embrace risk, learn from failure and keep moving forward.

Administrators recognized gold cord and highest-honor recipients by name and noted that 135 students — more than half the class — participated in athletics this year. Principal Edwards cited a class attendance rate of 93.2% and mentioned individual athletic and academic achievements, including IHSA regional and sectional titles and a newly announced National Merit Scholar.

The ceremony included a roll call of graduates and recognition of students joining the military; names were read aloud as honor marshals presented graduates to the stage. Principal Edwards and Dr. Joe Sander, superintendent, closed the program by certifying the class and offering final remarks. Attendees were asked to hold applause while names were read and graduates were directed to collect diplomas on the track after the ceremony.

The ceremony concluded with thanks to the audience and an invitation for graduates to retrieve their diplomas.