Ritenour Celebrates Strength of Class of 2026 during May 30 Graduation

More than 7,000 friends and families celebrated Ritenour High School’s 108th graduating class with plenty of pomp and circumstance during a memorable ceremony on May 30 at Chaifetz Arena on the campus of Saint Louis University. 

As the 453 graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, they reflected on years of hard work, perseverance and tenacity that brought them to this milestone. The class of 2026 left behind a legacy defined by resilience, achievement and hope for the future. 

View graduation photos.
Watch video highlights.
View and listen to speeches from Dr. Bruce Green, and class of 2026 speakers Nadica Hasty and Aniyah Henderson.

Before they received their diplomas, they were inspired by administrators and two fellow classmates who reflected on the journey that led them to graduation. 

Dr. Bruce Green, Ritenour’s assistant superintendent for secondary education and lead administrator of RHS, inspired the class of 2026 to embrace their future with optimism and confidence: 

“May you have enough happiness to keep your spirit joyful. Enough challenges to make you stronger. Enough disappointment to teach resilience. Enough hope to keep moving forward. Enough love to remind you that you are never alone. And enough courage to become exactly who you were created to be,” said Dr. Green.

Nadica Hasty, who finished her career at RHS summa cum laude and also completed the fire fighting and EMT program at North Tech High School, reminded her classmates that their accomplishments were never achieved alone.

“Success is never built by one person alone. The success of the Class of 2026 was built through support, teamwork, sacrifice, and people believing in you even when you struggled to believe in yourself.”

Aniyah Henderson, who is headed to University of Kentucky to major in civil engineering, reflected on the challenges her classmates overcame together and encouraged them to continue pursuing their dreams. 

“...We have survived so much to get here. We’ve faced so many setbacks, losses, struggles, extreme pressure, and uncertainty, yet we’re still here. That alone proves just how strong all of us are,” said Henderson. “Class of 2026, please continue to follow your dreams, believe in yourself, and most importantly, keep it pushing no matter how hard your life may get.”

The class of 2026 earned more than $12.7 million in college scholarships and achieved success in academics, career preparation, athletics and service. Among their many accomplishments: 

• Fifteen seniors graduated with the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy. (Spanish) Jalen Alcantar Morales, Geisel Benitez Arevalo, Francisco Bravo Gonzalez, Melany de la Pena Perez, Geredi Estrada, Evelyn Flores, Antonio Gonzalez, Emilyn Gutierrez Castillo, Ivan Hernandez, Daniel Lopez, Julissa Moreno Ruiz, Diana Romero Ramos, Valentin Saavedra and Cindy Yaxcal Cacao; (Polish) Matthew Moll

   

• Six students earned Industry Recognized Certificates: Culinary - Amaniah Jones, Ta'Mya Martin, Rah-Mya McNulty, Micah McPherson, Raul Morales; EMT - Nadica Hasty

   

• Nine students earned both a high school diploma from RHS and an associate’s degree from St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley through Ritenour’s dual enrollment program: Summer-Lee Bridger, Triston Havens, Matthew Moll, Julissa Moreno Ruiz, Kaliyah Royal, Aaliyah Walker, Mia Weicht, Haley Wille and Benjamin Zgiet

   

• Two seniors were admitted early decision to top-tier universities with full scholarships: Jacee Durnin will be attending Univeristy of Chicago; Christina Vo will be attending Washington University in St. Louis.
• Seven student-athletes received scholarships to pursue their athletic careers in college: Maggie Kunshek will play golf at Missouri Baptist University; playing college football are Mahki Bruce at Southern Baptist University, Fate Finley at Alcorn State, Troy Jackson at Coe College, Yarmon Kirksey Jr. at William Jewell University, Amari Mu'Min at Lindenwood University and Laron Ramsey at Milliken University.
• Fourteen graduates completed the U.S. Army JROTC program: Laiyana Norfleet, Kaliyah Royal, Santiago Trujillo, Randy Lewis, Zachary Recsnik, Rosemery Bracamonte Chavez, Jamal Slate, Edwin Plancarte Reyes, Melissa Chacaj Matia, Michelle Alamea Zavala, Desirae Higgin, Carlos Quezada Granados, Cesar Sanchez Juarez and Evan Quijada Monzon

   

As graduates prepared to begin the next chapter of their lives, Ritenour administrators reminded them that graduation marks not an ending, but the beginning on a new phase of growth and learning.

Ritenour High School’s assistant principal for the senior class, Dr. Austin Ferguson, reminded the class that graduation is another step into adulthood.

“Adulthood is not about having all the answers,” said Ferguson. “Adulthood is about remaining willing to learn, remaining curious, continuing to adapt when circumstances change. It's about understanding that growth is not something that ends when you receive a diploma…Tonight, you are receiving recognition for years of effort, perseverance, learning, and growth. Your diploma has been a goal, not a finish line.”

Superintendent Dr. Chris Kilbride told the graduates they will make a difference as they prepare to step into the world outside of Ritenour. 

“We are sending these Huskies off into the world where they are prepared to make a difference,” said Superintendent Dr. Chris Kilbride. “If there was ever a time in which society needed committed young people willing to stand up and speak up. It is now. Congratulations Huskies!”