The crowd inside the Prescott Sports Arena stood shoulder-to-shoulder Sunday afternoon as family members, friends and supporters filled the home of the Prescott basketball teams to capacity for commencement exercises honoring the Prescott High School Class of 2026.

The ceremony began at 3:00 p.m. May 17 as 74 graduates prepared to walk across the floor and receive diplomas marking the completion of their high school years.

The afternoon ceremony blended prayer and recognition as students, administrators and school leaders addressed the packed arena.

Highest Honor Graduate-to-be Dalton Stockton opened the program with prayer for guidance for the graduates as they move into the next chapter of life. “Help us as we all move on to the next chapter of our lives. Lord, guide us throughout the life in the manner that you see fit,” Stockton said.

Another highest honor grad-to-be Olivia Kimmel then welcomed those gathered for the commencement exercises. "Good afternoon, administration, faculty, parents, fellow classmates, friends, and guests to the 2026 commencement ceremony for the graduates of Prescott High School,” she said, then thanked those attending for supporting the graduates on one of the most significant days of their lives.

Superintendent of Prescott Schools Larry Smith welcomed the audience on behalf of the district.

“On behalf of the school board, administration, students, we would like to welcome you to this afternoon’s commencement address,” Smith said.

Smith introduced members of the Prescott School Board and district administration during the ceremony.

Prescott High Principal Tommy Poole later recognized the school’s academic honorees and then announced the Honor Graduates before beginning the presentation of diplomas. One by one, seniors crossed the arena floor to receive diplomas as applause and encouraging words repeatedly echoed through the building from relatives and friends seated throughout the packed stands.

As the diploma presentation concluded, Highest Honor Grad-to-be Cooper Kimmel delivered the closing prayer. “Our gracious heavenly Father, as we, the class of 2026, stand here together for the last time, we ask you to lead and guide us as we leave our high school journey and start our new journeys of life,” Kimmel said.

Principal Tommy Poole then formally certified the graduating class. “It has been a great honor and privilege to work with administration, faculty and student body of Prescott Schools that I confirm that the senior class of 2026 are graduates of Prescott High School,” Poole said.

He then presented the graduates to the audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the 2026 graduating class of Prescott High School.”

Cheers immediately erupted throughout the arena as graduates celebrated together, tossing up many mortarboards and ending an afternoon that marked both the close of their years at Prescott High School and the beginning of what comes next.

For the full article and more highlights of the GMCS graduation ceremony, stay tuned to SWARK.Today for our special Graduation Edition for Hempstead and Nevada Counties!