School News

Last Updated on Monday, 29 June 2026 21:08

Brentwood High School’s Class of 2026 received their diplomas on Friday, June 5 as the Brentwood Borough School District celebrated its graduates at the district’s 93rd Commencement ceremony.

Graduating senior and a member of the Class of 2026 steering committee, Fatimah Ismael receives her diploma from Robert Kircher, President of the Board of School Directors.

Graduating senior and Drum Major, Connor Dusch receives his diploma from Robert Kircher, President of the Board of School Directors.

Senior class President, Rey Ramirez addresses the audience during graduation ceremonies

2026 Class Valedictorian, Emma Simmons (at right) speaks to the attendees.

Graduating Senior, Deng Mu receives his diploma from Robert Kircher, President of the Board of School Directors.

A total of 75 seniors graduated in Brentwood Stadium before a large, enthusiastic crowd under sunny, warm skies. More than 25 different languages are spoken by Brentwood students and 10 seniors began the ceremony by welcoming the attendees in their native languages: Prince Byiringiro (Kinyarwanda), Tafssira Garba Gambari (Ewe), Fatimah Ismael (Arabic), Hamid Mohebi (Dari), Deng Mu (Dinka), Salina Rai (Nepali) and Christopher Mejia-Lopez, Lesly Pena-Garcia, Rey Ramirez and Almendra Rosales Leon (Spanish).

Senior class president Rey Ramirez welcomed the audience. He plans to attend CCAC and study Aviation Technology before pursuing a career as pilot. Valedictorian Emma Simmons addressed the attendees; she plans to attend Duquesne University and study Psychology. Salutatorian Nia Aten also spoke and plans to enroll in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health.

Brentwood Superintendent Dr. Amy Burch addressed the graduates and announced the more than 20 seniors who received a total of 35 scholarships. Mrs. Kristie Kraeuter, a member of the Board of School Directors, also addressed the Class of 2026.

Brentwood Middle-High School Assistant Principal Joe Michalski introduced the graduates, who received their diplomas from Mr. Robert Kircher, President of the Board of School Directors, and other current or former members of the Board.

Three members of the Brentwood Class of 2026 plan to enter the military: Paige Byers (U.S. Navy), Jacob Patterson (U.S. Marines) and Lesly Pena-Garcia (Pennsylvania National Guard).

The Brentwood High School Band played the “Star Spangled Banner” and the Brentwood Alma Mater to conclude the festivities. A trio of senior drum majors (Kendall Cassidy, Sofia DeMeo and Connor Dusch) directed the band’s performances.

The Brentwood Class of 2026 officers were: Rey Ramirez (president), Blaize Dias (vice president), Anthony Henry (secretary) and Nia Aten (treasurer). The members of the Brentwood Class of 2026 Steering Committee were: Olivia Brandle, Dominic Carozza, Ethan DeShetler, Madalyn Fry, Fatimah Ismael, Skye Jones, Hannah Parnell, Shee Paw, Avalon Peters, Elizabeth Schubert, Emma Simmons, Zoe Sommer, Lila Tinker and Nelina Zarra.

A total of 29 of Brentwood’s 75 seniors have a 3.50 or higher cumulative grade-point average, an impressive 38.7 percent of the members of the Class of 2026!