2026 JCHS Graduation Commencement

Friends, family, fellow students and community gathered at the Jackson County High School Gymnasium on Saturday, June 06, 2026 to watch the JCHS Class of 2026 graduate, receive their diplomas, and begin the next chapter of their lives. The JCHS band, under the direction of James Adams, played “Pomp and Circumstance” to welcome the seniors to the event. The JCHS AJROTC executed the “Presentation of Colors”. Senior Anna Roark delivered the Invocation.

Principal Jacob Bowling provided the opening remarks. “To our community, we are sending into our society students who are prepared to contribute to their world. Our graduating class has 123 students; 103 of those students have tested and been deemed career ready by the state of Kentucky. 73 of these students have been deemed as being college ready. 54 students have tested as both being college and career ready. This is a group of students who are ready to contribute, and I have faith that they will!”

Principal Bowling framed his remarks to the graduating seniors using the work of Harvard Social Scientist Professor Arthur Brooks. Professor Brooks considered four things critical to the pursuit of happiness: Faith, Family, Friendship, and Work. Principal Bowling concluded his speech just as he did his US History class: “We love you all, Be Good, Be Safe, and Don’t do anything Stupid!”

Principal Bowling’s opening remarks were followed by Hannah York performing “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Recognition was then given for Latin Honors by Principal Bowling. The following students graduated Summa Cum Laude: Katelynn Bowles, Jacob Collett, Cameron Combs, Dylan Gay, Alexis Peters, Anna Roark, Jordan Rose, and Lawson Sallee. The following students graduated Magna Cum Laude: Kenna Morris, Karli Sparks, Miley Witt, and Berkli Young. The following students graduated Cum Laude: Riley Anglin, J’Lena Diaz, Elzi Gomez Diaz, Jayden Grimes, Kenlee Hacker, Hadley Harris, Gunnar Jones, Gracie McDaniel, Leigha Metcalf, Aryonna Miller, Eliana Shearer, and Rylee Turner.

Addan Witt gave the first Commencement Address. Jayden Grimes performed “5 More Minutes” by Scotty McCreary. The second commencement address was given by Katelynn Bowles. Mr. Dean Rader conducted the presentation of the 2026 Senior Class. The benediction was done by Jalee Davis.