The Coral Shores High School Class of 2026 received diplomas and tossed caps at the May 28 graduation ceremony, successfully concluding four years of hard work and accomplishment.
During the evening sendoff at the Coral Shores gymnasium, students, families and teachers were honored by a series of speeches that proclaimed the graduating class’ unique achievements, and gave thanks to the vital support of faculty and parents.
Eighty percent of graduating students plan to continue education after high school, with 74% attending a four-year college or university. Nine percent of students will attend vocational programs, and 15% will go directly into the workforce. Several students will be enlisting into the military or joining reserve officer training corps programs.
Scholarships for the Class of 2026 totaled $4.2 million, with $894,000 presented by community scholarships at Senior Night. Of special note was the class’ exceptionally high average GPA of 3.6.
Student speeches reflected on their time at Coral Shores. Emphasizing the unique sense of community cultivated by the senior class, salutatorian Shay Stober advised, “Wherever life takes you next, remember that you have the ability to create the same sense of belonging (that you found here at Coral Shores). Use what you have built here as a blueprint.”
“There was so much good that came since the start of our four years here,” said valedictorian Nathaniel Shugarman in his speech. “This school, and our very special Upper Keys community, is, and will always be, a huge part of our lives. … Continuing to grow and move forward is living life to the fullest, and I know that each student of the Coral Shores Class of 2026 will do just that.”
Student council president Allegra Fucaraccio reflected on the importance of graduation as presenting both a culminating moment and the start of a new beginning.
“While the uncertainty of what the future has in hold for us is at times scary, it is important not to look at graduation as the end, but as instead the beginning of something even better,” she said.
Superintendent Ed Tierney offered a few parting words of advice to the class.
“Work hard in college if that is your path, work hard in your career, work hard in your relationships, work hard in the things that matter to you guys. Hard work is timeless and will carry you farther than you can imagine,” he said. “Take pride in who you are and where you come from: your roots, your community, and the experiences that shape you.”
Diplomas were handed out by Principal Laura Lietaert. The evening concluded with a ceremonial throwing of graduation caps.
