Salem High School honored the Class of 2026 during commencement exercises held Friday afternoon at the Salem Civic Center.
A total of 283 seniors crossed the stage to receive their diplomas as family members, friends and community supporters gathered to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.
Prior to the ceremony, graduates arrived at the Civic Center dressed in their caps and gowns, preparing for the milestone event and sharing final moments with classmates before entering the arena. Photos captured the behind-the-scenes excitement as students assembled and lined up for the processional.
The commencement ceremony marked the culmination of the students’ high school careers and the beginning of their next chapters, whether pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, joining the military or exploring other opportunities.
Dr. Kelly Linkenhoker delivered her last commencement address as principal of Salem High School. She will be replaced by Jamie Garst on July 1. “Today, I want to talk to you about something we all take for granted—doors. Because every important moment in life begins the same way—with the decision to walk through one,” she said. “Every single day we walk through them without even thinking. We enter and exit hundreds each week.”
While some of the doors are wide open, others are barely cracked open or closed altogether, she noted. “How we choose to walk through a door often determines what happens on the other side,” she said.
The Salem High School Class of 2026 was recognized for its accomplishments during the ceremony, concluding another academic year for Salem City Schools.
“Today is not only a celebration of the class of 2026, but also a celebration of this community that helped shape them,” Superintendent Dr. Curtis Hicks said. “To the graduates, congratulations. You’ve reached an important milestone and you should be proud of your accomplishments.”
