News and Events

Dare County Schools proudly celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. This past weekend, 426 graduates across the district crossed the graduation stage and earned their high school diplomas.

 

Dare County Schools graduation celebrations began on the evening of Friday, June 5, when 236 seniors from First Flight High School, along with their families and friends celebrated together at the Warren C. Judge III Memorial Field in Kill Devil Hills. This year's commencement featured a memorable surprise as the school's student-built airplane performed a flyover during the ceremony.

 

The following morning, Saturday, June 6, 125 seniors from Manteo High School graduated at the Lost Colony Waterside Theatre on Roanoke Island. The outdoor venue provided a picturesque backdrop for the event, as boats sailed by and graduates prepared to set sail toward their future destinations.

 

Later that evening, Cape Hatteras Secondary School honored 65 graduates during a touching, community-centered ceremony in the school's William P. Dillon Memorial Gymnasium. Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate as graduates received their diplomas and turned their tassels.

 

Dare County Schools also recognizes the achievements of the Class of 2026 at Dare Early Academy, the district's alternative high school program. This year, Dare Early Academy celebrated 16 mid-year graduates and 20 June graduates, for a total of 36 graduates. Because students are based at each of the district's three traditional high schools, they had the opportunity to participate in their respective school's commencement ceremony.

 

This year's graduation season was also bittersweet with longtime Dare Learning Academy Principal L'Tanya Murray retiring at the conclusion of the school year. Throughout her years of service, Murray has been a steadfast advocate for students, providing unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement, helping many students earn their high school diploma. Alongside the academy's site coordinators, her dedication has played an important role in the success of countless students.

 

Dare County Schools Superintendent Steve Basnight shared his pride in this year's graduates:

 

"This past Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening brought just about every emotion imaginable. I had the privilege of standing on each stage, shaking every graduate’s hand, and personally congratulating each member of the Class of 2026.

 

Some were beaming with excitement. Some had tears in their eyes. Some were understandably nervous about walking across the stage in front of a crowd of proud family members and friends. Some were trying to remember which hand to shake and which hand to use for their diploma. And one precious young lady gently reminded her Daddy, ‘Don’t cry, Daddy.’

 

In those moments, I witnessed the incredible joy of accomplishment, the pride that comes from determination and grit, and the excitement of possibilities yet to come. Each graduate carried a unique story, but they all shared something special; they all were graduating.

 

To every graduate of the Class of 2026 from Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Dare Learning Academy, First Flight High School, and Manteo High School, please know how incredibly proud we are of you in Dare County Schools. You have worked hard, overcome challenges, celebrated successes, and earned this moment. It was an honor to celebrate with you!

 

I also want to thank the parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, staff members, mentors, coaches, community members, and countless others who invested their time, energy, encouragement, and love into these remarkable young people. No student reaches this milestone alone and your support helped make these achievements possible.

 

Graduates, as you begin the next chapter, whether that means starting a career, serving in the military, continuing your education, or pursuing another dream, move forward with the confidence from what you have already achieved. Do not be afraid to succeed! You have already proven that success is not something beyond your reach; it is a part of who you are!

 

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We believe in you, we are proud of you, and we cannot wait to see the difference you will continue making in this world!"

 

Dare County Schools congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes each graduate continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all of their future endeavors.

 

Total Graduates: 236

Valedictorian: Sarah Ward

Salutatorian: Emily Shephard
 

Total Graduates: 125 graduates

Valedictorian: Meredith Gaskill

Salutatorian: Whitney Salazar-Gutierrez
 

Total Graduates: 65 graduates

Valedictorian: Alaina Bonanni

Salutatorian: Eliska Nuzzo