PHOTOS BY JONATHAN MEYER – Confetti rained down as multiple graduates launched the colorful paper into the air after receiving their diplomas.

With 108 total graduates in the class of 2026, Sunday, May 17 saw a ceremony that marked a coming of age for many young adults and loved ones alike.

Before “Pomp and Circumstance” echoed through the STC Roundhouse, a simple announcement made by Dixie Forcht came over the speakers asking those sitting in the bleachers to scoot together as there was standing room only.

After processing into the gymnasium and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, South Tama County High School Principal Ben Adams welcomed the packed crowd before delivering his message to the graduating class.

As he shared what he hoped graduates would carry with them into adulthood, Adams centered his speech around three qualities: perseverance, hard work, and attitude.

“Perseverance is not about never failing. It is about refusing to quit,” Adams said.

By 1 p.m. on Sunday, the STC Roundhouse was standing room only with three walls of bleachers full along with nearly all floor seating accounted for.

Adams encouraged the graduates to continue pushing through adversity, reminding students that while life will not always go according to plan, effort and attitude remain within their control.

This year marks the completion of Adam’s first year as the high school principal, after serving at the middle school for many years.

Academic recognitions followed as students graduating with honors and distinction were recognized. The Trojan Seal of Academic Excellence recipients were then announced before co-valedictorians Barrett Jesina and Maddalyn Brown were recognized.

Jesina and Brown shared the honor as grades from Marshalltown Community College had not been finalized and determining one over the other was not possible in time for graduation.

Jesina delivered the first student address of the afternoon, centering his speech on the value of time and consistency.

2026 Co-Valedictorian Maddalyn Brown delivers her remarks to those in attendance, not only as valedictorian but as the voted class speaker. Her speech referenced her journey as a student, even mentioning a piece she performed for speech this past winter.

“Time is not slowing down for anything,” Jesina said as he encouraged classmates to make the most of the opportunities and time placed before them.

Brown followed with a reflective speech touching on growth, uncertainty, and the shared experiences of the class of 2026.

“There is no single path,” Brown said. “And that’s okay.”

Brown encouraged classmates to appreciate the moment and recognize the ways both challenges and successes shaped their high school experience.

Longtime faculty speaker Emily Chyma once again took the podium after being selected by the graduating class. Blending humor with heartfelt reflection, Chyma reassured students that adulthood is often less certain than it appears.

Although the class of 2026 has been different in many regards, keeping Emily Chyma as the faculty speaker was not a difference they made. Chyma has been the longtime faculty member selected to speak at commencement, with this year’s speech focusing on adulthood and asking for help.

“Most adults are just looking for an adultier adult,” Chyma joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Throughout her speech, Chyma talked about the personality of the graduating class while encouraging students to continue asking questions, finding good people, and giving themselves grace moving forward.

Superintendent John Cain then certified the 108 graduates before diplomas were distributed. Continuing a longstanding South Tama tradition, graduates selected a staff member of their choosing to hand them their diploma as family, friends, and community members erupted in applause for each student.

After all graduates had crossed the stage, the class of 2026 had one final surprise waiting beneath their seats. Confetti burst into the air and scattered across the roundhouse floor as graduates celebrated together one last time inside the gymnasium.

With Dr. Dog’s “Where’d All the Time Go” playing throughout the Roundhouse, the class of 2026 exited the gymnasium and stepped into the next chapter of their lives.

STC Superintendent John Cain certified the graduates before inviting students to walk the stage and receive their diplomas.

Brooks Baier smiles as he crosses the stage into his new life as a high school graduate. Baier will attend the University of Northern Iowa in the fall to major in Music Education.