Floyd County Class of 2026 Earns Alumni Status
-The following was first published in the May 25, 2026 special graduation edition of Floyd Times.
Under sunny skies on May 15, and to the music of Pomp and Circumstance, the Floyd County High School Class of 2026 filed onto the school’s football field for the 63rd Graduation Ceremonies.
Alongside Superintendent Dr. Jessica Cromer and Assistant Principal Daniel Quesenberry on the graduation stage, Principal Barry Hollandsworth welcomed the crowd that filled the school bleachers and rows of seating on the grass.
Addressing the graduates, Hollandsworth stated that his greatest goal has always been to help develop honest and hardworking people. “I truly believe we have accomplished that. You have represented your school and community with pride resilience and integrity.” He advised them to continue to work hard and never forget where they came from.
Considering that it would be Hollandsworth last time to preside over graduation ceremonies as he heads into retirement, he thanked his wife Susan, who was present with other Hollandsworth family members, for putting up with the long hours that his position has required over the years.
Dr. Cromer spoke about the significant milestone that the 2026 graduation holds as the final graduating ceremony for Mr. Hollandsworth. Addressing Hollandsworth directly, she remarked, “Your steady leadership, your care for students and your commitment to this school have left a lasting mark. Generations of students have walked these halls under your watch, and they’re better for it.” Cromer thanked Hollandsworth on behalf of the entire school community for his service and leadership.
Addressing the graduation class, Cromer said, “This achievement represents years of investment from the people around you,” noting teachers, staff, families, friends, and the community as influences. “Each of you carries with you the influence of where you come from, the lessons learned in classrooms, the values shaped at home, and examples set by those who showed up for you day after day.”
She emphasized that the foundation those influences have provided is something that can guide them to develop a sense of responsibility to something greater than themselves. “The true measure of this moment is not that you reached the finish line, it’s that your prepared for what comes next,” Cromer said.
Salutatorian Reagan Lynch, spoke about how high school sports have given her friends and memories that will last a lifetime. She thanked her family for providing constant support and never doubting her abilities. She encouraged her classmates to take life a step at a time and to make it worth living.
“Through every high and every low, we made it here together,” Class President Samuel Phillips said as he addressed the crowd. Phillips spoke about how blessed he has been to play football as quarterback, basketball, and track. “Sports has taught me discipline, leadership and to trust the people beside you. My faith has also guided me through every step of this journey,” he said.
He encouraged his classmates to remember that the future is not defined by one mistake, one win or one loss “What matters is how you respond and continue to move forward.”
Valedictorian Emma Biesterveld began her speech saying, “Dad, you owe me an iPhone,” she joked, explaining that her dad had joked that if she was Valedictorian, he would get her an iPhone. “It was game over the second he promised me that phone.”
She spoke about straying from her church upbringing and finding her faith again. “Every small detail and every big moment has led us to this day,” she said.
Classmates and attendees cheered as senior’s names were called and they walked across the stage where they were congratulated and awarded their diplomas. Dr Cromer performed the Confirmation of Graduates, instructing the graduates to move their mortar board tassel from right to left to signify their accomplishment.
Confetti rained down as graduates filed out to the end of the field where they celebrated their new status. Joined by friends and family, they mingled and posed for pictures. – Colleen Redman
