Family and friends of 409 Free State graduates filled Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday evening as district administrators called the occasion a milestone of resilience and perseverance.
“There are many talented people in the world who start, but they never finish,” school board President GR Gordon-Ross said. “You have proven that you can finish.”
Throughout the ceremony, student speakers echoed themes of perseverance, leadership and growth, while reflecting on shared experiences and uncertain futures.
Beyond the classroom, Free State students have made a tangible impact across Lawrence in recent years. During a SNAP benefit freeze, students organized and donated 1,000 pounds of food to Just Food while also continuing community service projects, student leadership, and academic, artistic and athletic achievements.
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Kyle Sikes, who will attend Washington University this fall, spoke about leadership and how the class impacted the Lawrence community.
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“What has and always will make this class special is this simple fact: It is filled with meanings, people who bring light to the lives of others, not for the credit, but simply because it is the right thing to do,” Sikes said.
As graduates waited to cross the stage, the arena remained filled with applause, cheers, camera flashes and the occasional air horn, capturing the culmination of four years of hard work.
“The true leaders in life, they may go unnoticed, they may not be in the news or on TV,” Sikes said. “That’s because true leaders, they understood that their work was never about the credit, that was never their desire; they simply wanted to help other people and the world become the best versions of themselves.”
Gordon-Ross expanded on perseverance by citing his favorite book, “Destination Basketball,” noting that coaches select players who prove they finish what they start.
“Think back to this moment and remember when life gets hard, when things get hard, you can keep going, and you can finish because you’ve been doing it your entire lives,” Gordon-Ross said.
Coincidentally, this year’s ceremony was held at the cradle of basketball, adding a sense of light and new beginnings for the class.
“I am honored to be in a class with so many people that I would consider to be true leaders, and all of you who are undoubtedly with me in the light the world so desperately needs,” Sikes said.
Graduate Colby Stutler, planning to attend the University of Kansas for business marketing, reflected on the class’s growth and transition.
“This chapter may be ending, but our story is not. The impact of these years and the people beside us will carry into every chapter that follows,” Stutler said.
He encouraged his fellow graduates to honor those who have supported them, take risks, be kind, work hard and not be afraid to stand out.
Stutler also addressed the younger students in the audience, urging them to create lasting friendships, take chances and not let the fear of judgment hold them back.
“There’s no single right way to move forward. What matters is that we keep going, that we stay curious, and that we don’t let fear stop us from trying, ” Stutler said.
Nathan Kramer and Julia Velasco won the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award for their respect, responsibility, and community service.
Superintendent Jeanice Swift addressed the class and shared a message of hope and resilience, drawing from the words of National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
“You have absolutely everything it takes to move forward in confidence and to impact our world in profound and positive ways,” Swift said.
Senior Free State choir members performed the national anthem and alma mater.
Velasco, co-student council president, delivered the land acknowledgment and will attend Brandeis University this fall.
Thirty-five valedictorians were honored with gold medallions for achieving perfect 4.0 GPAs: Anders Benson, Wittney Bogart, Pryce Brinkerholl, Gage Fahrenkamp, Darin Fehr, Lillian Fike, Kennedy Flachsbarth, Bryce Fredendall, Addison Fulscher, Chloe Hannings, Isabella Havens, Claire Heinritz, Aleia Kemp, Logan Kimball, Landry Koester, Nathaniel Kramer, Micah MacConnell, Verity Magdaleno, Hudson McCullough, Maria Mosconi, Piper Northrop, Mallory Oliver, Rakshan Ossen, Ann Pilakowski, Riley Prier, Breahna Randall, Neel Sabarwal, Kyle Sikes, Avery Smiley, Eli Stone, Jacob Wang, Micah Ward, Claire Weipert, Madison Whitney, Meredith Wood and Nathan Young.
“Life isn’t about having a perfect plan, it’s about being willing to take chances, learn from setbacks, grow along the way,” Stutler said.
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Courtney Lane (she/her), staff reporter, has worked with The Lawrence Times since April 2026. She can be reached at [email protected].
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More: 2026 Graduations
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