Rockets ready for their future

OAK HARBOR — A total of 121 graduates attended the ceremony on Sunday Alex Rife, senior class president, spoke to his classmates about how their journey to graduation was built on small, daily moments, from laughter in the halls to teachers who pushed them to reach their full potential. His parting words were, "Don't be afraid to fail, but be terrified of regret. Take the risks, stay curious, and use your time wisely." Lauren Cummings, Oak Harbor High School principal, reminded graduates that success is built through small daily habits, discipline, resilience and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. She encouraged students to learn from failure, control how they respond to challenges, ask for help when needed and be someone others can count on. She closed by saying the school is proud of who they are today and even more excited about who they are becoming. Cathy Bergman, superintendent, connected the Class of 2026's graduation journey to Ohio's 250-year story, reminding graduates that growth takes courage, uncertainty, perseverance and time. She encouraged them to see graduation not as an ending, but as a new frontier where they will continue building their futures. She closed by reminding them that they are "builders of what comes next" and that their journey is just getting started. Oak Harbor High School Class of 2026 • 124 graduates — 61% going to college — 42% entering the workforce — 5% enrolling in trade school — 2% enlisting in the military • Over $78,000 accepted in local scholarship money