Congratulations to Bethel Class of 2026!

  • Bethel High School's Class of 2026 toss their caps after graduating on May 16 in the BHS gym. Bethel graduated 81 seniors this year.
    Bethel High School's Class of 2026 toss their caps after graduating on May 16 in the BHS gym. Bethel graduated 81 seniors this year.
  • Bailee Clagg, with her miniature Australian Shepherd, receives her diploma from Bethel School Board Member Kevin Roland at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
    Bailee Clagg, with her miniature Australian Shepherd, receives her diploma from Bethel School Board Member Kevin Roland at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
  • Jeremiah Kelly celebrates his achievement at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
    Jeremiah Kelly celebrates his achievement at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
  • Gavin Shaw does a dance before receiving his diploma at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
    Gavin Shaw does a dance before receiving his diploma at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
  • Bethel High School Science Teacher and Bus Driver Amanda Brock gives the address during graduation, held at the BHS gym on May 16. "This particular group of students just really means a lot to me and holds a special place in my heart," she said. Then, she reminded the graduates what she always says: "You're good enough, you're smart enough, you can do this," and she elaborated on why she says that.
    Bethel High School Science Teacher and Bus Driver Amanda Brock gives the address during graduation, held at the BHS gym on May 16. "This particular group of students just really means a lot to me and holds a special place in my heart," she said. Then, she reminded the graduates what she always says: "You're good enough, you're smart enough, you can do this," and she elaborated on why she says that.
  • Emma Lily Steward gets high fives from the Bethel School Board before receiving her diploma at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
    Emma Lily Steward gets high fives from the Bethel School Board before receiving her diploma at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
  • Retiring Bethel Superintendent Dr. Matt Posey introduces Bethel High School Teacher Amanda Brock during graduation, held at the BHS gym on May 16. Bethel graduated 81 seniors this year.
    Retiring Bethel Superintendent Dr. Matt Posey introduces Bethel High School Teacher Amanda Brock during graduation, held at the BHS gym on May 16. Bethel graduated 81 seniors this year.
  • Bethel Co-Valedictorian Rachel Drew speaks at Bethel High School's Commencement Exercises on May 16. "It wasn't just the big moments that got us here," said Drew. "It was all the small choices that we had to make every day, choosing to show up even when we didn't feel like it, to stay up late finishing assignments even when we were exhausted, to try even when we were afraid of failing, and to keep going even when giving up seemed to be the easier option."
    Bethel Co-Valedictorian Rachel Drew speaks at Bethel High School's Commencement Exercises on May 16. "It wasn't just the big moments that got us here," said Drew. "It was all the small choices that we had to make every day, choosing to show up even when we didn't feel like it, to stay up late finishing assignments even when we were exhausted, to try even when we were afraid of failing, and to keep going even when giving up seemed to be the easier option."
  • Bethel Co-Valedictorian Payton Epperley addresses her fellow graduates at Bethel High School's Commencement Exercises on May 16. Epperley spoke about having major hip surgery in her senior year and losing her father when she was five. "When everything is stripped away, when the plans pause, when the titles don't apply, when life is hard, you realize how much of your identity you've tied to things that can be taken from you, and you're left with one question, 'Who am I without all of that?' " said Epperley.
    Bethel Co-Valedictorian Payton Epperley addresses her fellow graduates at Bethel High School's Commencement Exercises on May 16. Epperley spoke about having major hip surgery in her senior year and losing her father when she was five. "When everything is stripped away, when the plans pause, when the titles don't apply, when life is hard, you realize how much of your identity you've tied to things that can be taken from you, and you're left with one question, 'Who am I without all of that?' " said Epperley.
  • Kodee Wilkerson is congratulated by the Bethel School Board at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
    Kodee Wilkerson is congratulated by the Bethel School Board at the Bethel High School Graduation, held on May 16 in the BHS gym.
  • Congratulations to Bethel Class of 2026!
    Congratulations to Bethel Class of 2026!

    Photos by Natasha Dunagan, Countywide & Sun

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    Full caption for Payton Epperley:

    Bethel Co-Valedictorian Payton Epperley addresses her fellow graduates at Bethel High School's Commencement Exercises on May 16. Epperley spoke about having major hip surgery in her senior year and losing her father when she was five. "When everything is stripped away, when the plans pause, when the titles don't apply, when life is hard, you realize how much of your identity you've tied to things that can be taken from you, and you're left with one question, 'Who am I without all of that?' " said Epperley. " ... Looking back at both of those experiences have taught me the same thing. You can't always control what happens to you. You can decide who you become through it."