Dear class of 2026, four years ago you were dodging eggs in downtown Berkeley, today you stand as the red and gold seniors anchoring our school spirit. This year has been filled with memorable milestones, from a stress-inducing first semester, to senior assassin, to a bad case of senioritis and too many Stinson day-trips. You’ve overcome obstacles and grown in the face of adversity, and through every diverse experience, each one of you has made an impact on Berkeley High School.
Despite the chaos and political unrest of these past years, you have managed to stay true to yourselves and find strength within each other. You have embodied the spirit of BHS through eccentric outfits on Rally Day, coming together as your chants filled the hallways. You showcased your voices through participating in nation-wide protests. Whether standing up for immigration rights, fighting for education on the Israel-Palestine conflict, or advocating for climate justice, the countless student-led demonstrations this year truly speak to the passion and dedication of this graduating class.
The clear sense of self showcased by BHS seniors extends beyond fighting for political equality and into many forms of creative expression. You have stunned audiences with dynamic dance productions, intricate theater performances, and another unforgettable annual fashion show. On the big screen of the little theater, you captivated audiences with your wide range of unique student films — sometimes even winning awards!!
You have excelled across diverse fields of interest, enhancing our school’s engaging atmosphere. Robotics took home the Engineering Inspiration award while competing in district level events. Seniors from a few small schools participated in hands-on internships, contributing to communities outside of BHS while learning valuable life skills along the way. While managing stressful academics, you managed to lead BHS sports to success across the board, adding to BHS’ collection of West Alameda County Conference (WACC) wins. Both lacrosse teams also contributed to BHS’ honors, bringing home impressive WACC final wins against our longtime rival, O’Dowd — we were all excited to hear. Within badminton, soccer, and baseball, the senior class carried their teams into additional WACC wins to mark school history.
And just as you have helped to shape our school, you have also been molded by each BHS rite of passage along the way. Upgrading from Cordonices parties to “real” ones; random extracurriculars you joined for no real reason evolved into meaningful staples of your identity; those strangers from other hives turned into best friends within your small school.
As you walk the stage today and step forwards along your individual journeys, you might look back at yourself from four years ago and barely recognize them. But looking around you right now, at the eclectic, loud, passionate students that have shaped and been shaped by BHS, we hope that you never forget the community you built here together.