Almost 800 hardworking graduates, 34 schools, 78 volunteers, dozens of staff, $71,000, and a perfect 3 hour break in the weather- the 11th annual Klamath Promise Graduation Sensation Parade and Party in the Park unfolded epically on Wednesday, May 27, celebrating the Class of 2026 graduates and the Class of 2038 future graduates from across all of Klamath County, as well as Tulelake, Butte Valley, and North Lake High School (Silver Lake).
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Hundreds of spectators cheered on over a thousand students as they marched down Main Street. The parade was escorted by both the Klamath County Sheriff and Klamath Falls City Police School Resource Officers and included bands, mascots, and all Class of 2026 graduating high school seniors led by their kindergartners and future Class of 2038. Seniors wore their caps and gowns while kindergarteners donned Class of 2038 "I am the Klamath Promise" t-shirts in their school colors donated with support from Klamath Community College and Oregon Institute of Technology. In addition to the festivities on Main Street and at Veterans Park, many seniors began the celebrations with a send-off by walking the hallways of each of their feeder school elementaries lined with students.
At the conclusion of the parade, the graduating seniors and families gathered together for the Party in the Park scholarship and gift card distribution. The celebration began with the singing of the National Anthem by any graduating vocalist. Seventeen students from multiple schools wowed the crowd with their impromptu acapella performance. Retiring KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak gave the keynote remarks focusing on perseverance and overcoming challenges to succeed. He dedicated his speaking time to recognizing and presenting separate awards to students from nine schools who represent the very best of perseverance, determination, and resilience: Israel Alcala of Lost River, Eli Archer of Gilchrist, Frandy Dame of Henley, Danny Black of Chiloquin, Natalie Hasty of Bonanza, and Irma Contreras of Butte Valley, Madelyn Conn of Mazama, Sarah Wagner of North Lake, and MJ Myron of Klamath Union. Please read Superintendent Syzomniak's full message and praises of students here as a powerful reminder of the true purpose of education and graduation.
Following the keynote remarks, volunteers and donors awarded nearly $2,000 per minute in scholarships and gift cards. Thirty-one local donors provide over 150 awards totaling a record-breaking $71,080. All applicants with any type of future plans were eligible to win multiple awards. Scholarships included those for students going onto college or trades school and training, as well as some scholarships for students still undecided. Gift cards and certificates were presented for those going into the military, trade school or college, directly into the workforce, and the undecided. Thanks to coordination and funds management donated by the Sky Lakes Foundation and Klamath Promise Staff from the Southern Oregon Educational Service District, 100% of the funds raised go to the student. The 2026 Graduation Sensation Award Donors that made this event magical are
Click here for a full story and list of full scholarship winners
