Butler Senior High School graduates move their tassels during their graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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BUTLER TWP — The theme of Butler Area School District’s 2026 commencement, according to senior Dejamoura Griffin, was: “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
“Maybe for some of us, high school was easy. It was easy to go through grades or never sit alone at lunch. But for some of us, high school was long,” Griffin said. “Having to balance school, sports, work, family and our personal lives was a challenge. Many of the defeats we faced had nothing to do with academics. Some lost a friend. Some a parent. Some of us struggled silently.”
Through the hardships, Griffin said, “these defeats shaped who we are today.”
“Every setback taught us something. Every failure left room for growth,” Griffin said. “We didn’t let these defeats define us.”
A golden tornado, made up of 477 graduating students and a jam-packed Art Bernardi Stadium, swept away from high school and into the future Friday, June 5.
The graduation was a celebration of persevering through struggle and reaching triumphs and achievements. With one last national anthem — directed by beloved, retiring band director Jeff Kroner — and a lengthy round of applause for the seven students of the class going into military service, closing and beginning of life chapters were put on full display.
Butler Class President Brook Ellis addresses the crowd during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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“Each connection we’ve made here may change over time. Some will grow stronger. Some will fade. This is a scary concept to think about, because we have always had things like classes, tests and finals that have connected us together,” said Brook Ellis, class president.
As students reflect on things like the last football game, the last spirit week, the last final exam, the last day of high school, students also acknowledged Friday’s commencement marked the last memory of this class’ time together in high school.
“It symbolizes that tomorrow is the start of something else. Something new. Something different,” Ellis said. “While we’ve been busy reminiscing over something, we have forgotten to look toward our future. This time in our life is meant for change.”
“Change can be one of the most difficult or rewarding experiences. You never know what will happen unless change occurs. Change is inevitable,” she added.
High school itself was a time of change, struggle and learning for Butler’s students. It was also a time of learning from defeat and moving forward.
Georgi Tonini speaks during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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“My mom always told me that high school is such a small part of your life that feels the longest,” senior Georgi Tonini said. “We encountered friendships, the loss of friendships, breakups or doubting ourselves in ways we never expected.”
“We showed up. We kept going and that’s what mattered,” Tonini added.
Students were urged to focus not only on success and what they can get, but also focus on being significant and what can they give.
“We are told that success means accumulating wealth, earning a specific job title or collecting accolades to post on social media. For the last four years, you have been conditioned to chase this version of success,” principal Jason Huffman said. “But tonight, we stand on the rest of your lives.”
Butler Senior High School Principal Jason Huffman addresses the graduates during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler Senior High School graduates receive their diplomas during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler Senior High School graduates receive their diplomas during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler Senior High School graduates receive their diplomas during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler Area School District Superintendent Brian White addresses the graduates during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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A family cheers for their graduate during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Santino Sloboda celebrates after receiving his diploma during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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A graduate waves to their family as they enter the football field during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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A seat in honor of Nick Herman is marked with a flower during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Ryan Conaway waits to receive his diploma during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler Senior High School graduates greet and celebrate with friends and family after the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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A graduate waves to their family as they enter the football field during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Families watch Butler Senior High School graduates leave the stadium after their graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Savannah Flores Tavera speaks during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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A seat in honor of Nevaeh Schweinsberg is marked with a flower during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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A seat in honor of Aiden Lutz is marked with a flower during the Butler Senior High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler graduates show off their diplomas after their commencement ceremony at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 5, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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