USC Graduates 297 During 66th Annual Commencement

The evening featured reflections from student leaders, words of encouragement from district administrators and the conferring of diplomas to a graduating class distinguished by academic achievement, leadership, service and school spirit.

Senior Council President Peter Markovitz opened the ceremony with a message about embracing life's imperfections and appreciating the experiences that shape us.

“The cap and gowns we wear today are clean and flawless, but I can't remember how many times I have spilled pasta bar sauce on a white shirt throughout high school. But life isn’t meant to be lived in a clean white shirt,” Peter said. “It’s about the stains; the imperfections. Those moments don’t take away from who we are, they are a part of why today means something to us.”

Senior Class President Dylan Childs welcomed attendees and reflected on the enduring importance of human connection in an increasingly technology-driven world. 

“I think we understand something AI never will…relationships matter more than efficiency,” Dylan said. “I’m not worried about our future, because even in a world seemingly run by AI, relationships will always be what make life meaningful.”

Additional student speakers included Pritika Gupta, Emiliano Sobarzo Hernandez and Grant Casciato.

School Board President Mike Mascaro, a member of Upper St. Clair’s Class of 1992, shared lessons that have guided him throughout his life and career. Drawing a connection between his own graduation and the Class of 2026, he noted that when he sat in their seats 34 years ago, Upper St. Clair had just captured its first WPIAL baseball championship – a milestone matched just a week ago when the Panthers won their second title. 

“Hold yourself accountable, show grit when things get tough, be present in the moments that matter, and surround yourself with people who make you better,” he said. “Take care of yourselves; mentally, physically and emotionally. That’s not extra - that’s essential. And don’t worry… you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Nobody does.”   

Dr. Timothy Wagner, principal and supervisor of secondary education, praised the graduating class for the example it set for younger students and the positive impact its members made throughout the school community. 

“You have demonstrated remarkable feats of aptitude, community-building and care over the years,” Dr. Wagner said. “Your successes, your service and your good-natured dispositions are only outpaced by the humble way that you carry yourselves.”

He thanked the graduates for the lessons they imparted to the school community through their kindness, hard work and humility.

Superintendent Dr. John Rozzo encouraged the Class of 2026 to prioritize relationships over recognition; live in the real world – not just the digital one; protect character above all else; pursue happiness; and never forget where you came from.

“While it is difficult to imagine our schools without you here, I choose not to focus on the sadness of saying goodbye,” he said. “Instead, I feel grateful – grateful for the impact you have had on our schools, grateful for the example you have set for younger students, and grateful for the legacy you leave behind.”

The Class of 2026 includes 16 valedictorians, including Luke Song An, Chloe Grace Bird, Prachi Srinivasa Chetlur, Isabella Sophia Donnelly, Geneva Anne Eisinger, Sara Gillespie, Pritika Gupta, Zahra Hossain, Lylah Rose Kateeb, Zahra Khalid Khan, Ethan Yiyao Lin, Isabella Thadar Lin, Maddox Robert Orendi, Eleanor Grace Simons, Daniel Alan Slowey and Emiliano Sobarzo Hernandez.

The graduating class also includes 11 International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates: Sofia Ada Alfredson Themudo, Kurt Nathan Baran, Avery Addison Bayer, Stella Rose Birmingham, Benedetta Calamari, Juliya Chemoriya, Julia Ting Chu, Isabella Sophia Donnelly, Zahra Khalid Khan, Kaia Grace Petrick and John Philip Unice.

As the newest Upper St. Clair alumni turned their tassels and celebrated with family and friends, they closed one chapter of their lives and began another – carrying forward the lessons, relationships and memories that defined their time as Panthers.

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• View the 2026 Commencement program
• View the Photo Gallery
• Watch the Commencement Ceremony