Family members and friends filled Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for the Atlantic City High School graduation.

The echo of “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” filled the iconic arena from the famous pipe organ as 409 seniors processed in dressed in blue and white caps and gowns.

Family members and friends — some wearing t-shirts to support their graduates and others holding cutouts — filled the historic hall with cheers and applause, marking the final milestone day for the Class of 2026. The ceremony showcased longstanding traditions and demonstrated the diversity and aspirations of this year’s graduating class.

Tradition with a Touch of Distinction

The afternoon began with a dignified presentation of the American flag by the Atlantic City High School NJROTC Color Guard.

Clad in crisp uniforms, the cadets set a formal tone for the event during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Words of Wisdom: Inspiration from the Podium

Trey Goldstein and Taison Parker presented inspirational readings.

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s ending,” said Parker. “When your dream is bigger than your obstacles, you can overcome anything,” Goldstein added.

Principal’s Address

Principal Constance Days-Chapman told students that sometimes things won’t go their way, but every situation is temporary.

“Challenges are inevitable,” Chapman explained. “Life comes in seasons and every season has purpose.” She said there will be seasons of waiting. “While you wait, be patient, stay diligent and remain faithful,” Days-Chapman said. There will be seasons of watching, she said.

“There will be seasons of thriving and while you thrive, stay humble. Lift others up and remain grateful,” Days-Chapman said. “There will be seasons of struggle and while you struggle, stay resilient. Seek support and never quit. “

The principal said there would also be seasons of victory.

“When those moments come, celebrate your accomplishments, honor those that helped you and remember where you came from,” Days-Chapman said. “The truth is, no season lasts forever. It doesn’t matter what you go through, it matters what you grow through.”

A Message of Success Through Perseverance from the Valedictorian

Joshua Weinstock noted that Michael Jordan, one of the greatest NBA players of all time, was cut from his high school basketball team in his sophomore year.

However, failure is an integral part of success, Weinstock said.

“When you think of Michael Jordan, do you think of the 12,345 shots he missed in his career? Or the 426 games that he lost? No. You think of his six championships, his six Finals MVPs. You think of his success,” said Weinstock.

Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple was fired by his own Board of Directors. However, he went on to establish Pixar, the most successful animation studio in the world, Weinstock said. He also founded the company NeXT, the company that created the technology at the focal point of Apple today. Famous Children’s author Dr. Suess also met with failure before becoming wildly successful.

“So, what can we learn from these renowned individuals?” Weinstock asked rhetorically. “Success is built on two things: one, courage: the ability to persevere after failure, to get back up, to say, I Won’t Quit; and two: choice: the power to decide your own fate, to choose your own path. Success is achieved when you overcome failure and adversity.”

Weinstock told personal stories of academic challenges that he had to overcome to become the valedictorian.

“But today is not just about my success. It is about the success of all of the graduates here today,” Weinstock said. “No one cares how many times you fall down; no one cares how many times you fail; no one pays attention until you succeed. So, learn from your mistakes. Work harder. And you will be successful.”

Salutatorian Focuses on growth

Alfia Nashia said that many students have achieved personal milestones on behalf of their families.

“For many of us, we are the first in our families to graduate with a diploma from this country, and with this honor first came the responsibility of navigating a path with no shoulder to lean on,” said Nashia. “Now as much as these past four years were crucial to our growth, we still have yet to discover so much about ourselves. To limit our potential to the growth we experienced in high school would be a dishonor to the experiences and lessons that lie ahead.”

Nashia urged her classmates to live in the moment.

“Let the lessons you have learned from past mistakes be the advantage that guides you forward,” Nashia said. “The future is uncertain and the past is too late to change, and that is exactly why we should focus on the present.

“Wherever life takes you from here, understand that you have the privilege and ability to make something worthwhile of it, whatever it may be.”

Board of Education President Shay Steele also addressed the graduates.

Superintendent’s Message

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. La’Quetta S. Small, said students must develop adaptability because things won’t always go as planned, and exhibit discipline because they must make choices and good decisions to achieve their goals.

The superintendent told a story of wanting to go to a Jay-Z concert during her time at Stockton University. Instead, she opted to study for an exam and earn the A.

“I had to make a choice,” the superintendent said. “You have to be disciplined for what you want to accomplish in life.”

She also said students should establish a good reputation.

“You are a walking interview. How do you present yourself to society? How do you present yourself to your community?” Dr. Small asked rhetorically. “It is very important that you are a young man and young woman of great character.”

Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s Message

Mayor Marty Small Sr. said students would now enter the real world and must take responsibility for themselves.

“There are no more guarantees for you,” Mayor Small said. “You must do what you can to apply yourself to continuously put yourself in a better position.”

The mayor also urged students to be prepared to handle adversity.

“There is no place like the City of Atlantic City and if you can make it in the great city of Atlantic City, you can make it anywhere,” Mayor Small said.

A Day to Remember

As graduates turned their tassels and tossed their caps into the air, the atmosphere in Boardwalk Hall was filled with pride, hope and excitement. Families snapped photos, friends embraced, and students spilled onto the Boardwalk into the rain for one last quick round of pictures and memories.

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