The ceremony was moved from Monarch Stadium in Moundsville to WesBanco Arena because of the threat of hot and rainy weather.

Graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas following speeches by Principal Jason Marling and members of the class Top 1% — Brodie Baker, Nia Miller and Lila Roman.

Music was provided by the Monarch Choir and JMHS Chamber Orchestra.

Marling described the graduating class as being made up of “great kids.” He noted the students faced challenges ranging from social media pressures to the COVID-19 pandemic and a world that can sometimes be violent and unkind, but persevered through those obstacles.

(Photo by Shelley Hanson) John Marshall High School Class of 2026 seniors attend their graduation ceremony Tuesday at WesBanco Arena.

“They have shown kindness and resilience,” he said. “We’re proud of what you have become. They’re not just pretty good kids, they are great kids.”

Baker said the high school experience was about more than awards and accolades and instead focused on growth and discovering who they would become as people.

“There are days we struggled to keep going and here we are,” he said.

He encouraged classmates to “choose compassion” as they move forward in life.

Miller thanked God, her parents, friends, teachers and coaches for helping her succeed.

(Photo by Shelley Hanson) Lila Roman, a member of the John Marshall High School Class of 2026 Top 1%, gives her speech during the graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

“Never stop learning; it’s a lifelong pursuit,” she said.

Roman reflected on struggles she faced while in school, including moments when she felt left out by classmates. She encouraged graduates to show kindness to others moving forward.

“Be decent to each other. I ask a small thing of you: hold the door open,” she said.

The class president is Roman. Vice president is Baker. Class secretary is Wyatt Jefferson, and treasurer is Sarah McBee.

The class motto is “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” said Michael Scott. The class flower is the tulip, the class colors are brown and gold, and the class song is “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day.

(Photo by Shelley Hanson) Nia Miller, a member of the John Marshall High School Class of 2026 Top 1%, gives her speech during the graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

(Photo by Shelley Hanson) The John Marshall High School Class of 2026 makes its entrance to the graduation ceremony Tuesday evening at WesBanco Arena.