Humboldt High Class of 2026 turns tassels
by Shane Wofford
The Humboldt High School Class of 2026 celebrated graduation Friday evening during commencement exercises that saw 47 graduates launching into the next chapter of their lives.The gym was packed with family members and well-wishers as Pomp and Circumstance wafted through the air courtesy of the Viking Pride Band and the graduating seniors made their way down the aisle.
Early in the program, school officials recognized six students who earned associate degrees from Jackson State Community College while still attending Humboldt High School, marking the first time students from Humboldt Senior High School have achieved the milestone. The ceremony was dedicated to the memory and legacy of Pamela Denise McHaney, the school’s first African American valedictorian, who graduated in 1973.
Assistant Principal Kelly Vonner welcomed those in attendance and recognized special guests including Superintendent Dr. Janice Epperson, members of the Humboldt Board of Education, city officials and faculty members from across the district.
The commencement address was delivered by Humboldt native and Humboldt High alumnus William C.J. Wedley II, a 2004 graduate who later attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played Division I football while majoring in mechanical engineering. Wedley went on to serve in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of major.
Throughout his speech, Wedley encouraged graduates to embrace their individuality and take pride in their hometown roots.
“You don’t have to be perfect to make it,” Wedley told graduates. “There’s no better way to look, feel and act besides being yourself.”
Wedley reflected on lessons he learned growing up in Humboldt, saying the community taught him confidence, creativity, resilience and appreciation for interpersonal relationships. He urged students not to feel inferior to people from larger cities and encouraged them to proudly represent Humboldt wherever life takes them.
“When people ask you where you’re from, don’t say Memphis. Don’t say Jackson,” he said. “When they ask you where you’re from, look them right in the face and say you’re from Humboldt, Tennessee.”
The program also featured remarks from the class salutatorian and valedictorian, twin sisters Aniyah and Mariah Champion.
Salutatorian Aniyah Champion graduated with a 96.96 GPA and plans to attend Union University to major in biochemistry before pursuing a career as a general surgeon. In her address, Aniyah reflected on the shared experiences of the graduating class and encouraged classmates to continue striving toward their goals.
“Each of us are here because we didn’t give up,” she said. “What matters is that we keep striving to be the best versions of ourselves.”
Valedictorian Mariah Champion graduated with a 97.44 GPA and also plans to attend Union University, where she will double major in business administration and nursing with plans to become a nurse practitioner and eventually own a private practice.
“Graduation is not a reward for perfection, but it is a recognition of perseverance,” she said. “It stands as evidence that the setbacks, missteps and moments of doubt did not deter nor define us.”
Principal Grover Harwell then formally presented the 47 graduates to the superintendent and school board before Epperson certified the class for graduation. Epperson praised the class for its accomplishments and announced that the graduates had collectively earned more than $2.1 million in scholarships and financial aid offers, to loud applause from the audience.
“What you got tonight is priceless,” Epperson said. “You have what it’s going to take to set you on the road for any other degree you want.”
Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates moved their tassels from right to left, officially becoming graduates of Humboldt High School. The ceremony concluded with cheers from family members and supporters as the Class of 2026 exited the gymnasium to begin the next stage of their journeys.
