On Thursday, May 28, family, friends, faculty and community members gathered to celebrate the West Shore Educational Service District (WSESD) class of 2026 graduation. The ceremony was held at the Hart High School auditorium to honor four graduates: Brandon Ashbrook (Horizons Program, Ludington), Luke Choponis (Stargazers Program, Hart), Dakota Wallager (Stargazers Program, Hart) and Emily Wayward (Horizons Program, Ludington). The event recognized the students for their hard work, dedication and accomplishments throughout their academic careers.
The ceremony began with a processional as the graduates entered the auditorium to enthusiastic applause from the audience. As they made their way through the doors, they were met with proud family members and friends, fellow classmates and bordering schools also within the WSESD program. There were six schools in attendance, spanning from Mason to Oceana counties, highlighting a strong sense of community support.
After taking their seats on stage, the graduates were welcomed by WSESD Superintendent, Dr. Jason Jeffrey, who offered opening remarks and introduced the graduates. “As you probably know, we have four program graduates to celebrate this year: Brandon, Luke, Dakota and Emily,” Jeffrey stated. “It’s been an honor to each of us to have been a part of your educational experience for so many years.”
Jeffrey congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone and encouraged them to continue pursuing their future goals with confidence and determination.
The ceremony continued with heartfelt speeches from the graduates’ two lead teachers, Rachel Cohoon from Ludington and Heidi Hebert-Walden from Hart. They shared personal stories, memories and words of encouragement while recognizing each student's growth, resilience and accomplishments. Their remarks highlighted not only the graduates’ academic achievements but also the character, dedication and perseverance they demonstrated throughout their years in the program.
One of the most memorable moments of the event followed as Cohoon and Hart Public School's I.T./Auditorium Manager Phil DeBrot presented a slideshow celebrating the graduates’ lives and school experiences. Featuring photographs from childhood through their final year of high school, the presentation gave graduates and guests an opportunity to reflect on the many memories, friendships and milestones that shaped their journeys. The slideshow filled the auditorium with laughter, smiles and a few happy tears as families reminisced about how far the students had come.
As the ceremony neared its conclusion, the graduates were called forward one by one to receive their diplomas. Cheers and applause filled the auditorium as each student’s name was announced, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
After the graduates were handed their diplomas, Officer Adam Lamb (WSESD Resource Officer) was invited on stage to share a short poem for the students and family to carry on with them. The poem was filled with inspirational words and wisdom for the graduates.
To conclude the ceremony, Special Education Supervisor for WSESD Kelly Olson gave the final remarks of the event, congratulating the graduates of 2026 one last time. “Today we honor the progress, determination and accomplishments of every student here,” Olsen said. “We celebrate the completion of a journey filled with perseverance and growth.”
Afterwards, Olsen invited families and friends on stage to take pictures and congratulate their graduates.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to attend a short reception in honor of the Class of 2026. The gathering provided an opportunity for graduates, families, teachers and community members to celebrate together. Surrounded by decorations, gifts, refreshments and well wishes, the graduates enjoyed one final opportunity to reflect on their accomplishments before beginning the next chapter of their lives.
The WSESD Class of 2026 graduation ceremony was a celebration of perseverance, growth and achievement. While the event marked the end of one chapter, it also served as the beginning of exciting new opportunities for each graduate as they move forward into the future.
