Soehl's Class of 2026 reflects on challenges overcome and opportunities ahead
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- The cheers began long before the diplomas were presented.
Inside a packed Linden High School gymnasium on Monday (June 22), 233 Soehl Middle School students celebrated a milestone years in the making as they crossed the stage during the school's 2026 Promotion Ceremony, closing one chapter and preparing to begin another.
Led by co-valedictorians Omar Abdallah and Brandy Nguyen and salutatorian Lilliana Reyes, the Class of 2026 was recognized not only for its academic accomplishments, but also for the resilience, growth, relationships, and perseverance that speakers said defined their middle school journey.
Also joining families, faculty, and students for the celebration were Mayor Derek Armstead, Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas, Vice President Dr. Marlene Berghammer and board members Brianna Armstead and Phil Campo, along with members of the district's executive leadership team.
A Class Defined by ROAR
Throughout the ceremony, a common theme emerged: middle school is not simply something students complete. It is something they grow through.
Principal Gwendolyn Long framed her remarks around the district's ROAR philosophy -- Resilience, Opportunities, Achievement, and Relationships -- describing it as the story of the graduating class.
"Middle school is not easy," Long said. "It tests you, it challenges you, it pushes you in ways you've never expected. But the great thing about you is you pushed back."
Long praised students for overcoming setbacks, embracing opportunities, achieving their goals, and building meaningful relationships with classmates, teachers, staff members, and mentors.
"So Class of 2026, as you walk into high school, carry your ROAR with you," she said. "Hold your heads up high and never stop believing in yourselves."
Mayor Armstead congratulated graduates and families, encouraging students to embrace the opportunities ahead as they continue their educational journey.
More Than Surviving
Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins challenged students to think beyond the idea of simply surviving middle school. Opening with a question, she asked graduates how many had spent the past three years thinking, I just want to survive middle school.
"The great part about today is you finished it," Perkins said. "But surviving is not the whole story."
She encouraged students to reflect on difficult assignments, setbacks, conflicts, and disappointments before returning to the message that anchored her remarks: "You could react or you could respond."
Drawing on lessons from her years as a middle school principal, Superintendent Perkins urged graduates to pause, process their emotions, think critically, and make decisions they can be proud of. She connected that lesson to the district's message, "We don't fight, we make it right," emphasizing the importance of responding with purpose.
Calling high school "the runway you're ready for takeoff," she urged students to "feel it, face it, and fly forward."
Taking Chances, Making Memories
Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas focused on the opportunities awaiting students at Linden High School. She encouraged graduates to join clubs, play sports, explore the arts, participate in ROTC, meet new people, and step outside their comfort zones.
"Some of your best memories will come from taking that chance," Thomas said. "I wish you success, adventure, and an incredible four years ahead."
The Voices of the Class
The ceremony's most personal moments came from co-valedictorians Brandy Nguyen and Omar Abdallah, whose speeches reflected the personality and character of the Class of 2026.
Nguyen delivered a heartfelt and often humorous reflection on the friendships that helped shape his middle school experience. "To be honest, my friends kept me sane throughout this entire school year," he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
He thanked classmates, family members, teachers, and staff members for helping him reach the milestone and expressed confidence that the Class of 2026 is ready for what comes next.
"We survived middle school," Nguyen said. "An additional four years of high school won't bring us down."
Abdallah, whose bother, Layth, was the school’s valedictorians last year, followed with a message rooted in gratitude, perseverance, and purpose.
"There were difficult assignments, intense tests, and moments when we thought success was far beyond our grasp," he said. "Yet, we kept pushing forward and persevered."
He thanked God, his family, teachers, friends, and classmates for their support and reminded graduates that success is measured by far more than grades or accolades.