The 98th graduating class of Brentwood High School distinguished itself through academic achievement, personal growth and meaningful connections forged throughout its time in the Brentwood School District. Principal Dr. Edward Johnson celebrated the accomplishments, character and lasting impact of the Class of 2026 during the school’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

The 33 graduates of the Class of 2026 earned more than $3 million in scholarship offers and secured a wide range of college, career and postsecondary opportunities. Students submitted 146 college applications to 100 institutions nationwide, ultimately selecting 17 colleges and universities to continue their academic journeys, including Boston College, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Washington University in St. Louis.

The celebration also marked Dr. Johnson’s final commencement ceremony, concluding a 32-year career in public education that included more than two decades in Brentwood.

In his remarks, Dr. Johnson encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity, think independently and continue investing in learning throughout their lives. Drawing inspiration from legendary jazz musician Thelonious Monk, he reminded students that innovation often begins with the courage to think differently and follow their own path.

“Wrong notes can become classics, if you have the courage to play them,” Dr. Johnson said. “The world may doubt you, but don’t let it silence your curiosity.”

Dr. Johnson also challenged graduates to cultivate the creativity, curiosity and sense of wonder that technology cannot replace, encouraging them to remain lifelong learners as they pursue their future goals.

Superintendent Dr. Amy Zielinski praised the Class of 2026 for its leadership, school spirit and commitment to supporting one another. She described the graduates as a class that embodied the district’s vision and demonstrated the power of connections through the relationships they built with classmates, staff and the Brentwood community.

“You have shown all of us what it means to be ‘small but mighty,’” Dr. Zielinski said. “Not because of your size, but because of your impact. Because of your character. Because of the way you care for one another and push each other to be better.”

Student speakers reflected on the relationships, experiences and personal growth that defined their time at Brentwood High School.

In her senior class poem, Kylie Spears compared the Class of 2026 to a kitchen table, describing it as a place of connection, familiarity and belonging where classmates supported one another through both challenges and celebrations.

“Because no matter what kitchen table you end up sitting at later on, you’ll always have a seat at ours,” said Spears.

Senior class reflection speaker Rohan Dixit celebrated the unique strength of Brentwood’s small graduating class, noting that its size fostered meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community.

“We are not a small class,” Dixit said. “We are a concentrated one, one with the deepest of ambitions and a craving to leave our mark on the world around us.”

Senior closing speaker Jordan Weir-Cundiff encouraged graduates to look beyond titles and accomplishments as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

“You are more than a GPA, a position on a field, or a seat in a classroom,” Weir-Cundiff said. “You are the way you make people feel. You are your growth. You are your character.”

The Class of 2026 leaves Brentwood with an impressive record of achievement in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership and service. Graduates earned more than 50 scholarships, including 14 A+ Program candidates and four Missouri Bright Flight recipients. Eight students earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy for proficiency in a second language, and two student-athletes signed letters of intent to compete in collegiate athletics.

This year’s graduating class also demonstrated a strong commitment to career readiness and workforce preparation. Eight students earned National Career Readiness Certificates, eight completed industry certification programs through South Technical High School and one graduate qualified for postsecondary support through Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation, which provides employment and training support for students receiving special education services.

The achievements of the Class of 2026 extended beyond the classroom and into a variety of academic, artistic and leadership pursuits. The class included 19 National Honor Society members, eight members of language honor societies and five Honor Thespians, as well as students who earned recognition through state and national academic, artistic and career-focused programs.

Brentwood High School Class of 2026: By the Numbers

• Graduates: 33
• Graduates attending college: 23
  • Four-year colleges: 17
  • Two-year colleges: 6
• Workforce: 7
• Advanced training: 1
• Vocational rehabilitation: 1
• International programming: 1