Niskayuna’s 68th graduating class celebrated commencement in a ceremony that featured music, reflection on the boundless possibilities that await the graduating members of the Class of 2026 and recognition of a distinguished alumnus. The graduation ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 24, at MVP Arena in Albany.
In her welcome address to graduates, senior class president Fikir Kebbede reflected on how the Class of 2026 redefined community through shared experiences in academics, sports and the arts. She described this community as a portable network of relationships that will continue to grow as graduates move forward.
“Embrace the uncertainty because the beauty of our story isn’t in knowing how it ends, it’s in experiencing every step along the way,” Kebbede said in closing.
Superintendent Carl Mummenthey encouraged graduates to shape their futures through choices like a “personal algorithm.”
“The iPhone predicts. Social media predicts. But humans have the power of choice. You can choose. The world doesn’t get to write your algorithm…you do,” said Mummenthey.
During the ceremony, one alumnus was inducted into the Niskayuna High School Hall of Fame. Each year, the induction takes place as part of commencement to recognize distinguished graduates who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
This year’s inductee was Dr. Marc Auerbach, MD, MSCI from the Class of 1994.
The class gift, which consisted of funds divided between Nisky NOW (Nutrition on Weekends) and the Class of 2030, was presented by class historian Benjamin Bixler and treasurer Bradley Heller.
Graduation by the numbers
- 325 graduates out of 335 from the cohort (321 diplomas and four credentials)
- 97% building cohort completion rate
- 207 graduates earned Regents with Advanced Distinction (64%)
- 66 graduates earned Honors Distinction (20%)
- 89% of graduates are attending a two- or four-year college or university
- Five graduates are entering an apprenticeship program
- 19 graduates are entering the workforce
- Five graduates are enlisting in the military
- 112 graduates earned a Seal of Biliteracy (121 total medals, with some earning doubles and triples)
- 49 graduates earned a Seal of Civic Readiness
- Two graduates were National Merit semifinalists and finalists
- 24 graduates earned a Medal of Academic Excellence
- 48 graduates will be NCAA athletes at their college or university, including 10 Division I athletes (one full scholarship to the Air Force Academy, one full scholarship to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and one full scholarship to the University at Albany)
- Eight graduates are NYSSMA All-State musicians
Watch the entire 2026 commencement ceremony on our YouTube channel.
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