May 29, 2026
Hundreds of Prince George High School seniors celebrated a milestone years in the making as the campus’ Class of 2026 received their diplomas during the school’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026. Held at the school’s athletic stadium, the ceremony brought together thousands of family members, friends, and community supporters to honor the newest generation of Royals.
SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr
While the week started with clouds and intermittent rain showers, Friday’s graduation saw crystal clear skies return to Prince George County, allowing the sun to shine down over the stadium as the now-graduates grasped their tassels before tossing their caps into the sky to celebrate their years of accomplishments in elementary, middle, and high school to reach graduation day, a moment over a decade in the making. This year’s graduating class comprises 400 graduating seniors, including 81 honor graduates.
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During the two-hour ceremony, the school's principal, and Prince George High School Class of 1999 alum Matt McAllister offered moments of reflection and poetic words for the graduates and their families to carry with them as each student embarks on the next step of their lives, be it heading to colleges and universities across the United States, joining the military, entering the workforce, or taking time off to discover themselves.
"In the days ahead, you will face challenges and uncertainty, but you already possess the strength to persevere, the kindness to care for others, and the judgment to make choices that reflect your values," Mr. Matt McAllister, Prince George High School principal, said. "Do not let fear keep you from pursuing your dreams, leading with integrity, and making a positive impact on the world around you. Carry these qualities with you wherever life leads, and know that your future is filled with purpose and possibility."
Smiles were easy to find during the graduate recessional as classmates and friends made one last trek around the high school’s track in front of thousands of cheering friends and family. (PGCPS Photo)
"As we separate over the coming months and years, I urge you to surround yourselves with someone better than you at your best because if you all have taught me anything, it is that we grow fastest when we grow together," Mr. Brendan Van Drew, PGHS Class of 2026 Salutatorian, shared. "Congratulations to the Class of 2026."
"Whether you're going into college, a trade, serving our country, or none of these, there is always something to be excited about in your future; you just have to find it," PGHS Class of 2026 Valedictorian Ms. Rileigh Barber, shared. "My freshman year English teacher, Mrs. Maldonaldo, once wrote, 'Remember, success is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the ride and be happy.'"
The 2026 graduates of Prince George High School are setting their sights on colleges and universities both near and far, bolstered by an impressive array of grants and scholarships to support their academic journeys. As of May 26, 2026, they have earned well over 100 scholarships totaling $2,291,702, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their dedication, time, and effort spent navigating the application and interview process.
Green caps stand out against the rich blue skies over Prince George County as 400 graduates toss them into the air to celebrate the high school graduation on Friday, May 29, 2026. (PGCPS Photo)
Prince George County School Board members, along with local representatives from the Prince George Board of Supervisors and Virginia House of Delegates joined in the celebration at Friday morning's graduation ceremony. They greeted graduates with heartfelt congratulations, offering hugs, handshakes, and encouraging smiles as each student received their diploma.
“On behalf of the Prince George County School Board, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Prince George High School Class of 2026,” Prince George County School Board Chair Jill A. Andrews said. “As a lifelong Royal myself, part of the Class of 1978, celebrating graduation with our children and families is a special time for our community. This event is an opportunity to reflect on their years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. As our graduates prepare to take their next steps, we encourage them to continue pursuing their goals with confidence, kindness, and determination. The future ahead is full of opportunity, and we look forward to seeing the many ways the Class of 2026 will make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. We couldn’t be prouder of our next generation of Royal graduates.”
“I would like to congratulate the Prince George High School Class of 2026 on reaching this tremendous milestone,” Prince George County School Board Vice-Chair Robert E.L. Eley, III, said. “As a proud graduate of Prince George High School myself, it is always special to welcome a new group of Royal graduates into the next chapter of their lives. Our graduates have worked hard to earn this moment, and they should take great pride in all they have accomplished. I also encourage them to recognize the families, teachers, friends, and mentors who supported them along the way. Whether their future leads them to college, the workforce, military service, or another path, I hope they continue striving to be their very best and always remember the community that helped shape them."
"As Royals, you know what it means to take pride in where you come from. I challenge you to take that same pride into the world beyond these walls," PGCPS Division Superintendent Dr. Wayne Lyle. "Participate. Vote. Volunteer. Innovate. Speak up when you see a wrong. Work together to find solutions. I congratulate each and every one of you. May your education continue, may your voices remain strong, and may you never forget that you are forever Royals."
The community is invited to visit the district's website to see more photos from this year's commencement ceremony and all of the division’s graduation celebrations at the district's Facebook page and Flickr galleries.