The Inter-Mountain photo by Steve Chamberlain Tygarts Valley High School graduating students throw their caps in the air at the end of Thursday night's 103rd Commencement Ceremony.

MILL CREEK — A total of 49 students received their diplomas during Tygarts Valley High School’s 103rd annual Commencement Ceremony Thursday night at the TVHS Gymnasium.     

Principal Steve Wamsley welcomed guests to the ceremony, which featured students, family, friends, elected officials and educators. With his retirement becoming official at the end of the school year, it was Wamsley’s final graduation ceremony at the school.    

During the ceremony Wamsley shared a special moment with his brother and longtime teacher and basketball coach at the school, Tom Wamsley. After singing the school song, Wamsley asked his brother Tom to come forward and the two shared a hug with Wamsley saying, “This is my last one, so I wanted to give Tom a hug today.” 

The Inter-Mountain photo by Steve Chamberlain
Tygarts Valley High School Principal Steve Wamsley, left, presents senior Jamal Nesbitt with his diploma during Thursday night’s Commencement Ceremony.

The Tygarts Valley 2026 graduating seniors included:

Briella Abbigayle Arbogast, Brayden Armstrong, Adam Blake Ayers, Felicity Brooke Barb, Raegan McKenna Booth, Aleighna Noelle Brenwalt, Jackson Andrew Collier, Josiah Ezeckial Collins, Halee Leann Cutright,

Sarah Defibaugh, Hunter David Dumire, Kaylie Marie Fox, Austin Gear, Dayton George, Gracie George, Sierra Nicole Hammonds, Audrey Peyton Harlan, Montgomery James Holt, Jacob Isner, Rhaygen Kyle, BraedenCarusLanham, KaitlinnPaige Lanham, KenahFaith Lipscomb, Colin Michael Louk,

Dextor Martin, Michael Martin, CharityFaith McGee, Brooke LynnMcSpadden, Jamal Wayne Nesbitt, Aiden Priest Phares, Mason Christophe Phillips, Zachary Price, Tyler Proudfoot, Joseph Richard Rader, Laural Lee Rhodes, Leah Jade Rucker,

Coren Scott, Hayden Wyatt Sharp, Arianna Rae Smith, Alyssa Swecker, Austin Teter, Jacob David Wamsley, Drayden Watson, Zachary Alan Watson, Traylon Jay Weese,Jonathan Wegman, Austin Lee Wilson, Autumn Mykenna Wood and Kailen Brooke Yokum.   

Mason Phillips, the 2026 Valedictorian, welcomed those attending the ceremony and congratulated his classmates.     

“It is a true honor to stand here today celebrating the graduation of the Tygarts Valley High School Class of 2026,” Phillips said. “Throughout my years in school, I’ve often dreamed of this moment, being named Valedictorian, and through a lot of hard work and perseverance, I am grateful to finally achieve that goal.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned along the way, it is that not everything happens at once. Success is built little by little, even on the days when no one is watching. I want to start by congratulating each and every one of my classmates. The effort, growth, and determination shown by this class is something we should all be proud of,” Phillips said.   

“Over the years, we’ve shared a lot together: laughter, stress, challenges and unforgettable moments. Sometimes it’s the small, everyday memories that end up meaning the most when we look back. To those who will be where we are here now, don’t rush through these moments. The small insignificant days you wish to pass, end up being the memories you miss the most.”

Delegate Jonathan Kyle, R-District 66, spoke to the graduating class during Thursday’s ceremony.