Klamath Promise event celebrates seniors with parade and scholarships

Hundreds of Klamath Basin seniors paraded down Main Street on Tuesday, May 27, for Graduation Sensation 2026, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 alongside cheering family members, educators, and community supporters.

For photos: GRADUATION SENSATION 2026

The annual community celebration featured graduates from schools across the basin walking through downtown in caps and gowns while crowds lined the streets to applaud them. Joining the soon-to-be graduates were members of the Class of 2038 — kindergartners from schools throughout the region who participated in the celebratory walk.

Following the parade, graduates and community members gathered at Veterans Park for a celebration that included scholarship and prize giveaways, music, food, and remarks from local leaders. More than $70,000 in scholarships and gift cards were donated to graduating seniors through the event.

Klamath Promise Executive Director Jessie McClung introduced the keynote speaker, retiring Klamath County School District Superintendent Glen Szymoniak, commending him for his years of service to local students and schools.

In his address, Szymoniak highlighted graduating seniors from schools across the district who overcame significant challenges on their path to graduation, including personal loss, foster care, academic struggles, instability, and other hardships. Students recognized represented Lost River, Gilchrist, Henley, Chiloquin, Bonanza, Butte Valley, Mazama, North Lake, and Klamath Union.

He praised the students for their resilience and determination, telling them they had set an example of character and grit for the entire community.

“Today is about much more than diplomas, grades, or completed assignments,” Szymoniak told the crowd. “Today is about perseverance … It’s proof that you learned how to keep moving forward when life became difficult.”