Rising Above: How Highland High Harmonizes Collaboration and Excellence for Graduation Day

Planning a high school graduation ceremony is a year-long process that requires meticulous work and begins long before students ever walk across the stage. At Highland High School, graduation is centered on student achievement and is complemented by student musicians who demonstrate readiness for the future.

Collaboration is crucial for organizing a ceremony for nearly 700 graduates. While school administration manages student rosters and scheduling, district grounds and maintenance crews prepare the facilities, clean the bleachers, and overseed the field for the ceremony. The theater department also assists with stage backdrops and design, while the music department ensures the ceremony’s sounds match the significance of the occasion. "It’s a lot of work, and it takes everyone," DJ Spetz, Assistant Principal at HHS shared.

One Highland High senior, who balances playing bassoon in the orchestra and playing the sousaphone in the marching band, has found the school to be the ideal environment to pursue advanced academic coursework while playing music at the highest level. "At Highland, you get the flexibility to be who you want to be," shared the student. "I’ve done my fair share of AP courses, and through that, the music directors have been nothing but supportive and given me so many chances to grow into the musician that I am. There are so many opportunities here at Highland, and I couldn't be more thankful for it."

Another student, a Junior at Highland High, explains that years of steady guidance from her directors have completely erased any stage fright about playing in front of large audiences. "I'm not nervous at all about playing at graduation," the student said. "My instructors have always prepared us for what comes next. They've been really good mentors, not only for the aspects of band and music, but for life. They make us go beyond just our music to learn these skills and to apply them to our lives and keep learning."

Graduating seniors echo this sentiment, pointing out that managing a rigorous performance schedule builds the confidence needed for success in life after high school. Senior Ashley Andersen, a member of the premier Advanced Vocal Ensemble (AVE), shared that Highland’s supportive yet challenging classroom experience pushed her to grow as a performer and as an individual. "Our directors are really good at providing life skills through music that we can also carry on in other different abilities," Andersen says. "I’d tell anyone to develop a good relationship with your peers and with your conductors or your teachers, because they really just want to push you to be the best person that you can become."

For senior choir member Luna Lockwood, the meaningful relationships built between faculty and students are what make a large high school campus feel accessible, encouraging, and welcoming. "Our directors have done an excellent job... they connect with us as people," Lockwood shared. "It's a really nice atmosphere to be in, and I would definitely encourage every student to find a community, because that really makes the high school experience."

Staying committed to these campus activities provides seniors with a balance of structure and expression that pushes them to succeed as they finish their high school careers. "Sticking with performing arts was the best decision I ever made," says senior Lilyanna Barron, who has roles in band, jazz band, and theater. "It's given me so many new friends and really supported me throughout high school. So if you’re doing something you love, keep doing it."

While graduation has seniors focused on life after high school, the ceremony also serves as a preview for the juniors who will follow in their footsteps next spring. Junior choir member Paulo Filimaua explains that watching this year's seniors prepare has made him reflect deeply on his own journey and what lies ahead. "I'm excited for next year because I'm going to be the person who graduates, and I'm going to understand how much it means to me... how much I've come through my journey," Filimaua says. "I get to look back and see how much I've grown.” 

Senior Joshua Gardner will be majoring in viola performance in college. "When you pursue music, and you strive to be the best, there are other things in music that come with it, like relationships and understanding," Gardner shares. "If you really can bond with people through music, you're able to make a change in the world."

When families take their seats to celebrate the Class of 2026, the professional-grade musical performances at Highland High will stand out as a reflection of months of planning and collaboration for staff across the school, and the long-term dedication of students who consistently strive to RISE Above.

All Gilbert Public Schools graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed via the school's YouTube channel, and recordings will be available to view after the live broadcast. For links to all graduation live streams and information regarding valedictorians, salutatorians, and other school awards, visit GilbertSchools.net/ClassOf2026.