Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Hamtramck Public Schools Celebrates Class of 2026 in Inspiring 146th Commencement

Hamtramck, MI – On Friday, June 5, 2026, Hamtramck Public Schools held its 146th Commencement Ceremony at Keyworth Stadium, proudly honoring the Class of 2026. The event, broadcast live by The Yemeni American News, united families, educators, community leaders, and graduates in celebration of achievement and new beginnings in this vibrant, multicultural city.

A total of 292 students graduated this year, with the following breakdown:

• 238 graduates from Hamtramck High School
• 43 graduates from Horizon High School
• 11 graduates from Adult Education/GED programs

The ceremony highlighted the district’s mission to engage, elevate, and empower students, with powerful addresses from school leaders and graduates themselves. The event was attended by City of Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi, Superintendent Jim Larson-Shidler, Board President Abdulmalik Algahaim, board trustees, and school administrators.

Board President Abdulmalik Algahaim Delivers Inspirational Address

Board President Abdulmalik Algahaim, a proud Hamtramck Public Schools alumnus, delivered a heartfelt keynote speech. Reflecting on his own journey through the same hallways and classrooms, he shared:

“Here at Hamtramck public schools, we put our students first. Our mission is to engage, elevate, and empower our students. Our vision is that our students succeed and transform the future.”

President Aljahaim emphasized education’s transformative power:

“Education is one of the greatest forces for change. It opens doors, gives voice to the unheard, and equips you to shape your own destiny. What you gained here is more than academics—you learned to think, to question, to solve, and to lead. With education, you carry a power that can uplift your families, strengthen your neighborhoods, and inspire communities far beyond Hamtramck.”

He closed with a call for gratitude and service:

“Wherever life takes you, let gratitude guide your steps. Remember to return, to serve, and to give back to this diverse community—the community that helped shape who you are today and who you will become tomorrow. True success is measured not only by what you achieve, but by the impact you make on others.”

Keynote Speaker Ms. Mesha Green Inspires Class of 2026 with Lessons on Adaptability and Resilience

The keynote speaker of the graduation was Hamtramck High alumnus Ms. Mecha Green who was introduced by Assistant Principal Ms. Danns. Ms. Green’s experience at the school was deeply shaped by its rich diversity, which taught her valuable lessons about understanding different perspectives, building relationships, and the importance of community — principles that have guided her personal and professional journey.

After graduation, she earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Schoolcraft College, initially aspiring to a career in law enforcement. She later pivoted, earning a degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. With over 10 years in the classroom, she has spent the past eight years serving families and children for the State of Michigan — investigating cases of child abuse and neglect, collaborating with FBI task forces on missing and exploited children, and currently working as a program manager ensuring families have access to critical benefits and support services.

In her keynote address, Ms. Green reflected on the unpredictability of life and the strength found in adaptability:

“I graduated in the year 2000, full of excitement, a little uncertainty, and absolutely convinced I had life mostly figured out. I was wrong — and that turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me.”

She encouraged the Class of 2026 to embrace change and trust in their preparation:

“Life is far less about having a perfect plan and far more about how you respond when the plan changes — and it will. The world you’re graduating into today is different from the one I entered. It moves faster, it’s more connected, it’s more unpredictable… but in many ways, that’s your advantage. You are adaptable. You are resourceful… You are more prepared than you think.”

Student Voices Shine: Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Class Speakers

The Class of 2026 was represented by several standout student voices:

• Valedictorian Muhammad Redwanuzzaman (highest GPA in the senior class) and Salutatorian Marzouq Rahman were recognized for their outstanding academic excellence.
• Ms. Nabila Rahman , the Hamtramck High School student speaker, addressed her classmates with wisdom and poise. Nabilah encouraged her peers to slow down, cherish relationships, and embrace personal growth beyond academics.
• Alina Fayevich, another student speaker of Hamtramck High School graduates delivered a thoughtful and reflective address focused on the importance of slowing down to fully experience high school, rather than rushing through it. She shared personal lessons about balancing academics with relationships, community, and personal growth. Alina reflected on her own journey, realizing that constantly rushing (e.g., overloading with dual enrollment and advanced classes) led to burnout. In her junior year, she chose to slow down: “When we first started high school, many of us believed success meant moving as fast as possible… But looking back now, I realized that the most important lesson high school taught me was something much simpler: Learning to slow down.”

“High school isn’t just about finishing requirements. It’s about the relationships and experiences that shape who we become.”

She encouraged underclassmen with this advice:

“If I could give one piece of advice for the students who come after us, it would be to not rush through things. Life is trying to get us to the next step. Take the time to laugh with your parents. Talk to new people. Enjoy the moments that make high school meaningful… The most important lesson high school taught me wasn’t to know how to move faster. It was learning to slow down and truly experience that journey.”

• Tristan Jenkins, speaking on behalf of Horizon High School, reflected warmly on her journey and read an original poem titled along the lines of “720 days of change.” She said: 

“Horizon is a place that helped me thrive and accomplish things I never thought I could. . The support and encouragement I received from the teachers and staff was exactly what I needed to become the person I am today.”
In his poem, Tristan captured the shared experience of the class:
“720 days of change. It’s always different when it’s your turn… We learned what true friendship looks like. We learned what it means to be supported by teachers who genuinely care. We learned that we fail. But more importantly, we learned to get back up and try again.”

These student addresses brought personal reflection and emotional depth to the evening, perfectly complementing President Aljahim’s message.

A Community Milestone

The graduation stands as a testament to the collective efforts of dedicated teachers, supportive families, and a community that continues to invest in its youth. As the Class of 2026 steps forward — into college, careers, or service — they carry the resilience and values nurtured in Hamtramck.

The Yemeni American News congratulates the entire Class of 2026, their families, and the staff of Hamtramck Public Schools. Mashallah on this wonderful achievement! May the graduates lead with excellence, serve with compassion, and make their community proud.