GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Riley High School celebrates tradition, achievement, and the class of 2026

What’s recently happened?

Riley High School (RHS) seniors participated in one of the South Bend Community School Corporation’s most cherished traditions: graduation walks through the feeder schools. This tradition is something Riley High School students and staff look forward to each year.

Seniors dressed in their caps and gowns and spent the day visiting different schools throughout the community, hoping to inspire younger students as they celebrated this important milestone.

RHS visited Kennedy Academy, Monroe Elementary School, Marshall Traditional School, Jackson Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School, Jefferson Traditional School, Muessel Elementary School, and LaSalle Academy.

At each school, younger students created signs and posters for the seniors and cheered loudly for the Riley Wildcats as they walked through the hallways.

Senior An’yah Peak shared her thoughts on the experience.

“I enjoyed being able to see all the kids and reminiscing about when I was in their shoes seeing seniors in cap and gowns,” Peak said. “Giving them high fives brought back so much nostalgia for me. My favorite part was seeing the smiles on those kids’ faces.”

Graduation walks are a positive experience not only for seniors, but also for younger students in the community, who are able to witness the achievements of students they look up to.

Senior Evie Gehring, reflected on what the tradition meant to her.

“I enjoyed being able to see the younger kids that I knew and loved, along with being able to see all the support Riley has from other schools,” Gehring said.

This tradition impacts both groups in meaningful ways. Seniors are reminded of where they came from and how far they have come, while younger students are able to see what is possible for their own futures.

What’s coming up?

RHS will hold its graduation ceremony to honor the Class of 2026. Like many schools, graduation is an important milestone for students after four years of hard work and dedication.

Faculty and staff have worked hard to make sure seniors feel recognized and proud of their achievements throughout their high school careers. The ceremony will also serve as the students’ final chance to celebrate together as Riley Wildcats.

Riley’s graduation ceremony will be held June 6 at the Century Center in downtown South Bend. One of Riley High School’s valedictorians, Emma Ring, shared her excitement about the event.

“I’m excited to celebrate not just myself, but the entire Class of 2026 and our accomplishments, while spending one final day together,” Ring said.

Current seniors were in sixth grade during the COVID-19 pandemic, making this graduation ceremony even more meaningful as students reflect on how far they have come.

RHS is proud of the Class of 2026 and looks forward to celebrating the students at their commencement ceremony. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.

Staff spotlight:

Jennifer Pflugner is a committed teacher at RHS who dedicated her time and energy to benefit the lives of young students. She’s been a loyal Riley employee for 12 years.

Pflugner is a Spanish teacher as well as the world language department chair. She is a Riley alumni, graduating in the class of 1996. She later attended Taylor University where she received a degree in math and Spanish education.

Pflugner has always had an interest in teaching, she participated in a cadet teaching program while she was in high school. She now teaches all different levels of Spanish.

“One advantage of teaching Spanish is I get the opportunity to have students for more than one year. This allows me to really watch them grow,” Pflugner said.

She enjoys teaching Spanish not only for the language, but because she values learning about other people and the different cultures.

On top of teaching, Pflugner is proud to serve as the class of 2026 sponsor. She has been a sponsor for nine years at RHS. Being a part of student government when she was in high school allowed her to see the value in student leadership.

Many teachers experience highs and lows throughout the week, but Pflugner always maintains a positive attitude inside and outside of the classroom. She is a person who genuinely cares about others and who will consistently show up for those around her.

“I really enjoy interacting with my students. I love to find out what they are passionate about and what their interests may be. I like to see how they are doing and the ways they’ve grown through the years,” she said.

Pflugner is someone who takes education seriously. She believes in the power learning has over someone’s future.

“Never stop learning. Leaning isn’t something that only takes place in the classroom but there is so much value to be found in it,” she said.

Pflugner values her relationships with her colleagues and family. The staff at Riley High School has become like a second family to her, which pushes her to see the very best in things. She is not only an amazing teacher, but a devoted mother and exceptional human being.

Student spotlight:

Everett Maurer is a senior at RHS who has dedicated the past four years to being a Wildcat. Throughout high school, he has participated in cross country, track, and currently Boys Volleyball.

In addition to athletics, Maurer is a member of Student Council and the Riley Student Athletic Advisory Committee. He has been motivated to not only get involved in these organizations, but to make a difference.

“I was motivated to be a part of these programs, because of friends and others being involved in them and encouraging me to join,” Maurer said.

Like many students, Maurer works tirelessly to balance athletics and academics. Staying involved at school has helped him remain focused both inside and outside the classroom.

Maurer is also one of Riley High School’s talented art scholars. Throughout his high school career, he has taken a variety of art classes, including ceramics and ARC classes with Ms. Katzenberger and Mrs. Day. He shared what he enjoys most about those classes.

“What I enjoy most about those classes is the environment that has been curated by the teachers: warm, welcoming, and encouraging,” Maurer said.

Maurer has many supporters who have positively impacted his high school experience. He credits several people who continue to inspire him every day.

“People inspire me in my everyday life such as my mom, whose strength and vivacious spirit will always remind me to be true to myself; my grandma, whose straightforward attitude and outlook on life have taught me how to handle tough situations and unsavory interactions; and my best friend Emma, whose intelligence and beauty are of another realm entirely. I hope to be even half as remarkable as these women,” Maurer said.

Next year, Maurer plans to attend Indiana University and major in fashion design. In his free time, he enjoys sewing, knitting, and reading. With his creativity and determination, Maurer is sure to create a bright future for himself.

Riley High School is grateful for Maurer and the remarkable young man he is becoming.