The Communicator

The Communicator

The Communicator

Before the Caps Fly

Community High School seniors take their last steps of preparation leading up to graduation.
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Byline photo of Lucy Lowenschuss
By Lucy Lowenschuss and Kennedy McDonald
May 29, 2026
Kennedy McDonald
Neila Shee makes a heart with their hands. Shee watches as their friends walk across the stage during the graduation rehearsal.

Excitement heightened as CHS seniors soaked in their final moments together before they graduate. On May 29, six hours before the start of graduation, the 2025-2026 senior class stood outside Hill Auditorium in downtown Ann Arbor waiting for the graduation rehearsal to commence.

“I think graduating will bring us all closer, we’re all gonna have a good time,” Paige Plavnick, CHS senior said.

The students entered the building while Community high school counselor Brain Williams held open the doors. As they entered, O Negative, CHS jazz combo, filled the air with music. Students found the chair with the notecard taped to it with their name and took a seat. Chatter buzzed among the crowd while they awaited further directions. Williams took the stage and explained the agenda.

“I thrive in these kinds of scenarios. It’s just something that comes natural to me. I don’t mind organizing, emceeing, hosting and making sure people are moving,” Williams said. “Some people get nervous by [the role], but I dig it.”

Even after 14 ceremonies with Community, Williams looks forward to seeing what each class of seniors will share.

“It never is boring because every single one is completely different, because every single kid, who comes up and says something, is different,” Williams said. “I’ve never heard the same thing happen twice. And there’s never been the same music. If you have poetry, it’s never the same. So nothing has ever been the same.”

After practicing their entrance, Williams directed each forum to the stage one at a time to run through the order of forums and speeches. During the ceremony every student will have 30 seconds to share a short speech if they choose. Following the run through, students asked their final questions about what to expect during the graduation ceremony.

“I think that is the part where I’m excited, but I’m also sad,” Plavnick said. “This marks the end of this part of my life, and it was a pretty big part, so it feels weird for it to be over.”

Once released, students filed out of the auditorium, ready to return for the official celebration of their achievements and hard work. After four years, there are only a few hours left until the class of 2026 graduates.

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About the Contributors
Lucy Lowenschuss
Lucy Lowenschuss, Web Editor-in-Chief
Lucy is a junior at Community High school, and this is her second year on staff. You can usually find her at the field hockey field or backstage at Community Ensemble Theatre. Lucy enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is excited for her first year as a Website Editor-in-Chief!
Kennedy McDonald, Social Media Editor-in-Chief
Kennedy McDonald is a junior at CHS, and this is her second year on staff. Outside of journalism she spends most of her time at the dance studio, where she trains in ballet. She is looking forward to her time as a Social Media EIC this year and is excited to be in room 300 this year!