Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!

The 2026 Perpich Arts High School Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 22 was a beautiful reflection of who our students are: courageous artists, thoughtful collaborators, and deeply authentic young people.

Allegra Smisek, Executive Director

One of the most powerful things I have witnessed this year has been the artistic growth of our seniors. Watching their work evolve from junior year to senior year has been inspiring. Their confidence has grown. Their artistic voices have become clearer, braver, and more fully their own.

That growth was evident throughout the ceremony. Student speaker Mie Morimoto (Music 2026) reflected on the shared experiences and connections that shaped this graduating class, while faculty speaker Ryan Meaney brought humor, heart, and wisdom to the stage.

The Literary Arts presentation by Jalena Gumban (Literary Arts 2026) was especially moving and reminded us of the courage it takes to share your voice with others. The Theater & Musical Theater seniors delivered a powerful and nostalgic, collaborative performance, and the Music department seniors once again demonstrated music’s remarkable ability to create connection and community. Alongside the incredible work of the Media Arts and Visual Arts departments, the ceremony showcased the extraordinary range of talent within the Class of 2026.

As I looked across the auditorium, I was reminded of the unique role Perpich plays in bringing together students from every corner of Minnesota. Here, young artists learn not only artistic technique, but also how to collaborate across differences, support one another, and imagine something better.

That is the lasting power of an arts education.

To the Class of 2026: thank you for sharing your artistry, your courage, and yourselves with us. We cannot wait to see what you create next!

With gratitude,

Allegra Smisek
Executive Director | Perpich Center for Arts Education