Perpich Arts High School Graduation 2026

May 22, 2026

The Class of 2026 took the stage at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Minnesota in a heartfelt and deeply personal graduation ceremony on May 22, 2026 that celebrated not only artistic achievement, but also community, resilience, and self-expression at Perpich Arts High School.

Allegra Smisek, Executive Director, welcomed graduates, families, faculty, and friends by reflecting on the artistic growth she witnessed throughout the year. “One of the most powerful things I’ve witnessed this year has been your artistic growth,” Smisek said. “Your confidence has grown. Your voices as artists have become clearer, braver, and more fully your own.”

She reminded students that the skills they developed at Perpich, the creativity, collaboration, vulnerability, and perseverance, will continue shaping their futures long after graduation. “…all of you leave here with the ability to imagine something better,” she said, “and the confidence to help create it.”

Graduation Student Speaker Mie Morimoto (Music 2026)

Principal Rebecca Bullen delivered an emotional address honoring the Class of 2026 and the community that supported them. Bullen acknowledged both the joy and hardships students experienced this year, while praising their compassion and strength.

“Through it all, I have watched you continue to show up for one another,” Bullen said. “You have shown, YOU are strength. YOU give me hope for the future.”

She also recognized James Allen, retiring Music Instructor, for his lasting impact on generations of students and wished Sarah York, Spanish Instructor, well as she begins a new chapter out of state.

Student speaker Mie Morimoto (Music 2026) reflected on finding belonging through art and community at Perpich. Morimoto described the school as “a safe place for the marginalized” and “a place where you can be weird.”

“Perpich is not just school,” Morimoto said. “It’s a place where individual weirdos truly feel part of a community.”

Faculty speaker Ryan Meaney, English Instructor

Drawing from her experiences growing up between Japan and the United States, Morimoto spoke about learning to embrace difference rather than hide it. “Because we are individuals, our differences create our community,” she said. “Together we are Perpich.”

Faculty speaker Ryan Meaney encouraged students to continue creating fearlessly and authentically. Reflecting on the uncertainty and challenges of the past year, Meaney praised students for continuing to make art and support one another.

“You painted and played your music loudly and laughed in the lunch room and read poetry to one another,” Meaney said. “You all did what you could, and what you did was beautiful.”

The ceremony also featured performances and presentations from the Literary Arts, Theater/Musical Theater, and Music departments, highlighting the creativity and individuality that define the Perpich community. Through music, poetry, storytelling, and humor, students reflected on friendships formed, memories shared, and the lasting impact of their time together.

(L to R) Perpich Executive Director Allegra Smisek, Assistant Principal George Terry Jr., Principal Rebecca Bullen

As graduates moved their tassels and celebrated the close of one chapter, the ceremony emphasized that Perpich will remain part of who they are moving forward.

“This isn’t the end,” Morimoto told her classmates. “This is the start of a new chapter. Wherever you go, you will all carry Perpich with you.”

Special thanks to the Graduation Committee for all their work to make this year’s ceremony a memorable one!