
We are incredibly proud to announce the student leaders who will be heading our NHS chapter for the 2026-2027 school year.
🦁 PRESIDENT: Kaden Knappenberger
Involvement: President of Debate Club, Treasurer of Student Council, varsity member of Cross Country and Track teams, Indoor Track Club, Rotary Interact Club Vice President, Lion News Network, Chess Club, Buckeye Boys State Delegate, RYLA Conference Graduate, and Runners Club volunteer.
🦁 VICE PRESIDENT: Fox Johnson
Involvement: Varsity member of the Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track teams. Member of the Debate Club, Lion News Network, and RYLA Conference graduate. Serves as secretary of the Interact Club and Runners Club volunteer.
Future Plans: Intends to major in Finance and Business.
🦁 TREASURER: Isaiah Willison
Involvement: Student Council President of the Junior class, President of LNN, member of International Circle, President of Interact Club, member of FCA, captain of the football team, and member of the basketball team.
🦁 SECRETARY: Brady First
Involvement: Secretary of Student Council, varsity cross country and track athlete, website developer with experience creating business websites, member of Youth Leadership Academy, and active in student leadership and the school community.
Future Plans: Pursuing a future in aviation or business.
🦁 SERVICE COORDINATOR: Benjamin Herstine
Involvement: Vice President of Buckeye 4-Hers, member of the Stark County and Ohio State Dairy Judging Teams, captain of the football team, and member of the basketball and track teams. He is also a Student Council member, a part of the Interact Club, and an active member of Saint Joseph Maximo Catholic Church.
Future Plans: Intends to major in Animal Science.
🦁 PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR: Callie Yeagley
Involvement: Varsity member of the Cross Country, Track, Gymnastics, and Traditional Cheerleading teams. Vice President of Student Council, Vice President of Lion News Network, member of SADD, Pep Club, and Interact Club.
Future Plans: Intended major in Education.
Congratulations to these student leaders! We have no doubt that your dedication, work ethic, and passion for service will make a positive impact on our school and the entire Minerva community this year. 🦁

Wed 5/27/26
The Spring Awards Night at MHS on 5/27/26 is canceled due to the Baseball Tournament.
We will share the Virtual Banquet produced by LNN on Wed 5/27/26.
Unleash the Beast!!!






MINERVA, OH — On a memorable evening on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Dr. Robert H. Hines Stadium was filled with pride, emotion, and celebration as Minerva High School hosted its 140th Annual Graduation Commencement. Family, friends, and faculty gathered in the stands to honor the Class of 2026 as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and take their next steps into the future.
Inspiring Words and Emotional Goodbyes
The evening was highlighted by addresses that captured the spirit of the graduating class. Class Speaker Rachel Weaver took the podium to deliver an inspiring and encouraging message to her peers. Focusing heavily on the themes of togetherness and overcoming adversity, Weaver reminded her classmates of the resilience they built together during their time at Minerva.
The ceremony also featured a sentimental Guest Speaker Address from Mrs. Deb Imler, the beloved Minerva High School Choir Director. Mrs. Imler, who is set to retire at the conclusion of this school year, was specially voted on by the student body to deliver this year's address. She shared her immense pride in the Minerva school district and community, offering a heartfelt farewell after years of dedicated service to the district's music programs.
Following her speech, the MHS Choir delivered a moving vocal performance for the large audience.
Guidance for the Future
Superintendent Mark Scott also addressed the graduates, offering timeless pieces of advice for the road ahead. Superintendent Scott encouraged the Class of 2026 to always express gratitude to the loved ones, mentors, and teachers who have impacted their journeys. He challenged the graduates to not be afraid to take risks in life as they pursue their personal and professional goals.
Making it Official
Members of the Minerva Board of Education officially presented diplomas to each graduate.
With diplomas in hand, Macy Stowe led the traditional tassel-turning, officially cementing the students' status as Minerva High School alumni. Danika Wagner then came forward to lead the crowd in the Benediction.
Celebration on the Turf
Once the formal ceremony concluded, the new graduates and their families flooded the stadium turf. The field transformed into a stadium of smiles, hugs, and caps as loved ones socialized, celebrated, and took final photos together to commemorate the milestone.
Living up to their chosen Class Motto:
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."
Congratulations to the Minerva High School Class of 2026! Once a Lion, always a Lion! 🦁🎓

Out with the old and in with the new! The freshmen are running the studio today, and they went straight to the hallways to ask the questions everyone wants answered.
From naming the scariest teachers and the nicest seniors to dodging the ultimate prank, the Class of 2029 is not holding back! Plus, stay tuned for a very rainy weather report and... an interesting sports update. 🌧️🏆
You can find the full video here: https://youtu.be/rfq0zKQe-Lc?feature=shared





























🎓 TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! 🎓
We are so excited to celebrate our graduates! Here are a few final reminders to ensure everything runs smoothly:
⏰ Start Time: The ceremony begins promptly at 8:00 p.m.
🎓 Graduates: Please arrive at MHS before 7:00 p.m. and head straight to the Auditeria. Make sure you have your cap, gown, and tassel ready to go!
🏟️ Gates Open: Stadium seating opens at 7:00 p.m.
🌤️ Weather: The forecast is looking clear! However, please dress comfortably for the outdoor temperatures.
A huge shoutout to our maintenance department for working tirelessly to get the stadium in peak condition for our seniors. We’ll see you all under the stadium lights! 🦁✨
#MHSGraduation #ClassOf2026 #GoLions































Catch the final edition of the season from the Lion News Network! This week’s episode is packed with senior send-offs and special features:
🎓 Senior Farewell: Congratulationss to the Class of 2026!
🏃♂️ The Great Race: Watch the highly anticipated 400m showdown between Zeke and Mafy. Who takes the crown?
🌦️ Weekend Weather: Get your forecast for Saturday and Sunday so you can plan your graduation weekend celebrations.
💡 Senior Advice: Heartfelt tips from the graduates on making the most of high school and cherishing every moment!
Check out the full finale here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pzXO-dJH9I

SB CANCELED
Rescheduled for Monday 5/11/26

Minerva Graduates, Friends, Family, and Community, please join us for a meaningful evening as we honor the Class of 2026!
This Baccalaureate Service is entirely organized and led by MHS Senior students!
📅 Event Details:
When: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Minerva High School
Hosted by: Hope, Great Trail, and Minerva Methodist Churches
Note to Seniors: Please wear your caps and gowns as we celebrate this milestone together. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.
Congratulations, Class of 2026- Go Lions! 🦁✨

🎓 To our MHS Senior Parents & Families:
Congratulations to the MHS Class of 2026! We are just days away from the big moment. To ensure everyone is prepared, please review this important schedule and the final requirements for graduation week.
📅 Senior Week Schedule
Monday, May 11th: Senior Grades Due. All coursework must be finalized today to be eligible to walk in the graduation ceremony.
Tuesday, May 12th: RG Drage Graduation Practice. Beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 13th: * MHS Graduation Practice (Mandatory): 8:00 a.m. This will be followed by the Senior Walk through at MES and MMS. Seniors will need their gowns and hats with names written in both, but not tassels.
Wednesday, Math 13th: Baccalaureate Service (Optional): 6:00 p.m. at MHS.
Thursday, May 14th:
Drage Awards Day: Ceremonies held at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m.
Commencement Ceremony: 8:00 p.m. at the MHS Stadium.
⚠️ Important Graduation Rules
Cap & Gown Policy: Students are NOT permitted to decorate their cap or gown. Any student with a decorated cap or gown will not be permitted to walk in the ceremony.
School Fees: All fees must be paid in full before graduation. If you have questions regarding your balance, please contact Mrs. Soles immediately.
🌧️ Inclement Weather Plan
If weather requires us to move the ceremony into the gymnasium, a final decision will be made by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th. Each student will be permitted to have 6 guests.
If the location changes, we will notify families via:
An automated "All-Call" phone message.
Posts on our official social media pages.
Let's make this a wonderful and memorable week for our seniors! 🦁✨
#MinervaLions #ClassOf2026 #MinervaPride #Graduation2026
