News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Pied Piper School Graduate Andrew Bruski enters the Pied Piper gymnasium on Thursday during the Pied Piper graduation.

ALPENA — The 2026 Pied Piper School graduates marked the end of their time at Pied Piper in a ceremony on Thursday.

The five graduates are Andrew Bruski, Emiley Gauden, Lily Snyder, Raylee Ballard, and Storm Yakes. They are graduating from the transition program that serves students ages 18-26 who have a variety of disabilities including Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The graduates entered the gymnasium at Pied Piper one by one to the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Each graduate walked with a family member, friend, or caretaker as they entered the ceremony.

Pied Piper Principal Lauren Grulke welcomed all attendees to the ceremony.

“We are proud to honor each graduate, their hard work, determination, and unique journey,” Grulke said. “Thank you for joining us as we celebrate this special moment and recognize how our students continue to soar.”

Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District Superintendent Justin Gluesing spoke about how special it is to be a part of the Pied Piper graduation ceremony.

“(I am) now in my fourth year to speak here at the graduation, and it hit me as I was reflecting back on all those occasions that there’s something very unique and special as I look out on this audience here versus the other ceremonies that I’ve attended over my career,” he said. “Pied Piper is meaningful not simply because of its walls or its classrooms. It’s meaningful because of its teachers. The families that make up our community. The students, the friendships, the setbacks, and of course, the celebrations like we have here today.”

AMA ESD Director of Special Education Mary Zann encouraged the graduates to keep believing in themselves.

“You reminded us that progress is not measured by speed or comparison but by effort, resilience, and work,” she said. “As you begin your next chapter we hope you carry with you the confidence to keep learning and try new things and believing in yourself. No matter where life takes you, you will always have a place here.”

Pied Piper Transition Teacher Karla Kowalski talked about each graduate personally and the mark they made on their teachers and classmates.

“We are going to miss Storm so much for his amazing, bright, smile that can light up any room,” Kowalski said.

“Andrew will be deeply missed for his wonderful spirit and his wonderful hugs,” she said. “Emiley has brought so much color and light to our school with her creative artistic abilities and bright spirit…Raylee has filled our hearts with her endless kindness and generosity…Lily always knows how to listen, share, and make sure everyone feels included and heard.”

“Each one of you has left a special mark on our hearts and we’re going to miss you more than words can say,” Kowalski said.

After Kowalski’s speech, Grulke presented the graduates with their diplomas. Each received their diplomas one at a time. Once the diplomas were handed out, the graduates stood up to turn their tassels to cheers and clapping from the audience.

Reagan Voetberg. News Staff Writer. rvoetberg@thealpenanews.com.