Largest Class Graduates at the Raising Cane’s River Center
On Friday, May 22, University View Academy (UVA) held its graduation ceremony at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge. With 392 graduates, the class of 2026 was the largest in UVA’s history. Many of these students traveled to Baton Rouge to participate in the traditional ceremony, walking across the stage and receiving their high school diplomas in person.
Hundreds of proud families and friends filled the convention center to support and celebrate their students during this momentous occasion. After students entered the arena in the processional, the assembly was led in the pledge of allegiance by UVA’s 2025-26 Student of the Year, Charles Fountain. Autumn Percival sang the national anthem, and Superintendent Quentina Timoll welcomed the assembly and guests. Deputy Superintendent Lekisha Chambers recognized graduates who were members of Beta Club, National Honor Society, and DECA, three prestigious student leadership and service organizations.
Sayyedah Abidi, the class salutatorian, then gave her address. Abidi graduated summa cum laude, earned over a 30 on the ACT, was a member of DECA, and earned an associate degree in general studies from Northwestern State University.
Principal Jasmyn Watson’s recognition of distinguished graduates followed Abidi’s address. Twenty-two graduates, members of UVA’s Early College and Career Academy, earned an associate degree, technical degree, technical diploma, or technical certificate from Louisiana colleges and universities in addition to their high school diplomas. The documented scholarship total for the class of 2026 was over $2 million through academic merit, artistic talent, and community involvement, not including scholarships from the Louisiana TOPS program.
Valedictorian Charles Steele then addressed his classmates. Steele graduated summa cum laude, was a member of Beta Club and National Honor Society, and earned an associate degree in general studies from Northwestern State University. He will attend Southeastern Louisiana University in the fall to major in mechatronics, a complicated discipline combining mechanical engineering, computer systems, robotics, and manufacturing.
The triumphant graduation ceremony also contained somber moments of remembrance led by Foundation for Louisiana Students Board Vice President John Price and Reem Abdelfattah, 2025-26 chair of the UVA student advisory panel. They recognized members of the UVA community who passed away, including two board members and a student.
After a heartfelt moment of silence, the ceremony reached its climax. Eager graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, and virtual attendees were also recognized in a slideshow. Fountain led his fellow graduates in the traditional turning of the tassel, and the new alumni completed their time as UVA students in a joyful recessional to reunite with their families and friends.
Some members of the class of 2026 are entering the workforce to begin a skilled trade. Others have joined a branch of the United States Armed Forces to serve their country. Others are continuing their education at a college or university. We wish all our graduates well as they leave UVA future-ready, empowered, and equipped to embark on their journeys of lifelong learning.
University View Academy is Louisiana’s premier tuition-free K-12 online school. We offer a flexible, personalized education choice for residents across Louisiana that is powered by state-certified teachers and supported by in-person Micro Academies.
Follow University View Academy on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.