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PETOSKEY – May 19, 2026 – St. Michael High School (SMHS), the only Classical high school in Northern Michigan, is pleased to announce that its 2026 Commencement is this Friday, May 22 at 6:00 pm at Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish in Harbor Springs. All are welcome to a reception following the graduation ceremony.
SMHS is also pleased to announce that Mr. Michael Dewan will be featured as Commencement Speaker.
Mr. Dewan is a long-time activist for Catholic education and was inspirational and instrumental to the founding of St. Michael High School thirteen years ago. Soon after co-founding St. Catherine of Siena Academy (Wixom) in 2010, he spoke at an early-stage informational event for SMHS, then joined its Advisory Council and helped lead its first strategic planning sessions. He maintains that building the Kingdom of God is a shared responsibility and that providing a Catholic education to children is requisite to their preparation for this essential mission. Mr. Dewan is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, business owner, community leader, and active parishioner at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Brighton.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike back to St. Michael,” stated Headmaster Kevin Weed. “How fitting that our tenth commencement is keynoted by someone who helped kickstart our school from the concept stage into reality!”
The St. Michael Class of ’26, the school’s tenth and largest-ever graduating class, features twelve seniors led by Valedictorian Sloane Hayes and co-Salutatorians Clare Gengle and Margaret Mercer.
Sloane Hayes is the daughter of Joe & Kendall Hayes of Charlevoix. Sloane wasn’t merely a stellar student at St. Michael, but also excelled in the arts and athletics. She was exceptional in lead roles for several theatre productions while helping lead the Volleyball team and claiming two Regional titles (1st doubles) in Tennis. She won this year’s school awards in Literature, Drama, and Music and plans to study Biology at Hillsdale College.
Clare Gengle is the daughter of Mark & Elizabeth Gengle of Harbor Springs. Clare helped lead the Pro-Life Club while participating in Quiz Bowl and several sports. She won the school’s Theology award this spring and plans to study Theology and Catechesis at Franciscan University.
Margaret Mercer is the daughter of Josh & Lori Mercer of Petoskey. Margaret has earned recognition and several awards for her fabulous art work and was also on the Quiz Bowl team. She won the school’s Philosophy, Art, and Leadership awards this spring and plans to study Art at NCMC.
“Graduation is always a time of great anticipation, excitement, and joy for our seniors,” concluded Mr. Weed. “We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of ’26 – and we hope you can join us!”
St. Michael High School is High School with a Higher Purpose and a proud member of the Chesterton Schools Network. Established in 2013, the St. Michael mission is to nurture and elevate a new generation of joyful leaders educated in the Classical tradition and truth of the Catholic faith. To learn more, please visit the SMHS website at stmichaelchesterton.org.