Hundreds honor the Class of 2026 during Milwaukee Public Schools' 13th annual 'Senior Send-Off celebration'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Friday, June 26, hundreds of Milwaukee Public Schools' (MPS) recent graduates and their guests filled Wick Field for the 13th annual 'Senior Send-Off.'

The event celebrated the Class of 2026 and recognized their academic achievements with food, music, games and access to higher education resources.

"We have students going to colleges and universities all across the nation including Ivy League schools and many of our students are choosing to stay in the Milwaukee area," said Ericca Pollack, the supervisor of college access for MPS. "So, we're really here to celebrate and send them off in style."

There were also prizes like luggage sets, comforter sets, mini fridges, laptops and more -- all dorm room essentials so students could feel more prepared moving into their next chapter.

“Yeah, we’re just so proud of the work that our students have done and excited to see what their next steps in their journey are, as well as for them to bring that success back to Milwaukee and really serve in the community," Pollack said.

And with all the fun and excitement, dozens of students from across the district were nominated for the Student of the Year award which is dedicated to someone "who overcame obstacles to exhibit exceptional academic achievement," a news release said.

The winner this year? Pulaski High graduate Keneisha Taylor, who was surprised at the send-off with the honor.

"It means a lot, I did all that work and now I can look forward to what I can do next in my life," said Taylor, who received a scholarship to study nursing at Alverno College. "I like helping people and I want to be there for someone to console them in case something happens to the family, but I also want to be there to help the family while they're getting treatment... and I'll also be doing volunteer work because of the scholarship I got, and I want to start working in the hospital so I can get the feel of the hospital before I start my clinicals."

Taylor added that she was proud of herself and her peers.

"I'm feeling good, ready for the new chapter in my life," Taylor said.

MPS officials said college and career centers will be open this summer at North Division, South Division, Marshall and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning. 

There will also be a college and career fair held later this summer for graduates who haven't yet defined their plan or for juniors looking to meet with colleges.