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Heading to deeper waters: Seabreeze's Class of 2026 celebrates commencement

Seabreeze class of 2026 celebrates 393 graduates and a 99% graduation rate as Harris takes a new position with Volusia County Schools.

  • By Michele Meyers
  • | 11:00 a.m. June 2, 2026
  • Ormond Beach Observer
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Seabreeze High School's Class of 2026 departed the sandbar after crossing the stage at the Ocean Center on Friday, May 29. 

So did their principal.

Seabreeze High School Principal Tucker Harris addressed the seniors during the graduation. This is the fourth time Tucker, a Seabreeze alumnus, has presided over the commencement ceremony since becoming principal in 2022. This year's graduation is his last, as Harris will move on to the district level as the director of secondary schools for Volusia County Schools. This year's graduation was also notable for Tucker, as his daughter Maggie was among the grads.

“Today is a special day for many reasons,” he said. “It is a celebration of your journey, your achievements, and the bright futures ahead of you. And for me personally, it is especially meaningful because I’m not only your proud principal this afternoon but I’m an extremely proud parent of my daughter, who is also one of you.”

Seabreeze went from being a “C” to an “A” school during Tucker Harris’ tenure, finishing the school year with a graduating class of 393 and a 99% graduation rate; the highest in Seabreeze history. 

... Step even if you don’t know what’s ahead. Step even if you’re unsure if you’ll succeed. Step even if the water looks too deep because that’s where the growth happens. That’s where life happens. That’s where we learn how to swim."  — AUSTIN UPCHURCH, Seabreeze class of 2026 valedictorian

The class of 2026 logged 37,000 hours of community service, garnered over $4 million in scholarships, and 73% graduated with a GPA over 3.0. Ninety-nine students increased their academic workload to attain scholar designation, and 361 students added an industry certification to achieve an industry scholar designation. 

On Tuesday, May 12, 11 seniors graduated from Daytona State College with associate degrees. Forty-six students were awarded their AICE diplomas, and 30 more will follow suit. The Seal of Biliteracy was awarded to 23 students, and 30 graduates earned the Florida Seal of Fine Arts.

All 26 athletic teams maintained a cumulative GPA over 3.0. The boys’ bowling team brought home a state championship for the second consecutive year and finished eighth out of 53 schools in the FHSAA academic rankings with a cumulative GPA of 3.661.

Nine Sandcrabs enlisted in the United States armed forces.  

Harris stated that every graduating class leaves its mark on Seabreeze, but said this one was different because he has known many of the students for many years.

“I’ve watched you grow up, not just through high school but from the elementary school level, as well,” he said. “You’ve filled our halls with energy, pride, and personality. You’ve reminded each of us why Seabreeze is such a special place.”

He reflected on what it has meant to him to serve “his school” as principal.

“Being part of Seabreeze is not just a job, it’s personal,” he said. “I sat where you sit today. I walked the same halls you walked, and for 25 years in Volusia County and these past four years serving Seabreeze, it has been an honor of a lifetime.”

Graduate Sig Lewis said he will attend Central Oregon Community College in the fall, then transfer to the University of Oregon.

“I’m excited to see where this takes me, because I’m moving to Oregon for school, but I'm also very nervous, because I’m not going to see a lot of people (from here) again," Lewis said.

Valedictorian Austin Upchurch, Salutatorian Allison Pate, yearbook editor-in-chief Zeno Louizes and national anthem singer Caley Linzmayer were the student speakers. 

Upchurch referenced a negative response he had while finishing a round of golf at Spruce Creek. He said he snapped a pitching wedge in half over his knee following a bad shot. At that moment, he thought winning was having the lowest score, but said he learned that was not the case.

“A winner isn’t someone who avoids failure,” he said. “A winner is someone who refuses to let failure define them. A winner forgets about the feeling of failure and embraces the lesson.”

As his fellow graduates leave the sandbar, Upchurch implored them to go forth into the unknown.

“As you move past the sandbar into deeper waters into uncertainty, step anywhere,” he said. “Step even if you don’t know what’s ahead. Step even if you’re unsure if you’ll succeed. Step even if the water looks too deep because that’s where the growth happens. That’s where life happens. That’s where we learn how to swim.”

Harris asked the graduates to carry two things with them: remember to work hard and be nice.

“No matter where life takes you, whether it’s college career, or service, Seabreeze will always be your anchor, and you are now part of something bigger than yourself," he said. "Sandcrabs, the time has come. It’s time to head to that deeper water. You are prepared. You are confident. Now one last time for me to ensure you don’t ever forget — once a Sandcrab, always a Sandcrab. Boom.”

 

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