Eight Utica Community Schools seniors have earned national recognition for academic excellence, being named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Eight seniors named National Merit semifinalists
Eight UCS seniors are among the top 1% of students nationwide after being named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, according to Utica Community Schools.
The semifinalists are Daniel Buzdugan, Benjamin Edmunds, Nolan Gorlewski, Michael Oommen and Alexandria Philip from Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies; Jack Luckino and John Murphy from Eisenhower High School; and Marwan Hassan from Utica High School.
Luckino, Murphy and Hassan also attend the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology. These students will move forward in the competition for scholarships awarded next spring.
Graduation ceremonies set for 2026
The district has confirmed dates and times for graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2026, according to Utica Community Schools.
All ceremonies will take place at Oakland University’s O’Rena on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. Eisenhower, Utica Alternative Learning Center and Henry Ford II will hold ceremonies on Saturday. Stevenson, Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies and Utica High School will follow on Sunday.
The district has also scheduled alternative dates in early June in case the FIFA World Cup requires changes at Oakland University. Families will be notified by late winter if it becomes necessary to use the backup schedule.
DeKeyser Elementary reopens after major reconstruction
DeKeyser Elementary in Sterling Heights welcomed families back this fall to a fully reconstructed school building.
The new design includes safety features such as shatter-resistant glass and updated locks, as well as larger collaborative spaces for students. The school also features updated playgrounds, a renovated gym and modern classrooms.
Superintendent Robert Monroe said the project reflects the district’s commitment to providing safe and innovative learning environments. DeKeyser is the first of three UCS elementary schools to be rebuilt. Graebner Elementary and Havel Elementary are scheduled for reconstruction over the next two years.
Parents and students attending the reopening said the updates bring a sense of excitement and stability after a year of relocation to Rose Kidd Elementary during construction.
