On Saturday, May 9, 2026, more than 200 graduates received degrees at the 189th Marietta College commencement ceremony.

Breanna C. Herrick of New Martinsville was named Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. Herrick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education/Elementary Dual Preparation and a Teacher Leadership Certificate. She was also a McDonough Leadership Scholar. She is employed by Wetzel County Schools as a special education teacher at New Martinsville School. During her college career she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Homecoming Queen. She was also the Magnolia High School Valedictorian in 2022. She is the daughter of Jim and Frannie Herrick.