McKeesport Area announces 2026 valedictorian, salutatorian

Commencement ceremonies will be held tonight at the school district’s stadium.

The McKeesport Area High School Class of 2026 will graduate 205 students tonight at McKeesport’s stadium. Those attending will hear positive speeches and advice from the valedictorian and salutatorian as part of the commencement ceremony.

Emily Eisenberg is class valedictorian and Ryan Swauger Jr. is salutatorian.

Emily Eisenberg is the daughter of Shawna and Scott Eisenberg. She has an older brother, Joshua Steele, and a younger sister, Sidney Eisenberg.

She received a four-year academic scholarship to Waynesburg University, where she plans to major in forensic accounting and/or accounting, and likely will play basketball. While at McKeesport, Emily served as National Honor Society president and Student Council secretary. She ran track and field and was a four-year member of the girls’ basketball team.

One of Emily’s favorite high school activities was being a leader in “The Jungle,” the student cheering section for the district’s football and basketball teams. One of her fondest memories is playing on the WPIAL champion girls basketball team.

During her summers, she played traveling basketball. In addition, Emily assisted with McKeesport’s International Village in the summer.

Ryan Swauger Jr. is the son of Ryan and Char Swauger of McKeesport. He will be attending Seton Hill University on a renewable four-year academic scholarship to study forensic science. His ultimate career goal is to work in forensic science with the federal government.

Ryan explained that his older sister, Kyrstin, was in school studying to be a mortician. Seeing an autopsy was one of his out-of-school experiences that made him look to forensic science as a major.

Ryan became an avid golf player on the high school’s WPIAL winning team, which won a championship this past year. He also worked parttime with the City of McKeesport public works department.