A Jamestown High School alumnus known for his prowess on the football field will serve as keynote speaker for the school's upcoming graduation ceremony. Jamestown Public Schools announced Monday that Stephen Carlson will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2026 on Thursday, June 25th at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater.
During his time at JHS, Carlson established himself as one of Western New York's premier student-athletes. A two-time First Team All-State selection, he was awarded the Connolly Cup as Western New York's Outstanding High School Football Player while helping lead Jamestown to the 2014 New York State Class AA football championship. He finished his high school football career with 2,411 receiving yards, 22 touchdowns, and more than 250 tackles. He also helped lead Jamestown's basketball team to three consecutive Section VI championships and a trip to the state title game. Carlson continued his academic and athletic career at Princeton University, where he earned All-Ivy League honors twice and helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated Ivy League championship season in 2018. He graduated with a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology. He later went on to play in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears and was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.
Jamestown High School's 2026 Commencement will be streamed live on the JPS website.
