East Knox honors one of its own at graduation

For the 77 seniors of East Knox High School who crossed the gymnasium floor to receive their high school diplomas, the faculty, staff, and proud family members were there to cheer them on.

The loss of one class member, however, was felt by all.

Aidan Riggle, the 18-year-old captain of the Bulldogs' football team, was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (a category of cancers that can strike in glandular cells in different parts of the body.) He received the diagnosis on his birthday last Aug. 14. Riggle passed away on April 23, 2026 — just three-and-a-half weeks before he and his classmates were scheduled to receive their diplomas. In a school that struggles to keep their enrollment around 400 students, a loss like that is profoundly felt by everybody.

Class Valedictorian Kellen Grigsby understands the advantages of going to a small school.

“One of the unique things about graduating from a smaller school like East Knox is that we didn’t just grow up beside each other, we grew up with each other,” said Grigsby. “In a graduating class of around 80 students, everyone becomes part of your story somehow. We know each other’s strengths, personalities, and probably a few embarrassing moments, too. We’ve celebrated victories together, supported each other through difficult times, and learned that community matters.”

Grigsby learned that in a small school, there is no place to hide in the crowd.

“At a larger school, it might be easy to disappear into the crowd, but here, people notice when you succeed, and they notice when you need help,” said Grigsby. “Our teachers didn’t just teach subjects; they knew our names, our goals, and sometimes even our excuses. They pushed us because they believed we were capable of more than we realized ourselves.”

Gage Steinmetz, the Bulldogs' newly named varsity football coach, also spoke.

"I have been part of this class of 2026 in many different ways," said Steinmetz. "Over the past five years, I've been the boys junior high basketball coach, their varsity defense coordinator in football, and their head baseball coach. The most significant part of the class of 2026, for me, has to be the player relationships. This class is one that I was given the opportunity to watch them grow. I was able to work alongside them and help support them to meet their goals."

Steinmetz recalled Riggle, who was asked to fill a spot on the offensive line in his freshman year — A pivotal role for a team that depended on running the ball.

"Aidan was a player who was not physically the biggest," said Steinmetz. "He grew each week, continually got better, and his confidence grew with each rep. His growth and his confidence helped guide the team to have a league leader in rushing during this group of boys' best football season."

Steinmetz also recalled another memory.

"This occurred during his senior season," recalled Steinmetz. "He was able to attend a home game and be on the sidelines with the team. During the game, I was able to take a moment and observe him. What I saw was one of the truest forms of love, brotherhood and commitment to bringing your very best. Aidan took the opportunity to help guide his younger teammates, meeting with them each time they came to the sidelines. Encouraging them, giving them feedback and providing awesome words of encouragement each time. He was supporting the team anyway he could. He was talking with coaches, watching what the offensive and defensive lines were doing, and being a foster brother for others to look up to. As the night went on, I could see that he was in pain, but he did not let this hold him back. He wanted to be there for his peers and he wanted to help his team to play their very best, and that's exactly what he did."

Steinmetz turned to the graduating class of 2026 and said, "I hope you learned from Aidan and that you carry on his legacy in your future endeavors. I hope you carry yourselves with a great attitude, and put relentless effort into everything you pursue. I hope you are a leader for your peers and that you bring a contagious energy with you. I encourage you to be someone that others come to in a time of need."

Graduating senior Miles Mitchell was a teammate of Riggle’s and may not have played football, if not for Riggle’s encouragement.

“Aidan gave me the confidence to even play football,” said Mitchell. “He was one of the people that really convinced me. I moved here in sixth grade and he gave me the confidence to really play. He had tenacity and heart. He was a real special individual. He and I had many deep conversations about Christ, and love of life. He was a great man.”

Jaxon Lester said he and Riggle grew closer as they got older.

“Aidan and I grew up playing sports together,” said Lester. “We got close in the winter of eighth grade and we started lifting for football together. He was one of those people that everyone just wanted to be friends with. He would always light up a room, whenever he would walk in. He was always laughing with us. Always had a smile on his face. He was a blessing to have around.”

Lester wants to carry some of Riggle’s positive qualities forward in his life.

“His attitude was so positive,” said Lester. “Even when I was losing my mind, he would always find a way to see the good side of it. I’d say forgiveness.”

For Carver Stephens, the graduation experience was somewhat surreal.

“Four years ago, like, when I came into high school, I thought that this would take forever,” Stephens said. “Now, that the day is here, it hasn’t kicked in yet, but it’s a good feeling.”

He and Riggle were like brothers.

“We were friends since fifth grade,” said Stephens. “We lived right across the street from each other, It was a two-minute walk to his house. We would pull all-nighters, pizza, soda together. Video games all the time. It was amazing. The one thing I loved the most about Aidan was that we could mess around and be mean to each other, but we also had our moments where we could talk to each other about serious stuff and be emotional with each other. Our bond was pretty awesome.”

Stephens remembers Riggle’s courage and respect.

“He had a lot of respect for everyone,” said Stephens. “He always wanted to help others. Whether it was a homework assignment or helping someone out if they fell. He was one of the first people to help out. I want to apply that as I go forward in my new direction as an EMT.”

Shannon Sprang finished out her first year as East Knox principal, saying farewell to a memorable group of seniors.

“There was a lot of adversity thrown at this group and they all proved that they’ve got that toughness and that integrity of push through and work hard for what they want in life,” said Sprang. “I hope that they carry that on, throughout their lives. They seem to have good plans about what the next steps of their future will be, and I feel that is the job of a high school is to prepare for what’s ahead. I just wish them the best. They’ve been a great class to work with.”