The Ceres High School class of 2026 marched out of the halls of their alma mater on Thursday evening and into a 90-degree world where a rather uncertain future awaits them.
The 360 graduates filed into graduation ceremonies to the familiar tune of “Pomp & Circumstance” played by the bands of Ceres High.
Board members took turns presenting diplomas after students took turn giving speeches.
Student Body President Ismael Pulido delivered a welcome to all the family members, friends, mentors and loved ones who attended, saying “I hope you understand just how meaningful your presence is. Each of you is here because a graduating student chose to share this milestone with you. You have played an important role in their journey, whether through your encouragement, guidance, sacrifices, support, or simply by believing in them when they needed it the most. The achievements we celebrate today are not the result of one person’s efforts alone. They are also a reflection of the countless individuals who have stood beside these graduates throughout the years. Your influence has helped shape who they are today and for that, we thank you.”
Salutatorian Miranda Zepeda said she recently had a conversation with her mom about going away for college, and her response stuck: “Inténtalo sin miedo,” which translates to “try it without fear.”
“At first, I didn’t know how to respond to that because growing up and the idea of things changing scared me,” said Zepeda. “Leaving behind the life I’ve always known and starting over somewhere new is terrifying. And as I stand here at graduation, I’ve realized that this stage of life comes with a strange contradiction: for years, I couldn’t wait to grow up, but now, part of me wishes time would slow down.
“That conversation left me thinking about how quickly everything changes. There were no warnings for when things started becoming ‘the last time.’ I think that’s the hardest part about growing up: realizing that moments don’t always feel important while they’re happening; sometimes you only recognize their value once they’re already becoming memories.”
She went on to recognize the immigrant families in the crowd supporting their children.
As a first-generation college bound student Zepeda noted that “many of us learned to navigate systems our parents never had the opportunity to experience themselves. We filled out applications they couldn’t explain. We studied for tests they never had the chance to take. But even when they didn’t understand the system, they understood something much more important – sacrifice.”
Zepeda concluded, saying that while “fear will always exist, her mom’s saying “means trusting yourself enough to take the next step even when you don’t feel completely ready.”
Sovannary Carter had two opportunities to speak, first as senior class president and then as class valedictorian.
In her class president welcome address, Carter congratulated her fellow graduates and thanked Ceres High School faculty, staff, and teachers for “guiding us to become our best selves in and out of the classroom.”
She noted that the Class of 2026 will be donating a mural to the main hall and hopes to see it completed in the near future.
“Ever since I was little I was praised for my academics,” said Carter. “It was all I knew until at some point I found myself unhappy even when I had good grades. I had terrible anxiety and became unappreciative of the beauty of my achievements. But here at Ceres, I was able to find my closest friends and participate in sports I was passionate about. That all gave me the opportunities to shed the expectations and focus on things that brought me joy. So yes I was a bit of a nerd who worked hard to get to where I am, but I also went out of my comfort zone and found things I love. I found my forever friends where we have been able to share the best memories like when I was laughing at the lunch table with everyone because of Persia’s nose plug. On that note, I am so grateful for my girls, I would have never enjoyed high school as much as I did without you. I also found my favorite pastimes which mostly consist of watching something, eating or hanging out with my boyfriend. And Nathaniel I am so very proud of you for working hard and grateful for you always keeping me afloat.
“Also, through my time here I learned a very valuable lesson, everything is better when you find your place. A place where you aren’t letting comparison be the thief of joy or living for the validation of others. You should and will all be building your own paths to find what you love. To start creating and living a fulfilling life that you yourself will one day define for your own purpose and no one else’s. It probably won’t be today, and it doesn’t have to be tomorrow. It might be easy at times, and it might be hard. However, I am confident that having people who are supportive and who love you will make the journey 6-7 times easier. (Bro why are we laughing? We are about to graduate high school and we are still laughing at 67 jokes. smh) Anyways, I am not completely sure when I myself will define what fulfillment means yet, but I know that by having my aunt who says she is the reason I’m smart, tries new coffee places with me, and never fails to show up. By having my uncle who likes to burp in my face, consoles me, having my back no matter what, and sending me money whenever I need it. I know that things will get difficult, but I will be just alright.
“As we create our own paths we will begin having this new routine which sounds scary but the feeling is all too familiar. We came in as confused freshmen and now we are leaving as confused adults, but there is beauty in the ambiguity of it all. Another chapter of our lives we are scared to enter, but eventually become so comfortable we are so sad to leave. Like Winnie the Pooh said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”. So I really do hope that tonight you all truly realize how grateful we must be to say goodbye to highschool. And Hello to a better future where an even better you awaits.
Principal Kim McNeill shared thoughts to help guide graduates through their future years, saying first that “Your character is your true resume.”
She said that as graduates “enter college lecture halls or workplaces, remember that brilliance without kindness is empty. People won’t ask about your test scores, but they will look at how you treat others--your work ethic, and your integrity. Talent might get you into a room, but it is your character that keeps you there. Be the person who works hard when no one is watching, who lifts others up, and who stands by their word. Your reputation is the only thing that precedes you and the only thing that stays when you leave.”
McNeill also said that “failure is just data, not your identity.”
“You are going to make mistakes, that is called living. However, I want you to promise me right now that you won’t mistake a setback for a stop sign. Struggling does not mean you don’t belong; It is NOT a sign that you failed; it’s a sign that you are trying things hard enough to grow. So WHEN, not if, it happens, take a breath, learn from the data, and keep moving. Remember, you can do hard things.
