WARDEN — The class of 2026 celebrated their high school graduation Friday evening as friends and family gathered to celebrate everyone’s academic achievements. The ceremony was both a moment of excitement and sadness as the diverse group of graduates got to spend one last moment together. 

“I noticed we weren’t exactly the loudest, closest or most group of students,” said class valedictorian Ashley Cruz-Contreras. “We all had our own circles, clicks, routines and lives, but despite all the differences, we are here together tonight, united one last time on the state to close the chapter we started together.” 

Cruz-Contreras said following graduation, all of the class of 2026 will be heading off to their futures and wherever that takes them. As the class prepares to go on their new journeys, she wanted to thank those who helped guide each of her peers to this point.

“The parents and guardians who gave us a safe space, teachers who spoke up for students, coaches that never gave up on us, counselors who endlessly changed schedules to fit our needs, and many more,” she said.  

The valedictorian also extended a special and heartfelt thanks to her own parents for always pushing her to take on her interests and encouraging her. She also recognized their guidance and the sacrifices they’ve made to give her this opportunity. 

Warden’s graduates also reflected on their high school careers as they get ready to head on to the next chapter in their lives. 

“It feels good to be honest,” said Juan Daniel Contreras Garcia. “I’m ready to start working, make money.” 

Contreras Garcia said his favorite memories from school consisted of the time he spent with his friends. 

“I’m so proud of our whole class and all our friends,” said Amaya Erickson. “We worked hard to get here, and I think it was a very fun journey. I’m excited for what comes next.” 

Reflecting on her time as an athlete, Erickson said she will always cherish her time playing sports with her friends.  

“We created a great bond through that and it was fun getting to see each other every day,” she said. 

The salutatorian, Hunter Golladay, said that the memories that he and his classmates made together throughout school will be something they will always cherish. One such memory that sticks out to him was the class’s eighth grade field trip to Iron Goat Trial. 

“On paper, it sounds like one of the most miserable trips imaginable,” said Golladay. “It was a three-hour bus ride, followed by a six-mile hike and another three-hour bus ride home. To make it even better, it rained the entire time.” 

Even with all the adversity from this trip, he said it was one of the best memories that he and his classmates share together. Each of them remembers exploring the trails of many monuments, having the thrill of getting lost and even spotting a bear, but most importantly they recall enjoying the time they all spent together. 

“I think that trip represents our class very well,” said Golladay. “Sometimes the best memories don’t come from perfect situations, the best come from imperfect ones. We didn’t remember the rain; we remembered the adventure. We didn’t focus on how cold we were; we focused on the people we were with and the fun we had along the way. That’s a lesson I hope to carry with us after graduation.”

    Miranda Martinez and Gabi Pruneda walk side by side onto the field at the start of the graduation ceremony.
  

    Warden’s 2026 valedictorian, Ashley Cruz-Contreras, embraces her parents on stage after being awarded her medal for academic honors.
  

    Warden High School graduates move their tassels to officially indicate their graduation.
  

    Two Warden graduates take a selfie as they exit the stage and prepare to join friends and family following the ceremony.