OTHELLO — Cirrostratus clouds painted the warm Friday evening sky as the class of 2026 walked the stage at the Othello High School graduation. Though a slight breeze added a slightly chilly element, students were all smiles as they packed the stands of the football stadium.  

“It is an honor to share this evening with all of you as we celebrate the culmination of years of learning, growth, and grit,” OHS Principal Kathryn Acheson said. “This evening marks not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new journey for each of our graduates. It is a time to reflect on the incredible paths our students have taken, each unique and filled with determination, resilience, and triumph.” 

Before they could hand out diplomas, administration took some time to recognize students who earned distinguished academic honors – like valedictorian Sebastian Serrano-Avelar.  

Avelar took the opportunity to reflect with his peers on their journey through high school, including late nights studying, fits with procrastination and coming through the latter end of the COVID-19 pandemic which created unique obstacles for socializing, he said. Above all else, the support from each other is what helped them reach this moment.  

During his speech, Avelar also used the kids television show SpongeBob SquarePants to paint a unique analogy.  

“If there was anything I learned throughout these four years of school, it was during the SpongeBob episode at lunchtime,” he said. “Mr. Krabs responded to Squidward with a snarky comment by saying, ‘What's today, but yesterday's tomorrow?’ This comment may not seem like much, but it reflects my entire work within high school. What Mr. Krabs is trying to say is that we should incorporate our future goals in today's present moment.” 

He encouraged his peers to reflect on Mr. Krabs' statement and turn it into action. For instance, applying for a job, completing that essay or trying something new, he said.  

Madelin Aguila-Villacana was welcomed to the stage as the 2026 co-Salutatorian. She reflected on her time at Desert Oasis High School, a former alternative school she was told was full of troublemakers and poor influences. However, she discovered the complete opposite.  

“All of them were there for different reasons,” Villacana said. “Not just for low grades and making the wrong decisions, but they were also all special in their own charming way. That's when I realized that people were more than what they appeared to be.” 

She encouraged her classmates to dismiss any fear of being perceived 

“Everyone will have different perceptions of you, and sometimes we may not even be who we think we are in other people's eyes, and that's all right,” she said. “So, participate in that event, talk to that person, raise your hand in class, because at the end of the day, you'll regret not knowing what could have been more than dealing with the rejection or accomplishment.” 

Co-Salutatorian Kenya Luna-Garcia's took an alternative approach to her speech, opting to give it in Spanish first.  

“I chose to begin in Spanish because it is my native language” Garcia said. “I also didn't want one of the most important nights of my life to not be understood by the people who have supported me my entire life.” 

She emphasized that each student’s path to graduation was unique with different obstacles along the way. However, what they all had in common was the support of parents, teachers, counselors, friends, and the Othello community, she said.  

She thanked her peers for their time and wished them the best wherever they headed next. To close out student speeches, Acheson welcomed ASB Executive Council President Myles Glasgow to the stage.  

Glasgow gave a passionate speech where he opted to express his gratitude toward those who helped shape his four years at OHS rather than listing memories, he said. He referenced a quote from Chuck Palahniuk's 1999 novel invisible Monsters that he felt encapsulated his time in Othello.  

“It goes, ‘Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known, a mosaic of everyone I've ever loved,’” Glasgow said. 

He then listed classmates by name, describing the positive qualities he admires about them and how he hopes to emulate them.  

“I aspire to be just like the best in each of you, Class of 2026, because you truly are all incredible people,” he said. “Serving you taught me so much, like how to appreciate the little things, to celebrate all the achievements, whether big or small.” 

Senior award recipients were announced followed by the certification of the 2026 Othello High School class. One by one, each student walked on the stage to receive their diplomas. Once they returned to their seats, the traditional turning of the tassel and cap toss concluded a sentimental night for students, teachers and families.

    Myles Glasgow hypes up the crowd as he is welcomed to the stage at the Othello High School graduation ceremony.
  

    As the 2026 Othello High School class arrives, a parent makes a heart to their student from the crowd.
  

    An Othello High School graduate holds up his diploma during commencement.
  

    Othello High School 2026 Valedictorian Sebastian Serran-Avelar is joined on stage by his parents at their graduation ceremony.
  

    Co-Salutatorian Madelin Aguila-Villacana gives her speech to the audience at the 2026 Othello High School graduation.