Wahluke seniors graduate amid excitement, emotion

MATTAWA - High school graduation is a milestone, and one of many. That was how seniors in the Wahluke High School class of 2026 looked at it.

"It's both a beginning and an end," said Landon Ocampo Solano, who plans to go to trade school to become a diesel mechanic.

Gael Ramirez, who will be working and going into the Army National Guard, echoed that sentiment. "Finishing one chapter in my life and starting a new one," he said.

Fernando Cruz said graduation was an opportunity to show all the people who supported him along the way how he felt. "Grateful," Cruz said.

The sentiment was echoed by his classmate Sandra Miranda. "For me, graduation means honoring family" and what they've done for her, she said. Her next chapter, she said, will be at Washington State University in the nursing program.

The Class of 2026 received their diplomas in front of a standing room only crowd in the WHS gym, accompanied by applause and air horns from their families, cheers from their classmates, occasional tears, and a general air of excitement.

"Every single one of us has a story," said class president Diego Santiago. "Some stories were loud, some were quiet, some were filled with celebration, some were filled with battles no one else could see. Some of you worked hard, worked jobs while studying, some of you supported families, some of you lost loved ones, and some of you even doubted yourselves, but yet you're here, and that's what matters. Because along the way, we became stronger, more resilient, and we made lifelong friends."

Salutatorian Camila Pastrana encouraged her classmates to use their time wisely.

"Humans have limited life spans," she said. "We must make important decisions at several points in our lives, and humans cannot afford to delay them. Meet the challenges ahead with integrity and confidence, and don't delay in chasing your dreams."

The seniors will face good and bad moments, Pastrana said, and should be ready to embrace whatever comes. "Welcome to the beginning of your new journey. Move forward with courage," she said.

Ocampo Solano was the 2026 valedictorian and said the seniors can look back with a sense of accomplishment.

"This day is a testament to all of your hard work and effort," he said. "Be proud of that."

He expressed his gratitude to his mother and sisters for the part they've played in his life. "I hope you all have people like that, whether it be your parents, siblings, best friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, or anyone, because you'll need that person for most of your moving forward," Solano said.

The road ahead won't always be smooth, but Ocampo Solano urged his classmates to keep working toward their goals anyhow.

After the ceremony, diploma in hand, Maria Vazquez said she felt a sense of pride. "It feels really good, because I worked hard for it," she said.

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