GALT, CA (MPG) - Galt High School’s Class of 2026 marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another during a graduation ceremony filled with gratitude, school pride, reflection and celebration. For Principal Kellie Beck, the evening carried special meaning as it marked her 10th year as principal, a milestone that added another layer of significance to a ceremony centered on legacy, growth and the accomplishments of the graduating class.

The ceremony opened with a patriotic and heartfelt start as Caleb McEwen, who will be enlisting in the armed forces after graduation, led the flag salute. Maria Dimapilis, Caroline Castillo Gonzalez and Elia Rodriguez then performed the National Anthem, bringing the crowd together in a moment of pride before the speeches and celebrations began.

Bella Matos and Laura Paloma Toscano welcomed students, families and staff with a speech delivered in English and then translated into Spanish, reflecting the community and families gathered to celebrate the graduates. Their message honored the parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, teachers and friends who helped carry the Class of 2026 to this moment. They reminded classmates that Galt High was where peers became something more like family, where teachers watched them grow, and where countless memories were made while students wore their school colors with pride. They encouraged their classmates to look beyond social media, lift their heads high and chase their dreams.

 

Maria Dimapilis, Caroline Castillo Gonzalez and Elia Rodriguez sing the National Anthem.

Salutatorian Seth Miller followed with a candid and memorable speech about overcoming apathy. He spoke honestly about the struggle to stay motivated during junior and senior year, recalling moments when assignments piled up and giving up seemed easier than pressing forward. But instead of letting the pressure defeat him, Miller said he learned to buckle down, describing how difficult moments can shape people into stronger versions of themselves.

“Pressure creates diamonds,” he told the class, encouraging graduates to carry grit with them into college, military service, trade school or careers. He closed by urging his classmates to be bold, original and invincible.

Athletic highlights were presented by seniors Vicente Avalos and Shayla China Chavez, who celebrated the deep impact sports had on campus culture. Of the 201 graduates, 115 played at least one sport at Galt High School, 50 played more than one, and 18 had been on a varsity team since freshman year. The pair recognized a historic year for Galt athletics, including league championship titles for Girls Varsity Soccer, Girls Swim and Girls Wrestling. They also celebrated Boys Varsity Soccer for winning sections and advancing to the state tournament, Flag Football and Softball for playoff appearances, Color Guard for winning three state champion titles, and Cheer and STUNT for sending athletes to compete at the collegiate level. Individual athletes were also honored for achievements in wrestling, track and tennis.

 

Salutatorian Seth Miller waves to his mother.

Senior highlights from Caroline Castillo Gonzalez and Maria Dimapilis Rothstein brought laughter, nostalgia and emotion as they reflected on four fast years. They remembered freshman year as the first year back after the pandemic, the return of Friday Night Lights, school dances, rallies and Big Red. Sophomore year brought growing confidence, spirited events and memories in the quad. Junior year came with AP classes, state testing, Homecoming and the return of beloved traditions. Senior year brought a series of lasts: the final Back to School Bash, Homecoming, Prom, Warriorama, Senior Send-Off rally and Grad Nite at Disneyland. Their reflections reminded graduates to slow down, cherish friendships and find joy in the little things.

The Warrior G Award was presented to outstanding students described as kind, sincere and fearless leaders who made Galt High a better place. Honorees included Bella Matos, Elia Rodriguez, Estrella Diaz, Gauge Goehring, Isabella Miranda, Nora Werdon, Roxanna Garcia, Shayla China Chavez, Vicente Avalos and Yadhira Zambrano.

Valedictorian Elia Rodriguez delivered a heartfelt speech about faith, love and the courage to be bold. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:13, she spoke about faith, hope and love, and encouraged classmates to express their beliefs and passions freely and respectfully. Her message asked graduates to lead with understanding, gratitude and compassion, reminding them that people are called not to judge, but to love. She thanked her family, friends, educators and classmates and closed with a blessing for the Class of 2026.

 

Vicente Avalos and Shayla China Chavez present the athletic highlights.

The evening reached its most anticipated moment as students were called across the stage to receive their diplomas. After the final graduate crossed, Principal Beck led the class in moving their tassels, officially marking their transition from students to alumni. Fireworks then lit up the sky, giving the Class of 2026 a joyful and unforgettable sendoff. It was, as the graduates proudly declared, a great day to be a Warrior.