GALT, CA (MPG) - Liberty Ranch High School celebrated its graduating class on Monday, June 1, as students, families, staff and community members gathered in the school’s own stadium for a ceremony filled with music, memories, gratitude and a dramatic fireworks finish. The evening marked a proud milestone for the graduates, who walked across the stage surrounded by the people who had supported them throughout their high school journey.

The ceremony opened with Yuritza Salgado leading the flag salute, setting a respectful tone for the celebration. Sancho Ezekiel Tongco then delivered a memorable performance of the National Anthem on electric guitar, bringing energy and personality to the traditional moment. His performance ended with a jump, drawing cheers from the crowd and giving the ceremony a uniquely Liberty Ranch touch.

ASB officers Abby Woods, Kelly Faul, Avery Gregorio, Derek Nelson and Ava Van Warmerdam welcomed those in attendance, each sharing part of the opening message. Together, they recognized the families, teachers, staff members and friends who helped the Class of 2026 to reach graduation day. Their welcome reflected the spirit of the evening: a celebration not only of academic achievement, but also of the community that helped students grow into graduates.

Senior class officers Bailey Alcoriza, Tatiana Arriaga, Bailey Babcock, Madison Gutierrez, Gustavo Velazquez and Austin Vicens followed with senior highlights, guiding the audience through moments that defined the class’s high school years. Their reflections captured the shared experiences, traditions, challenges and memories that shaped the graduates’ time at Liberty Ranch. From the everyday moments on campus to the major milestones of senior year, the highlights offered classmates a chance to look back before stepping forward into the next chapter.

Kellie Gorelick presented the Citizenship Award to Derek Nelson, recognizing his character, leadership and contributions to the school community. The award added a meaningful moment to the ceremony, honoring the importance of service, responsibility and the example students leave behind for those who follow.

 

Sancho Ezekiel Tongco plays the National Anthem on his electric guitar.

Salutatorian Haley Smith was recognized for her academic achievement, followed by Valedictorian Huaying Liu, who delivered a thoughtful speech about hardship, perseverance, family sacrifice and personal growth. Liu reflected on the different challenges students faced over the past four years, noting that each graduate arrived at the ceremony with their own story of obstacles and accomplishments.

Liu shared her own story by honoring her parents, who left family and loved ones behind in China to build a better future in the United States. She spoke about how they worked hard to provide opportunities for her, enrolling her in lessons such as swimming, abacus, Chinese and art. With humor, she admitted that she never became a strong swimmer, abacus user, Chinese student or artist, joking that her most sophisticated artwork remained stick figures and abstract art. But she explained that while she may not have mastered every lesson, she learned something more important: the concepts, discipline and steps needed to work toward success.

Her message centered on the idea that success is not defined by the challenges a person faces, but by how that person handles those challenges. Liu reminded her classmates that taking difficult classes or facing obstacles is only part of the journey. True success, she said, comes from understanding a goal, working hard toward it and growing through the struggles along the way.

 

ASB President Abby Woods starts off the officers’ welcome speech.

Liu also thanked her teachers, office staff, friends and family for their support and encouragement, giving special recognition to those who helped her during difficult moments. She closed by urging classmates to treat others with respect and dignity, to keep an open mind and to judge people by their character and actions rather than appearances or assumptions.

Just before diplomas were handed out, senior class adviser and teacher Anngela Schroeder, affectionately known as Mama Schroe, addressed the graduates. Her speech encouraged students to fly high, be the best they can be, and carry kindness, generosity and compassion into the world. She reminded them that no matter where life takes them, Liberty Ranch will always be their home.

The chosen teachers and staff then began calling off the names of the students, and the graduates began crossing the stage from both sides, walking down the middle to receive their diplomas as families cheered from the stands.

 

Derek Nelson is honored with the citizenship award by Principal Joe Saramago.

Principal Joe Saramago addressed Board President Terry Parker and members of the Board of Trustees, certifying that the students had fulfilled all requirements for graduation.

After the final diploma was awarded, the class moved their tassels, officially marking their transition from seniors to graduates. Fireworks shot into the sky as caps flew into the air, ending the night in celebration. For Liberty Ranch High School’s Class of 2026, the ceremony was a fitting sendoff: full of gratitude, pride, excitement and the promise of everything still to come.