Looking out at her classmates, Orcutt Academy High School’s Mia Giboney noted that graduation celebrates much more than the individual grades, awards or other senior accomplishments.
“It’s a celebration of the collective resilience, determination and hope that brought us to this stage. We may be heading in different directions tomorrow, but we will always carry strength of the community that we created here,” Giboney, class of 2026 valedictorian, said.
Friday’s ceremony on the campus in Old Town Orcutt marked the 15th commencement for Orcutt Academy High School, which this year had 167 graduates.
The ceremony included a Spartans tradition where student from other countries exchange flags from their nations during the ceremony.
This year, the swap saw visiting student Carlotta Musti from Italy exchange flags with Jazmine Cossio.
Other student speakers included Ashley Han, Associated Students student body president; Alianna Rosas, class salutatorian; and Isabella Gonzalez, senior class vice president, who provided special recognition to the class advisers.
Han said the class of 2026 can be described as legacy makers, trendsetters and mentors, as well as resilient, energetic and unstoppable.
“The list goes on and on because we truly are a school built on dedication and teamwork,” Han said.
She noted the support of Orcutt Academy’s teachers in helping her realize her dream to study at Harvard University and providing guidance and support beyond the books.
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned as ASB president is that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a testament of growth,” she added.
In her speech, Rosas cited musician Justin Bieber, music group One Direction and Disney classic “The Fox and the Hound.”
She also included appreciation for their teachers.
“The experiences you provided and the opportunities given to us have not only shaped who we are, but also how we will forever navigate our lives,” Rosas said.
In his final graduation as Orcutt Academy High School principal, Rhett Carter told the class of 2026 to remember to show character and courage as they move on in life.
But before he began his annual speech, he said: “This is going to be a hard one for me today. There’s a lot of emotions.”
He noted that character is proven when someone does something difficult, even when standing alone.
As they leave high school, the graduates will face moments where staying silent might be easier, he said.
“And in those moments, you remember that courage is rarely loud. Sometimes courage looks like one person saying ‘this is wrong’ when nobody else will. The world does not change only because of powerful people… It changes because ordinary people decide that their conscience matters more than their comfort,” he said.
In his education career spanning 25 years, Carter said the class of 2026 “holds a very special place in my heart.”
“You have led with character, resilience, kindness, humor and heart,” he said. “You support one another, represented the school with pride, and reminded us all why education matters so deeply.”