In a joyous ceremony on Thursday, Santa Maria High School celebrated its 133rd commencement and honored the class of 2026, which is leaving campus having broken multiple school records.
The ceremony saw 660 graduates flood the football field in a sea of red caps and gowns as people cheered from the packed Ralph Baldiviez Stadium.
Principal Steven Campbell kicked off the graduation ceremony by sharing that Mexico was winning against South Africa in the first 2026 FIFA World Cup match, eliciting a roar from students and attendees.
He also shared that the graduating class broke the school’s college enrollment records with 319 to a California State University, 204 students accepted to University of California schools, and 552 students enrolled at Allan Hancock College.
“Breaking a previous record last year that was set (by the) class of 2025,” he said, “so we have increased ourselves two years in a row.”
Also, 12 students committed to one or more military branches, Campbell added.
Additionally, the graduating class broke records in securing financial assistance for their college careers.
The graduating class was third in California for the percentage of seniors completing and submitting a financial aid application. Additionally, they earned more than a combined $500,000 in scholarship funds, also a new record, according to Campbell.
The students also broke records in participation in student clubs.
“This group of seniors is something special and have left a lasting impact on this school,” Campbell said.
The graduating class also took after the high school’s mascot, the Saints, after registering the lowest number of disciplinary issues than “in recent memory,” Campbell said.
Thursday’s ceremony was special not only for the graduating class but for Campbell. He is retiring from his position as principal at Santa Maria High School after about six years.
Matt Stockton will take over as Santa Maria High School principal.
Three student speakers shared words of encouragement for their fellow graduates in the next chapter in their lives while reflecting on the past four years.
“Even though our journey will take us different directions, we will always share the roots and memories that began here at Santa Maria High,” Maritza Reyes, ASB president, said.
Diego Humberto Grimaldo, class salutatorian, urged his classmates to remember the moments that shaped their high school experience.
“The future is uncertain, but these four years taught us that we are stronger than we think,” he said. “Remember that failure is temporary; giving up is forever.”
Connor Pedroche, class valedictorian, spoke about the grit in each graduate sitting on the football field on Thursday.
“Being titled valedictorian is nothing compared to the resilience, sacrifices and diligence it took from many of you to reach this point,” he said. “Despite our hardships and resources our school may not have in comparison to other schools, we are still graduating, and this is what makes our class stronger than people realize.”
He urged his classmates to reach their fullest potential or restart and change their life’s path.
“Falling short of your potential in high school doesn’t mean it’s too late to start,” he said. “In fact, what matters more isn’t how you start, it is how you grow.”
Superintendent Antonio Garcia officially proclaimed the students as Santa Maria High School graduates before they received their diplomas.
Have a graduate you’d like to celebrate?
Noozhawk invites families, friends and graduates to share their academic achievements with our community. Click here to submit a graduation announcement to our Class of 2026 Section.
