Squabbling co-valedictorian siblings delivered — mostly in jest — an amusing and poignant speech during the St. Joseph High School graduation ceremony Friday morning as they and their classmates prepare to take different paths.
Between racing to be first to reach the podium and then battling to have the final word, Charlotte and Gabriel Dillon exchanged some verbal jabs and shared some serious messages.
The pair and more than 125 of their classmates, all decked out in green or white caps and gowns, made up the class of 2026 for Santa Barbara North County’s only Roman Catholic high school, which is based in Orcutt.
As they move on from high school, Charlotte Dillon, who plans to attend Spellman College in Georgia, encouraged her fellow graduates not to fear failure or deal with doubts.
“Let’s instead approach it with confidence and tenacity, ready to show the world our best and achieve better than anyone thought we could,” Charlotte Dillon said. “Let’s view our failures not as setbacks, but as lessons we could not learn from even the greatest of teachers and mentors.”
Gabriel Dillon, who is headed to Xavier University of Louisiana, reminded the graduates to remember where they came from as they move on from St. Joseph.
“No matter how exhilarating the rush of a brand-new life is, take a second to breathe,” he said.
During the ceremony, Ashlyn Walker provided the invocation and Quintin Harley led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Salutatorian Ali Mayes, who plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, delivered another speech recapping their time at the high school, including the senior “year filled with lasts.”
The ceremony also included a musical interlude by graduates Avila Kingston and Mikeleigh Dougherty, while Reiyna Sarin sang the national anthem.
Graduate Vienn Nicole Bowker received her official certificate marking her nomination to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the appointment amounts to a $400,000 scholarship. Army Lt. Col. David Kramer called Bowker a stellar scholar, athlete and leader.
Tom Mott, assistant principal of athletics, and Alexis Swanson, assistant principal of academics and admissions, presided over the ceremony as family members and friends filled the bleachers at the school’s campus.
Michael Ronan, regional superintendent covering the Santa Barbara area for the Los Angeles Archdiocese, noted the graduates are going into a world in need of hope, compassion and truth.
“Go forth with courage. Got forth with joy. Go forth to make a difference in our world,” Ronan said.