As they leave Cabrillo High School, members of the class of 2026 should go learn, explore, travel, take chances and more, a graduate told his fellow Conquistadores.

“Today isn’t about mourning the end of high school. It’s about celebrating the beginning of everything that comes next. There’s still so much ahead of us,” said Jet Jacobson, who intends to attend UCLA. 

It was the 60th commencement for the Vandenberg Village campus, where approximately 255 graduates donned black and gold caps and gowns for the ceremony. 

Jacobson ticked off the many athletic, academic, arts, aquarium and other achievements of his class with 16 teams qualifying for CIF playoffs and earning four league championships — girls tennis, girls swim, girls volleyball and girls softball.

After some bleak years, the football team restored the Conquistadores in the past two years. Before the class of 2026 became juniors, the CHS football had only three wins in seven years and held the second-longest losing streak in California — “not fun,” he added.

As juniors, they beat the crosstown rivals, had a winning season and made the CIF playoffs with the success continuing into their senior year, he said.

“More than wins, we restored pride and respect to Cabrillo football across the school, the village and the town,” Jacobson said. “So be proud and know you left your mark that will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.”

He and his classmates earned $1.5 million in scholarships, with 26% of the members headed to four-year universities and others set to attend a two-year college. Members also plan to enlist in the military, pursue careers or take a gap year.

During the ceremony, Principal Brian Grimnes named Jacobson as the recipient of the award named for Cabrillo’s first principal, Carmillo “Mel” Wilde,” recognizing a senior for demonstrating academic excellence.

Olivia Lossing, Associated Student Body executive president, welcomed the families and friends in the audience to support the graduates.

Samantha Garza, senior class treasurer, announced the class of 2026, which will grant $5,000 to the Cabrillo stadium upgrade project, $1,200 to the team that organizes the annual orientation for new ninth-graders — members of the class of 2030. The remaining $4,000 will help kick-start the final year for the class of 2027.

Other speakers were Sophie Ramirez with the Scholar’s Address, and Emma Lewis delivered the Con’quer Address, detailing her battle with health challenges that threatened to derail her walk across the stage.

The principal also named Ramirez, Associated Student Body vice president, as the recipient of the Order of Golden Fleece Award recognizing a student displaying extraordinary service to the school through extracurricular activities.

“The messages shared by your fellow graduates have been uplifting and inspiring, full of humor and heart and hope,” the principal said.

He reflected on the school’s six decades of history.

“Over the past 60 years, Cabrillo High School students have continued to conquer and to win,” Grimnes said. “As you carry our Conq spirit with you from these halls and into your future, you will continue to be able to conquer all challenges placed before you and enjoy the successes of winning in life.”

As the graduation ceremony’s 2 p.m. start time neared, the event had lengthy lines to enter since the Lompoc Unified School District implemented a security screening station with audience members passing through a metal detector.

Those attending the Lompoc High School graduation ceremony should expect similar screening measures for Friday morning’s ceremony. 

Commencement for the Lompoc High School class of 2026 is set to begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Hyuck Stadium.