Chelan graduates urged to cherish community, embrace the future

CHELAN — As Chelan High School's Class of 2026 gathered Friday evening for commencement, speakers returned again and again to a common theme: the people who helped them get there.

Whether discussing childhood friendships, family sacrifices, community support or future ambitions, student and faculty speakers reflected on the relationships that shaped their high school experience as graduates prepared to begin the next chapter of their lives.

Valedictorian Carson Clinton encouraged classmates to embrace uncertainty as they leave a community that has supported them throughout their school years.

"Chelan has spoiled us by providing us with a community that truly cares, and one that has generously supported us throughout the years," Clinton said.

Comparing life's challenges to a round of golf, Clinton urged graduates to continue pursuing their goals despite inevitable setbacks.

"Continuing to take risks, embrace the unknown, and chase the dreams you've had since you stepped foot here at Chelan High School is the most important thing you can do as we all take on our next chapters," he said.

Salutatorian Brynn Hughbanks focused on the shared experiences that connected many members of the graduating class, some of whom have attended school together since preschool.

"I remember walking into graduation as a freshman," Hughbanks said. "It seemed so far away and I wanted time to speed up so it could finally be our turn. But now that we're actually here, I suddenly want time to slow down."

Her speech mixed humor and nostalgia as she recounted memories ranging from elementary school field trips to athletic accomplishments and state championships. She reminded classmates that while many would soon head in different directions, their connection to Chelan would remain.

"You can take the graduate out of Chelan, but you can't take Chelan out of the graduate," she said.

The class also selected two students to represent their fellow graduates as class speakers.

Grant Coonrod, who moved to Chelan from western Washington before his freshman year, spoke about arriving in town without knowing anyone and quickly discovering a community unlike any he had experienced before.

"The community that Chelan has built is nothing I've ever experienced before," Coonrod said. "The camaraderie between students, parents, community members and the school staff truly create a learning environment that unfortunately not many schools in Washington get to experience."

Coonrod reflected on the traditions, friendships and opportunities that defined his four years at Chelan High School, from school activities and athletic events to the everyday interactions that come with living in a close-knit community.

"Today came faster than I could have believed, and I, much like many of my classmates, am truly grateful to have spent my high school career here," he said.

Class speaker Jimena Oregon Ayala centered her remarks on gratitude, perseverance and the sacrifices made by families to create opportunities for their children.

Speaking in Spanish and English, she thanked teachers, classmates and family members who helped students reach graduation day. She offered special recognition to immigrant parents who left behind familiar lives in pursuit of a better future.

"We know it was not easy, but your love, your determination and your strength brought us here," Oregon Ayala said.

She encouraged classmates to pursue their goals with faith and determination while remembering the people who supported them along the way.

"The life is hard, but that is what defines us. It makes us strong and unique," she said.

Faculty speaker Salvador Gonzalez, a 2015 Chelan High School graduate selected by the senior class, delivered a message centered on memory and the importance of appreciating ordinary moments.

After sharing stories from his classroom and offering words of encouragement, Gonzalez distributed chocolate chip cookies to graduates. He explained that smell is closely tied to memory and said he hoped the simple gesture would someday remind students of graduation day and the friendships they formed along the way.

"Go make memories," Gonzalez told the class. "And not just tonight, not just this summer, but in life."

As graduates prepared to receive their diplomas, the evening's message was clear. While the Class of 2026 will soon scatter to colleges, careers, military service and new opportunities, speakers encouraged them to carry with them the friendships, lessons and sense of community that defined their years in Chelan.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media