Thursday, October 1, 2026
MANSON — Members of the Manson High School Class of 2026 were encouraged Saturday to embrace change, value their relationships and carry forward the lessons learned during their years together as they celebrated commencement.
Family members, friends, staff and community members filled the Manson High School field house as graduates crossed the stage and officially closed one chapter of their lives while looking toward the next.
Principal Kamie Kronbauer welcomed attendees before the ceremony moved through a series of traditions, including the National Anthem, a senior slideshow, student addresses and the awarding of diplomas.
Salutatorian Yaritza Villasenor reflected on the meaning of belonging and the connections formed throughout years spent growing up alongside classmates in the Manson community.
Acknowledging that graduation brings both excitement and uncertainty, Villasenor encouraged fellow graduates to appreciate the people, routines and experiences that helped shape them.
"Soon we will all meet new people, go to different schools and maybe even live in completely different cities," Villasenor said. "We will never be who we are again right now."
Her remarks focused on the idea that home is found not only in a place, but in the relationships and memories created there.
The ceremony also included presentation of the Mel Steele Memorial Award, which was awarded to valedictorian Amelia Sivertson.
In her valedictory address, Sivertson challenged classmates to consider the importance of character, effort and the choices made when no one is watching.
"What we did when no one was watching shaped who we become," Sivertson told fellow graduates.
Drawing on personal experiences from her school years, Sivertson said success is built through daily habits, perseverance and a willingness to give one's best effort even when recognition is not guaranteed.
She also emphasized the influence of teachers, coaches, family members and friends, reminding graduates that no one reaches a milestone like commencement alone.
"The truth is, none of us got here alone," Sivertson said.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers returned to a common theme: that achievements matter, but relationships matter more.
The Class of 2026 was formally presented by Superintendent Tabatha Mires before diplomas were awarded by Manson School District leadership and members of the school board.
Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates participated in the traditional moving of the tassels ceremony led by Nefertitis Zarate and Isabella Aburto.
In closing remarks, Kronbauer reminded graduates that uncertainty is a natural part of every new beginning and that the future ahead remains unwritten.
As the Class of 2026 recessed from the field house for the final time as Manson High School students, the ceremony served as both a celebration of what had been accomplished and a recognition of the community that helped make those accomplishments possible.
Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media
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