More than 800 students graduated from Hollister High School’s Class of 2026 during the commencement ceremony June 5.
It was the school’s 131st annual graduation ceremony. Graduates of this year’s class included Valedictorian Rachel Buckingham; Salutatorian Kevin Len; ASB President Alexa Avila and Senior Class President Israel Zepeda.
Among the graduates were 129 seniors who walked with a California State Seal of Biliteracy.
Graduates have a variety of plans as they embark on the next stages of their lives and into adulthood. More than 300 members of the Class of 2026 will attend community college; 145 will attend California State Universities; 41 will attend University of California institutions; 14 will go to private universities in California; and 49 plan to attend out-of-state universities, according to a statement from San Benito High School Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum.
Two graduates will study at international universities; 19 will go on to apprenticeship; 35 will attend trade or technical schools; 18 will enlist in the military; and 44 will go directly into the workforce.
“No matter their interests or aspirations, Hollister High School provides students with opportunities to explore their passions, develop career-ready skills and prepare for success after graduation,” Tennenbaum said.
During the June 5 ceremony, senior Amanda Costales led the pledge of allegiance and Salvatore Felice performed the national anthem on guitar. Speeches were delivered by Avila, Zepeda, Len and Buckingham. Graduate Frida Salinas-Figueroa delivered an original poem that she wrote for the Class of 2026.
The class’s “top ten academic seniors” were Buckingham, Len, Jennady Bonilla, Annie Cullumber, Alyssa Garcia, Kenzy Mohamed El-Feki, Juan Carlos Reyna Madriz, Genesis Sanjuan, Alexander Sugiura and June Traveria Gonzalo.
“This ride, this journey as seniors is finally over and, as sad as it may be, it’s a new chapter in our lives to honor and cherish these moments forever,” senior Tomas Ogas said in the welcome address.
In her valedictory address, Buckingham advised her classmates to learn and reach their highest potential and avoid getting caught up in comparing themselves to others.
“We need to play according to our ability, not those around us,” Buckingham said. “As we’re getting older we have to learn how to push ourselves. We’ll be picking our classes, jobs, relationships and everything in between.
“So we need to pick them not just to get by but to flourish. Don’t set your limit based on the people around you or even what you’ve done in the past. Set your bare minimum far beyond where you think your maximum is because we often grossly underestimate our own capability.”
