San Marcos High School celebrates the class of 2026 at graduation ceremony

Things just got real for the San Marcos High School class of 2026.

Flocks of families and friends, loved ones and distant relatives flooded Warkentin Stadium to celebrate the high school graduation of 485 San Marcos students. Guests with confetti cannons and cutouts of students faces in hand packed the stands, erupting in cheer at the utterance of each graduate’s name.

At a sunny 5 p.m. start, Principal Dare Holdren and staff led the class down the stadium track towards the stage and columns of seats.

“You know what I remember most won’t be the victories, but the moments,” said Holdren on stage. “There are so many moments I will cherish forever, and it’s all thanks to you.”

Student speakers took to the stage to congratulate their fellow classmates and reflect back on their four transformative years, among them class valedictorian Isabella Ratliffe.

“I remember when I was in third grade, I counted on all my fingers and toes to figure out what year I’d graduate high school,” said Ratliffe in the beginning of her speech. “When I landed on the year 2026, it didn’t even sound like a year.”

A moment of silence was also called for two San Marcos students who died this year: Samanta Ortiz and Tayden Tomlin.

As the sun began to set behind the bleachers, the class was advised to turn their caps’ tassels, for they had just graduated high school. Caps and confetti flew up in the air as parents and families stormed the field. The remainder of the ceremony was filled with scenes of pure joy, disbelief and loved ones embracing one another.