Class of 2026

Photo Credit: Jessica Rowland, 5-22-2026

The warmth of the setting sun cast a golden light among the clouds in the small Texas town of just over 4,000 people. Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 played as the soon-to-be 2026 PJSH graduates walked onto the field. You could feel the promise of tomorrow and the expectation of hope as each student settled into their seat and let their shoulders relax. This was it.

The school band (a combination of 6th–11th graders) played “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the notes drifting through the stands as the community stood together alongside the school administration, teachers, and students. This was the culmination of commitment, care, and cooperation. Tonight was a celebration—make no mistake about it. You could feel the celebratory energy as each name was called and the students walked across the stage.

When the last name was called and the graduates turned their tassels from right to left, the sky lit up with fireworks. Smiles and hugs, laughter and tears; families and friends gathered on the field to capture the moments that would soon become cherished memories.

A mariachi band played, and several students swayed to the rhythm of the music. You could hear conversations in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Filipino scattered throughout the crowd. People of all shades, shapes, and sizes gathered together on that Texas high school football field, celebrating the Class of 2026.

This is America. All of us on the same field, celebrating together, creating core memories, and capturing a moment in time that commemorated the dedication, commitment, and perseverance of each student who walked across the stage.

Happy Graduation, Class of 2026. I will never forget you. As a first-year teacher, you will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to witnessing how you will make our world better for generations to come. Let’s do this…shall we?
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With love,
Mrs. Perez