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News Release

From Here, Forward: College Place High School Celebrates The Class Of 2026 (Photo) - 06/06/26

On a perfect evening in Hawks Stadium on Saturday evening, 105 seniors crossed the stage as College Place High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026.

 

Family members, friends, staff, and community supporters gathered for the school's ninth commencement ceremony, recognizing a class whose accomplishments span academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership, and service.

 

The evening began with the presentation of colors by Walla Walla Public Schools JROTC students, followed by the National Anthem performed by the College Place High School Band under the direction of Doug Morasch. Music remained a central part of the celebration as the College Place High School Choir, directed by Robb Harrison, performed "500 Miles" by Peter, Paul and Mary, while the CPHS Band later performed David Holsinger's "Tapestry Three."

 

Principal Dr. Robert Aguilar welcomed graduates and their families while reflecting on the opportunities that await the Class of 2026. He encouraged graduates to "Dream boldly. Be curious. Take risks. Show kindness." His message reflected the themes that would continue throughout the evening as students and staff shared reflections on growth, gratitude, resilience, and the promise of the future.

 

Several students were recognized for exceptional academic achievement. Salutatorian honors were awarded to Charley Amick, Arialee Amsing, Maya Johanson, and Payton Moore. Valedictorian honors were awarded to Isaac Christensen, Nolan Howton, Cole Middlemas, and Lucinda Weaver.

 

The evening also featured recognition of outstanding student achievement beyond the classroom. Lucinda Weaver and Luis Gutierrez were named recipients of the 2025-26 Soaring Hawk Senior Athlete Awards, recognizing student-athletes who exemplify leadership, character, teamwork, and service. The prestigious Hawk Award, College Place High School's highest student honor, was presented to Charley Amick.
 

Three student speakers shared messages that reflected the journey of the Class of 2026 and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Ava Mohney reflected on the shared experiences that brought the class to graduation, reminding her classmates, "Although this chapter is ending, the impact we've made on each other will continue far beyond these grounds."

 

Aleyda Soto encouraged graduates to embrace life's transitions and opportunities for growth, sharing, "Change is uncomfortable but it's bound to happen and it's what ultimately makes us who we are today."

 

Valedictorian Lucinda Weaver challenged her classmates to carry gratitude into the future, reminding them, "We don't have to chase the degree, or accept the job offer, or follow the call to serve. We don't have to do anything, but we get to."

 

The faculty address was delivered by retiring Career and Technical Education Director Scott Reardon, who was selected by the senior class to represent the staff. Using lessons from years of canoeing, Reardon encouraged graduates to continue challenging themselves and pursuing meaningful goals, reminding them, "Don't settle for easy."

 

Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates participated in the traditional turning of the tassel led by ASB President Charley Amick, officially marking their transition from students to alumni. As caps filled the air and families joined graduates on the field, the celebration concluded with excitement, pride, and anticipation for what lies ahead.

 

Whether pursuing college degrees, technical education, military service, careers, or other opportunities, the members of the Class of 2026 leave College Place High School prepared to write the next chapter of their stories.

 

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Go Hawks!

 

Attached Media Files: celebration,

From Here, Forward: College Place High School Celebrates The Class Of 2026 (Photo) - 06/06/26

On a perfect evening in Hawks Stadium on Saturday evening, 105 seniors crossed the stage as College Place High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026.

 

Family members, friends, staff, and community supporters gathered for the school's ninth commencement ceremony, recognizing a class whose accomplishments span academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership, and service.

 

The evening began with the presentation of colors by Walla Walla Public Schools JROTC students, followed by the National Anthem performed by the College Place High School Band under the direction of Doug Morasch. Music remained a central part of the celebration as the College Place High School Choir, directed by Robb Harrison, performed "500 Miles" by Peter, Paul and Mary, while the CPHS Band later performed David Holsinger's "Tapestry Three."

 

Principal Dr. Robert Aguilar welcomed graduates and their families while reflecting on the opportunities that await the Class of 2026. He encouraged graduates to "Dream boldly. Be curious. Take risks. Show kindness." His message reflected the themes that would continue throughout the evening as students and staff shared reflections on growth, gratitude, resilience, and the promise of the future.

 

Several students were recognized for exceptional academic achievement. Salutatorian honors were awarded to Charley Amick, Arialee Amsing, Maya Johanson, and Payton Moore. Valedictorian honors were awarded to Isaac Christensen, Nolan Howton, Cole Middlemas, and Lucinda Weaver.

 

The evening also featured recognition of outstanding student achievement beyond the classroom. Lucinda Weaver and Luis Gutierrez were named recipients of the 2025-26 Soaring Hawk Senior Athlete Awards, recognizing student-athletes who exemplify leadership, character, teamwork, and service. The prestigious Hawk Award, College Place High School's highest student honor, was presented to Charley Amick.
 

Three student speakers shared messages that reflected the journey of the Class of 2026 and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Ava Mohney reflected on the shared experiences that brought the class to graduation, reminding her classmates, "Although this chapter is ending, the impact we've made on each other will continue far beyond these grounds."

 

Aleyda Soto encouraged graduates to embrace life's transitions and opportunities for growth, sharing, "Change is uncomfortable but it's bound to happen and it's what ultimately makes us who we are today."

 

Valedictorian Lucinda Weaver challenged her classmates to carry gratitude into the future, reminding them, "We don't have to chase the degree, or accept the job offer, or follow the call to serve. We don't have to do anything, but we get to."

 

The faculty address was delivered by retiring Career and Technical Education Director Scott Reardon, who was selected by the senior class to represent the staff. Using lessons from years of canoeing, Reardon encouraged graduates to continue challenging themselves and pursuing meaningful goals, reminding them, "Don't settle for easy."

 

Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates participated in the traditional turning of the tassel led by ASB President Charley Amick, officially marking their transition from students to alumni. As caps filled the air and families joined graduates on the field, the celebration concluded with excitement, pride, and anticipation for what lies ahead.

 

Whether pursuing college degrees, technical education, military service, careers, or other opportunities, the members of the Class of 2026 leave College Place High School prepared to write the next chapter of their stories.

 

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Go Hawks!

 

Attached Media Files: celebration,