HERMISTON, Ore.-Hermiston High School celebrated the Class of 2026 at the Toyota Center in Kennewick on June 4, as 376 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
The Class of 2026 by the numbers
- 376 graduates
- 43 seniors graduated with honors diplomas
- 95 seniors graduated with honors
- 241 programs of study completed
- 16 graduates qualified for enlistment into the military
- $93 million in scholarships earned by 63 graduates
Catherine Doherty delivered the welcome address, asking her fellow graduates to remember those who helped them get to graduation.
“There have been countless people who have helped bring you to this moment through their love, support, sacrifice, and encouragement,” said Doherty.
Doherty then reminded the class of 2026 to also celebrate themselves.
“Tonight is more than a ceremony, it’s a celebration of perseverance, growth and achievement,” said Doherty. “It marks not just the end of our high school years, but the beginning of something new. Tonight is not the final chapter of our story, it’s the turning of a page.”
Hermiston High School Principal Tom Spoo
“High school has been more than academics, it has been a journey of growth, challenge and discovery,” said Spoo. “Along the way I hope you built not only knowledge, but character.”
Spoo went on to speak about the importance of perseverance, despite life’s obstacles.
“Class of 2026, keep going,” said Spoo. “Stay resilient, your strength will be defined not just by what you achieve, but by your perseverance.”
Class History
Aspyn Inners gave the Class History, recounting selling friendship bracelets and slime in elementary school, online school during the pandemic, and Friday Night Lights and Homecoming activities in high school.
Inners then talked about every senior finding themselves in different ways, but coming together as part of the same story as the Class of 2026.
“When life gets loud and things begin to change, I hope we remember learning how to fall, how to fail and get back up,” said Inners. “We didn’t just survive this chapter; we made it one worth remembering. Congratulations Class of 2026.”
Class Prophecy
Delaney Wieseler delivered the Class Prophecy, reminding her fellow graduates that there is no shame in occasionally needing or asking for help.
“If you remember one thing from tonight, let it be this: there is always someone willing to help you write your story,” said Wieseler. “There is always someone willing to help you achieve greatness. Ask for help, but remember to write your own story.”
Hermiston School District Superintendent Tricia Mooney, Ed.D.
“You have spent years pursuing knowledge, overcoming challenges and discovering who you are and what you are capable of,” said Mooney. “This moment is a celebration of your hard work, resilience and growth.”
Dr. Mooney then recounted the proud moments that will be remembered about the class of 2026, including some drama and multiple state titles, before reminding graduates that they did not make it this far alone.
“Along the way you were lifted by teachers who believed in you, families who sacrificed for you, friends who stood by you, coaches that challenged you, and a community that supported you,” said Mooney.
Dr. Mooney then spoke of the importance of giving back, before reminding the Class of 2026 that they could always come home again.
“No matter where life takes you, you have something to give,” said Mooney. “Your time, your talents, your compassion. You are in a position to influence the world, not just by what you achieve, but by what you contribute.”
James Hurst, Board of Education Chair
Hurst offered the Class of 2026 a brief history lesson on the evolution and meaning of matter in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, before imploring graduates to think for themselves and realize that their choices matter.
“Now is your time and you get to choose to be someone of substance,” said Hurst. “What you choose next matters. We love you; we cheer for you, we need you. Go Dawgs.”
