Some will enter the workforce. Some will serve others. And some are still discovering their path. No matter where life takes us, the experiences we shared here will always connect us. Graduates, I encourage you to move forward with confidence, humility, and kindness. In a world that can sometimes feel divided or uncertain, never underestimate the impact of treating people with compassion and respect. Success is not only measured by achievements, but by the impact we leave on the people around us. Continue to support one another, take risks, and never forget where you came from. To the class of 2026, thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the example of resilience you have shown me throughout these years. Although tonight marks the end of one chapter, it is also the beginning of countless opportunities ahead of us. Congratulations and continue to make Bluton proud. When I was first asked to give this speech, I told myself multiple times that I'd start early.
So, Holly Cashin will will get the call. Holly Cashion will get the nod. She has had a couple starts under her belt here for the Clockers and she's done an admirable job for the Clockers in Bella's absence. Uh Holly did a ton of pitching for the Clockers last year. She was their primary pitcher. And um she actually faced Wayland last year, so this is a familiar foe for her. And if Holly can throw strikes, I think the Clockers can can get the job done. >> I agree with you. A lot of pressure on Holly though to come in um you know after not pitching much during the season as you said you know the way softball works is you rely on a single pitcher and you know to come in now in playoffs um and kind of you know have to shoulder the burden there on the mound um is is is quite the ask for uh somebody but you know Harley is you she's a veteran she's done this before she's the right person that we want to have out there and I think Ashlin's going to look good in this game >> I I would say So, and Ashland on defense starts here.
Jackhammers rang through the walls as we took exams on the other side. False fire drills became a regular occurrence of our schedules. But it's through these moments that we were able to grow. Life as high school isn't going to be easy, but if you remember that persevering through our lowest points often results in growth, then perhaps that's one of the most valuable lessons we could ever learn. One of our more difficult moments was when we lost two of our classmates, Raymond Jones and Noah Pillow. We remember and honor them with the lighting of two candles in their memory and representing their presence with us tonight. Let's take a moment of silence to remember our classmates Raymond Jones and Noah Pillow. May they be remembered for their contribution to their family, their school, and their community. Avon High School. Today I leave you all with just one more equation to master.
Naturally, I started at the last minute, but honestly, that feels pretty fitting for our class. Somehow, through all the stress, the pressure, the deadlines, and the late nights, we've all always found a way to make it through. Tonight, as we celebrate everything we've accomplished over the last 12 years, I want to leave you all with a verse that God has kept on my heart recently throughout track season. Romans 11:36, "For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory." All glory to him forever. Amen. Everything we have, every talent we've been given, every opportunity we've taken, every hardship we've survived, and every victory we've celebrated, has ultimately been gifted us by God. We've all fought battles nobody fully saw. Some of us struggled academically. Some dealt with loss, anxiety, family issues, loneliness, pain, or fear about the future. There have been moments for all of us where giving up would have been easier than pushing on.
I'll give you a quick rundown on defense. Sophomore Holly Cashin is in the circle. Her battery mate will be freshman Ava Vendetti who is behind the plate at third. Laura Colette. Nico Ustarus is at short. Haley Beerman playing second base. Caroline Kyrie gets to start today at first base. In the outfield left to right, is going to be senior Rebecca Crieman. Senior Quinn Herurder and freshman Maddie Sanders gets the start today in right field. Uh we are underway here as Bella delivers her I'm sorry as you're so used to saying Bella >> delivers her first pitch to [cheering] uh lead off hitter Hines for Wayland. And Hines grounds one to Colette. Picks it up. Cannot get it out of her glove. And that's going to go down, I'm assuming, as an infield hit. Tough little play there. We'll see how it gets officially scored. Um, unfortunately, I do not have uh first names for the lineup yet, uh, for Wayland, but this coming to the plate uh is number 26 Goldman.
Passion plus perseverance equals success. Congratulations, Orioles. The sky's is the limit for us all. Good evening everyone. My name is Fred Wittmann and I have had the honor of serving as your vice president of communications this past year. Now, before we get into this memorable night, let me take a moment to introduce a few of our honored guests. First, I would like to introduce the members of the Avon Community School Board of Trustees. I ask each board member to stand and be recognized. Please hold your applause until all members have been introduced. President, Miss Sarah Parent, Vice President, Mr. Michael Langford. Secretary, Miss Jennifer Smith, and members, Miss Kimberly Woodward and Mr. Joshua Yodar. Next, I would like to introduce the central office staff that provides leadership to all Avon schools. I ask each central office administrator to stand and be recognized. Superintendent of schools, Dr.
Moments when we questioned ourselves and wondered if we were good enough. Moments where the storm ahead seemed greater than the light beyond it. But here we are, not because life was perfect, not because the road was smooth, but because God carried us through all the difficult moments we were certain we wouldn't make it through. When life threw its worst at us, the Lord took us in his arms and instead of fourprints in the sand, there were two. Sometimes he calms the storm and sometimes he gives us the strength to walk through it. But either way, he has never left our side. Instead of removing all the bad from our lives, he allowed us to endure the hardships and to ask ourselves what lessons he was trying to teach us along the way. As we move into the next chapter of our lives, whether that's college, work, the military, trade school, or still uncertainty about what lies ahead, there's one thing I hope we all remember.
And my favorite partner of all my partners, Jacob Padulla, just arrived. He's going to take over playbyplay momentarily as there is a runner on first with no outs for Cash. It's going to be a soft pop up to Haley Beerman who gets underneath it and makes the easy play for the first out of the inning. Uh nice to get Beuterman [crying and screaming] involved really defensively. Uh hopefully the right side of the infielder can take care of business which brings up probably Whan's best player, George, uh Sophia Beckett, who will be on the on the in the circle for Whan today. And she's also one heck of a hitter uh for the Warriors. It's good to see you, gentlemen. >> Jacob, nice to see you. Traffic was rough getting here, but we made it. >> If you're ready, you can take over. >> I think I think I got it here.
Scott Windom, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Miss Carrie Ald, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Finley as chief financial officer. Miss Sheila Glass, director of human resources. Miss Kristen Williams, director of special education. Miss Susie Hurt, director of technology, Dr. Jason Bramis. Director of 6 through 12 teaching and learning. Dr. Matt Hines. At this time, I would like to introduce the Avon High School administrators and counselors who have provided continuous guidance through the past four years at Avon. I ask each high school administrator and senior counselor to stand and be recognized. Principal Mr. Matt Shockley, Assistant Principal, Miss Emily Garrett, Assistant Principal, Dr. Jim Graham, Assistant Principal, Mr. Rob King, Assistant Principal, Miss Lucas, Mr. Lucas Klitchch, Assistant Principal, Mr. Kyle Nelson, Assistant Principal, Miss Beth Thark, Dean of Students, Mr. Zach Baldwin, athletic director. Mr. Jason Young, assistant athletic director, Mr. Lance Larky, Oasis Coordinator, Miss Katie Robinson, and counselors Miss Tonia Best, Miss Alexis Borkering, Mr.
This life isn't about the destination. It's about the journey throughout it and the people we become. This world needs more people who are kind, people who are honest, people who are willing to forgive, and people who are willing to stand up for what's right even when it's difficult. No matter what God has in store for for us, I hope we all choose to be people who encourage rather than tear down. People who work hard for what they want, people who stay humble throughout their success. And people who stay faithful even during the ups and downs of life. Because the truth is, life is going to have struggles. There's going to be disappointments, failures, heartbreak, and moments where some of us may genuinely not know where where or how to continue. But those moments aren't what define us. How we respond is. Trust God's plan when life doesn't make sense.
>> Yeah, just so you know, we're in the middle of the sixth inning. [laughter] >> A little bit late. >> Okay, just kidding. >> That one's low. Holly Cashing on the mound. I was uh looking at Sophia Beck uh Beckett, the pitcher for Whan. 500 career strikeouts. >> Yeah, she does. She had 500 career strikeouts. She was mentioned as a third one of the 35 players to watch by the Metro West Daily News in the MIA playoffs. So, she is a worthy competitor in the circle today for Holly. >> And she's ahead in the count. Three balls and no strikes here. Batting 328 on the season. >> Yeah, Becket certainly is a kid that can get them going if she if she can get her bat on the ball. Got to try to get out of this one. [screaming] That is a strike there and a three she was taking.
Nathan Ellis, Mr. Jonathan Hathaway, Miss Tiffany Holton, Missy Hernandez, Miss Emily Jerpy, Miss Emma Meyers, Miss Tiffany Ray, Mr. Dave Thompson, and Mr. Troy Woren. Now we will be recognizing the principles of the schools that make up the Avon school system. Avon Middle School North, Mr. Mike McKini. Avon Middle School South, Dr. Dan Peio. Avon Middle School West, Mr. Dan Chapen. Cedar Elementary, Mr. Adam Allen, Evergreen Elementary, Miss Stephanie Bordan, Hickory Elementary, Mr. Carrie Rininger, Maple Elementary, Miss Nikki Harrison, Pineree Elementary, Miss Shelley Moyers. Sycamore Elementary, Miss Nicole Harris. Willow Elementary, Miss Laura Lee. White Oak Early Learning Center, Miss Carrie Mai. The last group to introduce tonight is the Avon High School faculty. We the class of 2026 would like to show our gratitude to the staff. It is due to their dedication, diligence, and compassion that we have reached this significant milestone in our lives.
Trust him when doors close. Trust him when the plans change. And trust him in the battles you never expected you'd be fighting. Life is going to have seasons of difficulty and seasons of prosperity. Sometimes God allows us to venture throughout the lowest dark and darkest of valleys so he can build our character and prepare us for when he brings us back up to the highest and brightest of mountains. And while we chase our dreams, let's never forget the people who God sent into our lives to help get us here. our parents, families, teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends, many of whom quietly sacrificed countless hours behind the scenes to get us to where we are today. Even if it feels like it right now, graduation is not the finish line. It's the starting point to a great story that's about to unfold in each of our lives.
>> Kind of amazing. We had a little bit of a shower before the about an hour for an hour before the game and you know the um the game you know just got underway right [music] at the right time as the oh there's a walk right as the rain let up. So now it looks like a pretty nice evening. Hopefully we're we're through the showers. So two on here for Whan. Nobody out. One out. >> Oh, sorry. One out. >> Yeah, we did get one out on the pop up to Holly. I mean to Haley. >> Now you're all caught up. So you'll be on you'll be on it. I know. >> Yes. Yes. >> Here's Kelsey Kaufman. >> First pitch to hers is in there for a strike. >> She's batting 436 this season for Wayland. >> 22 runs driven in in 18 games played.
The class of 2026 asks that all members of Avon High School staff please stand and be recognized for inspiring, engaging, and empowering us through these pivotal years. Now, I'd like to introduce Nancy Oregon, our saludiatoran for the class of 2026. Nancy, would you please come forward? Nancy is the daughter of Ola Leaken in Olaboomi, Oregon. She's involved in many of Avon High School's extracurriculars, co- captain of speech and debate, which she is multipletime individual and team sectional and state champion. 2025 Avon Distinguished Young Woman, member of the Symphony Orchestra, president of the Avon Youth Civic Engagement Council and National Honor Society, member of the Avon Cancer Society, Interact Club, DECA, Student Government, House of Representatives, and the PMed Club. Nancy is a National Merit Commended student and an IASP regional all-star. Nancy is ranked second in her class with a 5.533 GPA. She will attend the University of Chicago in the fall where she will major in biochemistry.
We are all about to step into a world that needs hope, compassion, integrity, and faith more than ever before. And each and every one of us has been gifted the ability to make a difference no matter where we go from here. Not necessarily by doing huge things, but by doing the small things right with love, consistency, and character every single day. And I hope and pray that as you each approach this next chapter of your lives, you do so glorifying the Lord with the gifts and abilities that he has given you, inspiring others to make a difference and to go out into the world doing the work good works of the Lord. Years from now, nobody's going to remember our grades, our popularity, our strengths, our weaknesses, or what we accomplished in school. But everyone will remember how we treated people. Everyone will remember whether we showed kindness, whether we stayed faithful during hard times and whether we used the gifts given to us to make the world a better place.
That one fouled back and Cashins's quickly ahead. Nothing in two here. >> Great to get ahead right here, right? We talked about this. Getting ahead of these hitters is so critical to the success of a pitcher who hasn't thrown a lot of innings. If she can keep the ball in the strike zone, we have a great chance here. >> Here comes the O2. Swing and a miss. Great pitch. She went after one in the dirt and that is out number two. >> Nice little change of speeds for Holly. She fooled her on that one. She got her to chase a pitch in the dirt and that's a big big out now uh for the clockers with two outs, runners on first and second. A potential jam that they could be in and hopefully Holly can get them out of this. >> The outfield was way back there for Kaufman during that at bat.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to present to you the saludiatoran of the class of 2026, Nancy Oregon. Distinguished faculty, loving parents, families, and friends. Thank you all for being here tonight and supporting us throughout the years. A special thank you to my siblings who are my why in life and my dedicated parents who sacrificed so much to help me become the person I am today. I love you all. Now, the most important people in the room, the Avon High School class of 2026. Congrats. We made it. It's an honor to speak to you today. Growing up, this moment always seemed so far away. In the movies and shows we watched, when our favorite characters graduated, they always seemed so grown up, ready to take on the world, confident. I thought that when my time came, I would be just like them. I can confidently say I couldn't feel farther from that feeling.
So, as we leave this chapter in our stories behind, let's walk into the future with courage. Let's trust that God will lead us through every battle. Let's keep moving forward even when life gets hard. And above all, let's be good people. and servants of the Lord. No matter what life has in store for us, no matter what path you are about to set on, remember to do so glorifying the Lord with what he has blessed you with. He gave you those abilities and dreams for a reason. Now go chase them because above all, everything comes from him. Everything exists by his power and everything is attended for his glory. Congratulations, class of 2026. I pray that God guides you in every step you take and that your future be filled with purpose, with faith, and with hope. >> [music] [music] >> Two ros [music] I could not travel alone and be one travel.
That's a ball to Aubrey Calabro. >> Calibro. Calabro. >> Calibro. Calibra. I said Calabra. I said >> 237 on the year for the senior. Here's the 1. That's a miss. Throw back to first. Back in there is Beckett. Good job keeping a runner honest. may not have been an opportunity to get her, but at least now you have a run of thinking if the catcher is not afraid to throw down. >> Yeah. My only fear in a play like that with two outs is that if the ball somehow scoots past that first baseman, you could be in trouble giving up an unnecessary run. >> That one just missed and it's three balls and no strikes here. >> So, I we have seen this played on fire before earlier in the season and he has the smallest strike zone I've ever seen. So, we'll see what happens.