001There we go. Come on. Feel Yeah. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Hey. La. I am here. >> [cheering] >> Please remain standing for the presentation of colors and the playing of our national anthem. >> [applause] >> Good afternoon. Welcome to the 102nd graduation of Williamird High School honoring the class of 2026. I am Mackenzie Scott, SCA president. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You may be seated. Good afternoon, administrators, teachers, families, friends, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2026. There is a quote I'd like to share by Harriet Tubman that says, "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always
002remember you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." We spent four years counting down to graduation. And now that it's here, it feels like it showed up way too fast. Freshman year, most of us walked into school not knowing where our classes were, or honestly what we were doing at all. And now, somehow we're here, ready to take on whatever comes next. Before anything else, I want to take a moment to thank the people who helped us get here. To our teachers who pushed us even when we didn't want to be pushed. to our parents and families who supported us through every late night, early morning, and stressful moment. To our principles whose leadership helped shaped our school and keep us moving forward.
003And to the staff, coaches, and mentors who believed in us and guided us along the way. This milestone wouldn't be possible without you. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Miley Moses Pinion, and I'm honored to stand here today as part of the graduating class of 2026. Over the past four years, I've spent a lot of time learning, not just from classes, but from the people around me. But looking back on those moments, the highs, the stress, and everything in between, I've realized something. We didn't just go through high school. We grew through it. And that growth didn't happen by accident. It came from the very things in the quote we heard earlier. Strength, patience, and passion. First, strength. And I don't mean the kind you see in movies with dramatic
004music playing in the background. I mean, the quiet kind. The kind that shows up when you get a grade back that isn't what you hoped for, but you try just as hard on the next assignment anyways. The kind that gets you out of bed on mornings when you're already tired before the day even starts. The kind that keeps you sitting at a desk trying to focus while your brain is completely fried. We all had those days. But strength wasn't about never struggling. It was about showing up anyways. Even when we were unsure, even when we were overwhelmed, even when your only motivation was the fact that missing class meant more work later. And somehow we made it through all of that. Second, patience. And honestly, this one deserves an award of its own because if
005there's anything we mastered over the last four years is waiting. Waiting for Friday, waiting for summer, waiting for graduation, waiting for life to finally feel like it's starting. And now that we're here, it's kind of wild how fast it all went. It's like freshman year was yesterday, but also feels like a completely different lifetime where none of us knew where anything was and we all pretended we understood the schedule. But patience taught us something important. Not everything is supposed to happen quickly. Friendships and relationships take time. Confidence takes time. Figuring out who you are takes way more time than we want it to. And even now standing here, none of us have everything figured out. But that's okay because patience isn't about having the whole map. It's about trusting that you're still moving forward even
006when you can't see what's ahead. And finally, passion. This one looked different for all of us. For some, it showed up on the field, the court, in a gym, or on a stage. For others, it showed up in notebooks, late night study sessions, or quiet moments of just trying to get better. And for some of us, it showed up as simply trying to survive first period without some type of energy drink. But passion was always there. It was the effort no one clapped for. It was in the work people didn't see. It was in the moments we kept going just because we cared enough not to quit. And maybe the most important part, passion doesn't always feel obvious when you're living it. Sometimes you only recognize it in hindsight. Like, wow, I really did care
007about that more than I realized. And that means something because passion isn't about having it all figured out. It's about being willing to care deeply even when you're still becoming who you are. So, if we put that all together, strength is what got us through. Patience is what kept us grounded and passion is what kept us moving forward. And those things didn't just get us through high school. They built who we are right now. As we move forward, I hope we don't forget that. Be strong when things don't go as planned. Not because you won't struggle, but because you already know you can survive it. Be patient when life doesn't move on your timeline, even when it feels like everyone else is somehow ahead of you. And be passionate about whatever you choose next, even
008if you're still figuring out what that is. Because honestly, most of us are still figuring things out. And that's kind of the point. And here's something else I've learned. Changing the world doesn't always look like changing the world. Sometimes it looks like showing up for your friends when they need you. Sometimes it looks like choosing kindness when it be easier not to. And sometimes it looks like not giving up on yourself when things get hard. That's where real impact starts. Not in huge moments, but in consistent ones. So, class of 2026, we didn't just sit through high school. We learned how to grow through it. We learned how to keep going, how to keep waiting, how to keep caring, and even when it didn't feel like it, we are becoming something stronger, steadier, and more
009real than we were when we started. So, as we take this next step, whatever it looks like for each of us, don't forget what brought you here. The strength you didn't always notice, the patience you didn't always want, and the passion that showed up even when life was messy. Because the world isn't just waiting for dreamers. It's waiting for people who kept dreaming who kept dreaming when it got hard. It's waiting for us. Congratulations, class of 2026. We made it. Go change a little piece of the world. Thank you. [cheering and applause] [applause] >> Thank you, Miley. Thank you for attending the 102nd commencement exercise of Williamird High School. We would like to recognize our distinguished guests on stage today. We have Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Reno County Public Schools, Mr. Tim Greenway, the
010school board representative from the Venton District, as well as Mr. David Lindon, the school board representative from the Hollands District. Additionally, I would like to recognize our outstanding assistant principles, Marcy Cook, Hannah Prader, and Kevin Richardson. Thank you all for your leadership, support, and your continued dedication to our students. We would also like to recognize two of our retiring staff members, Leanne Connor and Chris Ayes. [applause] As our students and staff know, it takes a village to get you all to this point. Those two have worked tirelessly to ensure that your bills were paid on time, there were no issues, that your graduation requirements were squared away, and we cannot thank them enough. In the main reason we are here today, we would like to take this time to congratulate the class of 2026. [cheering]
011You have made it. As you know, I have high energy. I like a lot of standing and recognizing. So, we are going to make today about you all. We would like to take time to recognize some of the special accomplishments of this group sitting on the on the floor this year. 67 of our graduates are wearing white stoalls, signifying that they have achieved a GPA of 4.0 or higher. [cheering] >> These students are being recognized as valadictorians. Please stand and be recognized. >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause and cheering] >> Additionally, we have 150 graduates that are considered as honor grads. These students have concluded their high school education with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Please stand and be recognized. >> [cheering] [cheering] [applause] >> The seal of biiteracy encourages students to pursue biiteracy, honors
012the language skills that our students possess, and they have proven on independent language assessments that have been designated by the Virginia Department of Education. If you are one of the 15 students graduating with a seal of biiteracy, please stand and be recognized. [cheering] [applause] In recent years, Reno County Public Schools has partnered with local businesses to form an apprenticeship program. Students that participate in this in this program receive on the job training, are paid financially, and can potentially earn full-time employment following the graduation of high school. If you have participated in or are participating this summer in one of our apprenticeship programs, please stand and be recognized. Our students have a tremendous amount of opportunity. Um, we have many students that are concurrently enrolled in different programs. This year alone, we had seven students that
013were concurrently enrolled at Virginia Western. Six of them have earned associates degrees in a in conjunction with their high school diploma and one has been awarded a uniform certificate of general studies. If you are one of those seven, please stand, be recognized. [cheering] [applause] Additionally, we have students that are concurrently ro enrolled at the Burton Center of Arts and Technology. Many of these have earned certifications that will serve them well in their future endeavors. Today we have students that will join the workforce with certifications in cosmetology, auto service, criminal justice, welding, mechatronics, motorsports, game design, cyber security, building trades, culinary arts, mass communications, and engineering. If you are one of those students that have been concurrently enrolled at the Burton Center, please stand and be recognized. >> [cheering] >> Additionally, we have a student that
014has been concurrently enrolled in the Rono Valley Governor School. This is a highly competitive school that focuses on STEM education. If you have attended the Governor School, please stand and be recognized. [cheering] [applause] I think that right there shows this class has demonstrated immense academic success and that is not lost to the world outside of Williamird High School. It is my privilege to let everyone know the class of 2026 has earned over $100,000 in grants and scholarships. [applause] Graduates, you will find there is no greater joy than serving others in this life. In addition to your work in the classroom, your focus on others has benefited our community. The class of 2026, this year alone, has accumulated more than 2,000 hours of community service time. We would like to thank Lisa Stove, Carla Hatfield, [snorts]
015and Shaina Hastings for their leadership with our Leo Club, Beta Club, and our MOU Alpha Theta Math Honor Society for leading these efforts. This commitment to serving others is part of some of your future plans as well. We are very proud that we have students who are committed to serving our country in the armed forces. We want to thank these students and let them know how proud we are that they have made this decision. If you have committed to serving our country in the armed forces, please stand and be recognized. [applause and cheering] [applause] Our nation thanks you for your desire to serve. Graduates, as you leave William Bird, it is our hope that you never lose a servant's heart. You quickly realize this life is far more fulfilling when you seek to serve others.
016Your class has also experienced tremendous success in extracurricular activities. You certainly have gotten the most out of your high school experiences. 157 of our graduates have spent time on the athletic field or court at Williamird High School. If you competed throughout your four years as a terrier, please stand and be recognized. [cheering and applause] [screaming] 21 of these student athletes have committed to playing collegiate athletics. This will serve you well. You'll be required to be diligent in your studies. You'll have to overcome obstacles and you will have to function within a team concept. If you have committed to furthering your athletic career at the next level, please stand and be recognized. [cheering] [applause] I think we can all agree that the Dog Pound is well known across the Rono Valley as the best student section
017in the state of Virginia. Your unwavering support of one another has brought joy to our school and community. However, you cannot have done that alone. Thank you to the members of our music programs, our band and choir for bringing extra energy at pep rallies, games, and concerts. If you have spent time in our music program, please stand and be recognized. [cheering] It's our goal in Renault County Public Schools to produce opportunity ready graduates. Students that are ready for any opportunity that presents itself to them. This year, we put an emphasis on collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. Skills that will foster success long after your work as a scholar. I'm very proud to announce this year the class of 2026 had 219 students successfully defend their senior portfolios through a defense process. If you successfully defended
018your senior portfolio and demonstrated that you are an opportunity ready graduate, please stand and be recognized. [cheering] >> [applause] >> As you leave this chapter behind and step into the future, remember that success is not measured only by achievements, titles, or awards. It's measured by the impact you have on others. You will each take different paths. You'll face different challenges, celebrate different victories. Your class has proven the ability to overcome obstacles already. We encourage you to cherish the memories, friendships, and experiences that have brought you to this moment. I do encourage you to take time to thank those that have helped you reach this milestone. So, class of 2026, move forward with confidence, kindness, and courage. Take risks, learn from your failures, and never stop believing that you have the ability to make a difference.
019The future is waiting on you. Always remember that you are terriers at heart. Now, I would like to introduce our next speaker, this year's top terrier, Mr. Darren Witcher. [cheering] [applause] Who's ready to graduate? [cheering] >> We can do better than that. Who's ready to graduate? >> To be honest with you guys, when I was assigned to give the speech, I really didn't know how to do it. So naturally, I asked my peers for some advice. I'm going to read some of that advice that I was given. Stick to the cliches. Okay, I can do that. Please don't use cliches. Okay, now I'm conflicted. Keep it professional, keep it casual, or just do what Darren would do, whatever that means. As you can see, the advice that I was given didn't really help help me
020pick a direction for this speech. This is symbolic of the era of life we're about to enter. There are so many directions to go, so many choices to make. I mean, sitting among us are future doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, managers, military members, financial planners, physical therapists, entrepreneurs, and everything else under the sun. Despite all these wildly different paths, they all started here at William. They started, crossed, and intertwined here. Those paths are filled with events such as homecomings, proms, pep rallies, games, meets, matches, performances, even eating at restaurants after all of these. But those aren't the things that we're going to look back on. Sure, the events are great, but as our past disperse towards great futures, we'll look back on the people such as the teachers that helped us out along the way. The
021staff that you could always talk to, and most importantly, the friends that surrounded us. Yeah, our high school days were filled with some great events, but really what makes them awesome is the people. Memories are fine, but memories that are shared are become special. I don't know. And I know that every single member of the of the 2026 class will take these memories into our future and do great things. Yes, leaving what you've known for four years is scary. Some might even say it hurts. But as Mr. Galbreth and John Melanchamp would say, it hurts so good knowing knowing what great futures lie ahead of us. To anyone worried about what the future holds, know that you're not alone. People will tell you to do this. People will tell you to do that. Go here.
022Stay there. Stay local. Go across the country. There will be many choices to make. So many places to go, where your path could take you. Starting soon, we'll have to make a we'll have to make a choice to decide where our path will wind up. Some of us will go into workforce. Some of us will go to college. Some will go right down the road. Some will stay with mom and dad and some will move all the way across the country. But we all still have one thing in common. Our path started here and will continue to do great things. Life is about finding your way and the class of 2026 is about to do just that. Choose whatever direction you wish. Just be sure your path ends up where you want to. The only
023bad decision is indecision. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Good evening everyone. For those who may not know me, I'm this year. I was the assistant director of the William High School. And tonight, I have the honor of introducing our senior song. Choosing a song for this moment was honestly really difficult because choir has been such a big part of my life and has given me so many memories and friendships that I'll always carry with me. We chose Time After Time by Cindy Looper because it's a song about always being there for the people you care about, no matter how much time passes. As graduation is here today, I realize how special the people in this choir are to me and how much I'm going to miss singing with them every day. I'm so grateful for
024all the support, laughter, and memories we have shared throughout the years. Thank you to my choir directors, my family, my friends, and everyone here tonight for supporting me along the way. I hope you enjoy time after time. >> [applause] >> Ly [singing and music] and think of you caught [singing] up in [music] cles. Confusion is nothing new. Flashback [music and singing] almost behind almost behero. [singing and music] [music] [singing] You said [singing] you [music] go slow. I [singing] fall behind. I fall behind and [singing and music] feel [music] after [singing] you fall. I will catch you. I'll be waiting [music] time [singing] after time. [music] Your face in darkness has [singing and music] turned to gray. Watching through windows, you're wondering if I'm [singing and music] okay. Secrets stolen from deep inside. >> If you're
025lost, [singing] you can look and you will find me. [music] Time [singing] after time, if you fall, I will be waiting. Time [singing and music] afterstatch [music and singing] you. I will be waiting time [singing] after [music] time after time after [singing] time. Every time [music] after [music] >> [applause] [applause] >> At this time, we will recognize the valadictorians of the class of 2026. Will the first row of graduates please stand and make your way to the stage to receive your diplomas. [cheering] Joshua Abbott, [cheering] >> Kendall, Ag, [screaming] [cheering] >> Joshua Allen, Andrew Bartley, >> Olivia Basham, [cheering] >> Angley Bolan, [screaming] Braden Booth, [cheering] Aubry Booze, [cheering] >> Joshua Wiken, [screaming] >> Tyson Brady, [cheering] >> Jacob Bray, [cheering] >> Sophia Brown, Caleb Bro. >> [cheering] >> Kayn Bumgardner, Olivia Bamante, [screaming] [cheering]
026>> Lily Carol, [cheering] Anna Carter, Tyler Chambers, >> Addison Clark, [cheering] >> Asher Claybrook, [cheering] >> Ashton Dylan, Jaylen English, [screaming] >> Paul Fairby, [cheering] >> Elizabeth Geen, Chloe Gil, >> Sophia Gonzalez, >> Tyler Harris, >> Brooke Hershel, [cheering] Jaden Holmes, >> [cheering] >> Taylor Jacobson, [cheering] >> the cave James, >> Carrie Jones, >> Brooke Justice, [cheering] Tate Coats, [applause] >> Shelby Cros, [cheering] Tatiana Cubic, Carly Leonard, [cheering] Carter Leonard, >> Kennedy Leonard, [cheering] Brooklyn Linnick, Elizabeth Martinez, >> [cheering] >> Carara May, >> Ryan McIntyre, >> Colin Mills, [cheering] >> Miley Moses Pinion, Emily, no. Jaden Naidday, >> Lillian Perez, [cheering] >> Mallalerie Perolus, [cheering] >> Bethany Pittinger, Misha Robinson, [cheering] >> Gabrielle Romeo, Kyle Sakochi, [cheering] >> Abigail Saratella, McKenzie Scott Napé Sierra Prin Mitchell Sigapos Jarrett Smith, [cheering] >> Ethan Sutton, >> Kaylee
027Swan, >> Annabelle Teague, Lucy Whitneck, [cheering and screaming] >> Noah Williams, >> Darren Witcher, >> Payton Wright, Now, we will recognize the graduates of the class of 2026. [cheering and applause] Jeremy Abbott, >> Noella Ado, Damen Agillian Amaya Dogen Logan Andrews, >> Royce Apple, Sophia Arthur, Ashley Arvin, [cheering] >> Lillian Ashley, Emily Atwood, [cheering] >> Blake Austin, >> Zachary Bailey, Kayn Baldwin, [cheering] >> Crisabella Banks, >> Aiden Barton, >> Ashley Barton, [screaming] Titus Bey, [cheering] >> Rodney Beckner, >> Kelsey Bell, [cheering] >> Jessica Belton, [cheering] Kelsey Blankenship, >> Sawyer Bolan, Emily Bowen, Christopher Boyin, Ella Brady, >> Cassie Brandt, >> Abigail Brigden, [screaming] >> Alyssa Brooks, >> [screaming] >> Shantrice Brower, [cheering] [screaming] >> Jordan Brown, >> Joshua Brown, >> Kendra Brunk, >> [cheering] >> Austin Bumgner, >> Jenna Bunts, >> Morasia Bernett, [cheering] >>
028Marissa Camper, Pedro Cardana Zbrano, [cheering] >> Madison Chandler, >> Chloe Chapman, Miranda Chidam, Xavier Vera Cllinganpel, Haley Cochran, Worley, Brilan Kohl's, [cheering] >> Sydney Kohl's, Savannah Cook, >> [cheering] >> Marcus Cor, >> Vladimir Cortez, Martinez, Jacob Cordamanche, >> Sydney Crossson, Bianca Dlo, >> Evelyn Dickerson, Kendall Dodson, >> Alexia Donahghue, Emma Douly, [cheering] >> Isaiah Douly, Sydney Draper, [screaming] Isabella Dudley, Nadia Duncan, Hannah Eeken, >> Hunter Eeken, Nathaniel Edwards, Shelby Enzer, >> Shelby Alexis Felty, >> Cameron Flanigan, [screaming] >> Draven Flinchum, >> Caitlyn Franks, [cheering] >> Cody Gardner, Haley Garst, Gary Gearhart, Samuel Gist, [screaming] >> Brilan Gibson, Michael Goowens, [cheering] >> Chase Gonzalez, >> Shawn Gower, [screaming] >> Kevin Green, >> [cheering] >> Benjamin Grim, >> Riley Grub, [screaming] [cheering] Riley Hackett, Brooke Hail, [cheering] Keegan Harold, >> [cheering] >> Philip Hereralis, >> Avery Harper,
029>> Liam Harold, >> James Hartley, She's right back. >> Alexander Hastings, >> Kaylee Hayes, >> Dominic Hazes, Gregory Heath, >> Luke Helton, [cheering] >> Tanya Hernandez, Hernandez, >> Jason Hernandez, Lemus, Gavin Hillicker, [screaming] >> Kaylee Hobbs, >> Richard Hodgeges, [screaming] [cheering] >> Kyle Holdway, Natalie Holland, [cheering] >> Hope Huffman, >> Owen Humphre, [cheering] Christopher Herd, Ryan Hurley, >> David Hudson Pillar, [screaming] >> Taniah Jackson, [screaming] [cheering] >> Carmen Janie, Taylor Lynn, Gerald, >> [cheering] >> Lauren Johnson, [screaming] >> Connor Jones, Addison Kinser, >> Brian Kery, >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Kiara Lamont, [cheering] >> Sydney Larson, >> Jack Law, >> Jesus, Leon, Jacob Lian, [screaming] >> Jeremy Lian, >> Nicholas Lopez, Kayla Lever, Rachel Lowry, >> Mitchell Lugon, A. Costa, Canon Lutz, Juan Maldonado, [cheering] >> Gracie Mandacis, [screaming] >> Jose Martinez, Garcia, >> Nancy McFalls,
030Emily Maguire, Dan Miller, [cheering] Titus Miller, Autumn Mills, [cheering] Parker Min, Melissa Monk, >> Anya Moore, >> Tyler Moran, [screaming] >> Hunter Mosley, Kayn Moses, [screaming] >> Charlotte Mullen, >> Lindsay Myrtto, >> Dominic Meyers, Kase Nichols, [cheering] Olivia Nicholls, [cheering] Harmon Naid, [cheering] Ivy Nipper, Lzth Nolasco, Gabriella Norris, >> Juan Ojo, Aguilar, [cheering] >> Morgan Odum, >> Noah Owens, >> [screaming] >> Carly Partleton, >> Lucas Partleton, [screaming] [cheering] Logan Pel, Sienna Purdue, [screaming] Lola Pernau, >> Tyler Pickerell, [cheering] Micaia Price, [screaming] [cheering] >> Rebecca Proctor, [cheering] Margaret Remy, >> William Regal, >> Andrew Reynolds, >> Bertana Rivera Torres, [screaming] Trevor Robinson, [screaming] [cheering] >> Ashlin Rogers, [cheering] >> Braden Ruffgarden, >> Justin Rosenboom, [cheering] Nathaniel Rucker, [cheering] >> Anna Sanderson, [cheering] >> Keith Schultz, [cheering] >> Payton Scott, Braden Seras, [cheering] >> Kobe Cellian, Adakus
031Severs, [screaming] >> Ava Ston, Dylan Shepard, >> Christopher Shiveley, [screaming] Bryce Simpson, Matthew Sloan, Jacob Smith, >> [screaming and cheering] >> James Smith, [cheering] >> Tanner Songer, Taylor Spangler, [screaming] >> Kylin Spence, >> Payton Steelely, >> Cole Stevenson, Samuel Stone, Mallerie Sumo, [screaming] >> Sabita Senoir, >> Evan Taber, [cheering] >> Jacob Tang, >> Angelina Thomas, Malik Thomas, [cheering] >> James Toller, >> Jackson Toms, Gavin Tucker, [cheering] >> Aiden Tines, >> Catherine Underwood, >> William Vaname, Zayn Basser, >> Joshua Vaughn, [cheering] Dixie Venibal, Benjamin Wade, Stephen Walton, >> Aaliyah Wear, >> Damier Watkins, >> Addison Welch, Rogers, Micah Wheeler, >> Nathaniel Whitney, [cheering] >> Oakley Wilkerson, [screaming] >> Emma Williams, Logan Williams, [screaming] >> Skyler Williams, >> Aaron Wood, >> Caleb Waldridge, Bridget Ray, [crying] >> Benjamin Wright, [cheering] >> Dominic Wright, >> Lennon Wright, [screaming]
032Morrison Wright, >> Dawson Young, >> Angie Zeruggoza, Pena >> [screaming] >> My Would all William Bird alumni in attendance here today Please stand. And now would the class of 2026 please join your alumni in standing as well. [cheering] >> [cheering] >> By the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, I declare you graduates of William Bird High School. [cheering] Please turn your tassel from right to left and remain standing for the playing of our alma mater. >> [cheering] >> It's time. Good morning. What do