001That's cool. It is my pleasure to welcome our honored guests, faculty, parents, family, friends, and graduates to Mayfair High School commencement ceremony for the class of 2026. At this time, I would like to ask the ASB senior class president, Jouri Hartley, to join me on stage for the pledge of allegiance and for sing and singing our national anthem. I would ask all who are able to stand and young men in the senior class and male guests, please remove your graduation caps and hats for the presentation of colors by our local boy scout trope 134. for After the pledge, please remain standing for the singing of our national anthem. Please place your right hand over your heart and join me in saying the pledge of allegiance. Ready, begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
002United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing. Please welcome Iro Aino and Joshua Rostess for the singing of our national anthem. What? Hey, >> Mike. Oh, say [singing] by the early light. What so [singing] proudly we held at the [singing] TW who brought stripes and bright stars through the [singing] fight. >> For the red parts we watched were so gallentally streaming. [singing] And the rocks [singing] gave proof through the night. >> Spangle the Lord. Thank you. You may be seated. Oops. You may be seated. At this time, I would like to introduce our honored guests that are with us this evening. Representing the city of Lakewood, city council member David Oraniano, representing the Belfflower Unified School District
003Board of Education. Myra Garza, president. Brad Clfield, vice president. Marina Centron, clerk. Annie Stewart, board member. and Reita Armstrong, board member. And our student board member, Ewa Chabuki Ewan Yan Woo, representing the district administration. Dr. Aaron Simon, superintendent of Belfflower Unified School District. Dr. Ryan Smith, Deputy Superintendent Mrs. Bonnie Carter, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Dr. Alma UA, Assistant Superintendent of School Services, and Mr. Gil Castana, director of secondary education. Representing Mayfair's administrative team, we have assistant principal Miss Jasmine Lane. And in the crowd tonight and a father of one of our graduates, we have assistant principal, Mr. Calbertt Wright. I would like to acknowledge our high school counseling staff, Mr. Marise Haristen, Mrs. Julie McIntosh, Mrs. Heraldia Montes, Mrs. Kora Ozir, Mrs. Jenny Jung, and Mrs. Brenda Slaughter. With us this evening celebrating our
004students accomplishments are many members of the dedicated teaching staff of Mayfair High School. Teachers, please stand so that we can recognize and applaud your service and dedication to our students. I would also like to give a special thank you to our band director, Mr. Gerard Williams and our M High School Sylvanas fans for providing our professional music this evening. And at this time, I would like to introduce our ASB president, Lennox Scott. I do want to start off by just giving some thanks. I would like to thank my family, all my aunties, my grandma, and of course, my hardworking single mother. [gasps] But of course, I also want to thank the class of 2026. Nobody could have asked for a better class, and I think just seeing you guys grow has warmed my heart. So,
005another round of applause for the class of 2026. Now, to be honest, I have had an incredibly difficult time coming up with what I've been wanting to say. A lot of you might find that surprising because I love to talk. Maybe a little too much sometimes, but we will leave that up for interpretation. I've dreamed of this moment where I give a speech to the whole school and I just drop gem after gem, inspiring everybody. But to be honest, I think I've had such a hard time coming up with what I want to talk about because I'm scared. Scared of life after high school, scared of leaving the security that comes with being a kid. One day, me and my mom got into this argument, which a teenage boy and a mom getting off work
006does. And she kept stressing to me that college was getting closer and I had to start leaving this high school bubble that I was in. I thought to myself, she just can't wait to get rid of me. But nearing the end of our disagreement, she ended the conversation with, "You are enough." Now, at first I was like, "OMG, she is so cliche." But weeks later, I pondered over it. You know, I've been involved in a lot of things throughout my time here at Mayfair. ASB president, vice president of Showtime, superintendent. You get the gist. I've participated in sports and I have had the same friend group since kindergarten. But that was all going to end in what I thought was a couple years, which has [snorts] now turned into a couple minutes. So, how was
007I going to hold up without these titles from my clubs without being surrounded by the same people I have been with for the last 6 years? Thinking about it this way, I realized that many of these things serve the same purpose for me as a blanket as a child. It filled me with a sense of security. So, would I feel like I'm enough without it? Today, I feel like I owe it to you guys to be my most transparent self and to let you know that this world is unfair. It is filled with imperfections, hardships, and violence. And you are about to dive head first into it. Know that your bubble will get popped and you won't have the security you have had for these last four years. You will feel like you don't belong
008and you will more often than not only have yourself. But know that you are enough. You are enough in whatever space you are in. You are enough without a title. You are enough without your friends. Pain is a skillful teacher. So when you experience this, which you will in whatever path you choose after this ceremony, I encourage you to battle through it. We all go through struggles, but you are not defined by your struggles. You are defined by the impression your personality and your character has on others. So in other words, just be a good person, which I know all of you are capable of because class of 2026 on [gasps] I have never been filled with so much gratitude being surrounded by amazing amazing intelligent and kind people. You are the cream of the
009crop, the start of a new era. Don't let anyone tell you differently or let anything make you believe that you don't matter. Because if you take anything away from this speech today, learn that you are enough. Thank you. Great job, Lennox. Good evening, class of 2026. My first graduating class at Mayfair. It has taken a year to establish relationships with as many of you as I could. And now that I have, I'm going to lose you in about an hour and a half or so. We go to school to elevate our skills so that we can have a productive future. And I think your parents and teachers will agree that personal happiness is just as important, if not more. So, here's what I've noticed about the class of 2026 in the short time that I've
010had with you. The graduation regalia you wear today, as well as the many senior awards given at awards night, speak to the high level of academic achievement the class of 2026 has mastered. AP, CTE, MAP, athletics, the list goes on. One of our student speakers is competing in the National Skills USA public speaking speaking championship this week. She flew to Atlanta for the competition, returned to Lakewood today for graduation and will head right back to Atlanta to pursue her dream of becoming a national champion. By the way, found out she made finals right before graduation. go non employee. But my most memorable moment was prom 2026. These kids showed up in their best, danced the night away, and had the time of their lives. At the end of the night, they thanked all of the
011adults as they exited. And I knew they were going home and going straight to death to bed by midnight. As many of them assured me, they danced so hard that one couple left. He in his socks, sweaty hair, carrying her heels, she in his dress shoes. A testament to a great time. The rest of the staff told me, "Come on, Jennifer. It's a senior prom. and they are not going to bed. So, we made encouraging comments towards them as they exited prom like, "Get home safe. Don't forget to study for your AP exams and do your homework." I still believe you all went to bed because you're all good students. I wish I had more time with you as I saw the productive and happy students that you are that night. Even the outside security
012complimented you on what phenomenal students we have. After all, you are Mayfair students. Was a culmination of your six years here. A way to celebrate each other. Go forward. I encourage you to find time to dance. Find what fulfills you as you enter the next stage of your life. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I wish you all the best. Congratulations to you, class of 2026. Every year there are a number of students recognized for their academic achievements. Each of these students were recognized individually at senior awards. Tonight when asked to stand, I would like them to do so as a group to be recognized. MAP students are provided the opportunity to participate in the most challenging courses offered at Mayfair High School. Each of these students has successfully completed course requirements
013and have earned the distinction of being a Mayfair academic program graduate. MAP students, would you please stand and be recognized? Thank you. You may be seated. The Art Academy and Digital Aesthetics Academy has been a part of Mayfair High School for the past 19 years. Students who are accepted into the program commit for four years of art instruction, including drawing, painting, computer graphics, and digital animation. Each of these students have successfully completed course requirements demonstrating their mastery and skill and have earned the distinction of being an Art Academy graduate. Please stand. Art Academy. Thank you. You may be seated. Next, I would like to recognize seniors who have earned academic distinct distinction based on their cumulative grade point averages. This group of students has received highest academic honors based on a cumulative grade average of
0144.0 or higher. Highest academic honors students, please stand to be recognized. Thank you. You may be seated. The next group of seniors has achieved high academic honors based on a cumulative grade point average of a 3.5 to 3.99. High academic honor students, please stand and be recognized. Thank you. You may be seated as well. The next group of stu students received honors based on a cumulative grade point average between 3.0 to 3.49. Academic honor students, please stand and be recognized. Thank you. And please be seated. Students earning the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma for demonstrating mastery in six curriculum areas: English, language arts, mathematics, science, US history, and two additional high school courses with an overall GPA, a 3.5 or higher in those courses. These students are listed in your program. These distinguished graduates will
015receive a Golden State seal affixed to their diploma and noted on their final transcript. At this time, students, please stand to be recognized. Thank you. And you may be seated. are students who were part of the pioneering class of dual immersion at the intensive learning center 12 years ago. Please stand if you are part of this pioneering class students who completed the dual immersion program. 68% maintained a grade point average of 3.5 I'm sorry 3.0 or higher, 91% achieved ELO proficiency. An impressive 86% earned the seal of bi literacy, a testament to the program's core mission of developing bilingual excellence. 73% completed at least three AP courses and 36 pursued college level learning through dual enrollment opportunities. This pioneering cohort has set a remarkable standard, demonstrating both academic rigor and bilingual achievement as they blaze
016the trail for future future dual immersion graduates. Congratulations to you all. Please be seated. Students earning the state seal of bi literacy which recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in one or more language languages in addition to English are listed in your program. This prestigious recognition reflects students dedication to academic excellence, culture, cultural awareness and multilingual achievement. Would all the students receiving the state seal of by literacy please stand and be recognized? Thank you. Please take a seat. And next, I'd like to honor our career technical education pathway completers. Students who have successfully completed a rigorous sequence of career technical education courses developing both academic knowledge and industri industry aligned skills that prepare them for college career and beyond. Would all students who completed
017one of our 10 CTE pathways please stand and be recognized. Thank you. And please take a seat. We would also like to recognize and congratulate the graduates who have chosen to serve our country through military service. Their commitment reflects courage, dedication, and a spirit of service to others. We are proud of these students as they begin this honorable journey. Militarybound graduates, please stand and be recognized. Thank you. And now it is time and my honor to introduce to you our two highest academic achieving students. The validictorian and the saludiatoran for the class of 2026. The 2026 validictorian is Il Okino. Come on up. Come on up. I will has been a dedicated student in the Belfflower Unified School District since attending the intensive learning center and she has excelled through her time at Mayfair High
018School. She has earned an outstanding 4.6383 GPA while successfully competing completing eight AP courses. Her passion for AP, United States History, Anatomy, and Mariners, and the Mariners program, where she serves as president, helped her shape her goal of pursuing a career in healthcare. This fall, she will attend UCLA to study physiological science. We congratulate Ira on her exceptional achievements and look forward to the positive impact she will make in the future. Here's Ira. >> Hello and good evening. My name is Ira Aino and it is a pleasure and honor to speak here as your class valadictorian. First and foremost, to all faculty, families, friends, and my grandma who's watching from the Philippines, thank you so much for joining us on this very special day where the class of 2026 finally turns the tassel. I will
019totally admit that a few months ago, I was ready for high school to be over. Once second semester hit, all I could think about was graduation. And I'm sure many of you here sitting felt the same way. Whether it's stressing about a class or studying late at night for an exam, we've all dreaded this hectic routine high school offered us. But now that this familiar routine comes to a close, it made me reflect. Through this routine, what made high school special anyway? For me, it was the long after school rehearsals, the late night coro sessions and the endless nights practicing music. It was when I laughed in rehearsal when I shouldn't have made eye contact with with someone during rehearsal or when I had deep talks postpractice or performance. Regardless of what your journey looked
020like throughout these four years, we've all had this one thing in common. The small moments. The moments that brought us joy. the moments that turned into inside jokes. The moments that are now fond memories of the past. But looking back, I'm sure many of us had wish we appreciated and cherished these moments while we were still living them. We wish we treated each other with a little more kindness, set aside our pride to forgive people a little faster and held on to relationships that truly mattered. Now, whether you did those things or didn't, what matters now is taking these key lessons beyond high school. Think about it. All of us will be working, studying, and chasing whatever goals we set for ourselves. Yes, life will be busy and most likely even busier than high school.
021But in the grand scheme of things, it's not about the deadlines, exams, or assignments. It's about the small moments. Once today passes, I hope you go through life with a little more intention. I hope you slow down to notice the small moments that make everything worthwhile. I hope you choose kindness and forgiveness, even if it's hard. And I hope you hold on to relationships while they're still close to you. Yes, life will move quickly and responsibilities will build over time. But don't forget to slow down. Don't forget to laugh with those beside you because those moments are what become our fond memories. Thank you. Thank you, I roll. And now I'd like to announce our saludiatoran, Austin Lynch. Austin began his educational journey in Belfare Unified School District. Come on up, Austin. at the intensive
022learning center before attending Mayfair Middle and High School. He is graduating with an outstanding 4.6327 GPA. Austin challenged himself with numerous advanced placement courses across a wide range of subjects. He also demonstrated strong leadership as president of the debate club, co-president of the robotics club, and treasurer of the environmental science club. This fall, Austin will attend Tus University, where he plans to major in biocsychology. We congratulate Austin on his exceptional achievements and wish him continued success. Austin Lynch Good afternoon, peers and parents. much. Back in middle school, my mom said that I'd drive her around as soon as I was old enough. Four grades later and I still don't have my driver's license. So, my anecdote will be that of a pedestrian. To my peers who have driven themselves to school this year, I ask
023that you remember the time when you two would cross the street at Woodruff and Allington. Here, just in front of the 100 wing, mobs of students cross Allington on their way to class. And if you've ever been a part of this group, then chances are that the pedestrian light missed its queue, making you wait an extra cycle of the lights before you could cross. standing there staring at a red light that should open white. You have two choices, to cross or to wait. To wait is to surrender your time to a program, to risk being late, and worst of all, to stand awkwardly for a couple of minutes. By crossing, you avoid these complications. No one will police your decisions. And after all, does it matter in the grand scheme of things? It was meant
024to be your turn anyway. Many people would choose to cross without even knowing that the traffic light was faulty. But Mayor students would rather be stuck at the light for a few extra minutes than to break the rules they were raised on. Our character is tested in many situations, but few tests are as insightful as the crosswalk. The greatest test of character is not elaborate. It isn't the hypothetical choices we would make in peculiar situations, but the sum of our decisions in the moment so mundane that we wouldn't even think of sharing them. Because when we choose to act correctly, knowing that we don't have to, only then have we demonstrated the will to do good. And at the crosswalk, this graduation graduating class has shown exactly that. You graduating senior, take pride in the
025person you already are. You do not need to change anything about yourself to be worthy of respect. All who are curious and willing to explore whatever intrigues them have already earned their place in the world. So leave our cherished school at the intersection of Woodruff and Allington behind and chase the corners of the world that interest you. Not because you have to, but because you can. Thank you. Thank you, Austin. And now I would like to welcome our senior vocal students who will be performing You Will Be Found. All right. Yeah. Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you middle of nowhere. Have you ever felt like you could disappear? Like you could fall and no one would You only feel my I'm Freddy. Yeah. [snorts] Baby, everything is left with courage to
026do this. Thou will become that is just as much as ancient to I'm sorry. So Okay. 5. And when you're broken, Get rid of warning. Thank you. Fore not what you Thank you so much. Dr. involved. Everything What are you going to do? I'm going to online. It is where I am. Ladybas. leg on there. Via Le Can I get Obama? I'm calling Are we have passed. What? They have Hello. >> If not, there's another port up top. Nothing problem. Mendes, Rihanna Rivas, Paul Samuran, Brandon Tney, Sai Parham, Tja Hart, Kayla Mills, Kaitlyn Macy Avery, Lily Cypress, Christian Roto, and Margaret Tabado, Alise Sula, Naelli Katika de Sania lost J Frankie. Charize K. JP M Ava Lines Salter, Joselyn Val, Samantha Easino Faith Pantoa, Kenny Denny, June, Fernandez, Pluto, Look at me. Rodriguez, Marie, Dorado.
027Vincent, Anthony, Noble, Zoe, for Chaz Gil. Alvarado Ela Sanchez, Sonia Cadence Ryan Ray President Curtis Foster, Evelyn Vargas, Melanie Piono, Anthony Lawrence. Desan Jones, Lucas Gonzalez, Enjoy. Jacob Rodriguez, Parker Percy. Tyson, Jameson, Corina, Marcado. Marcos Gallardo Omaroa Austinosu. Kendall Walker, Star Woods, Rose Bear, Jacob Robinson, Nicholas, Thornza, Ruth. Ortiz Gonzalez, >> Kaitlyn Navaro, confidence. Justin Hayes, Victor. Richard Palasios Roman Mariss, the Mayor Dixon. de Jessica Gonzalez. Charles, David Lopez, Mumi, Max, Everett. Palmer, >> Joshua Gonzalez, Rosales, Siri, Ariano, Yeah. I'll say with Janu Sean Alm, >> Isaac Menddees, Gia Edwards, Alyssa B, Fernando Lopez Kinz, >> Landon Garcia, Abigail Herrera, Bianca Gaitan Reeria, Chloe Brown, Itel Beltran, Jacob Viegas, Aliam Rosas, Tyler Bratch, Ian Ta, Annayiah Stubs, Ray Benvitas, Natalia Romero, >> Alyssa Isabella Diaz, Eric Saledo, Durier Jones, Mond Dragon Marcus Valdez, Gavin Kyle
028Abados, Noah Vera, Luis Acasta, Eric Mez, Omar Ahmed. Are you ready? Diego Aguilar. Josiah Alvarez, Annie Angel Alvarado, Liliana Vega, TJ Thomas Alvarez, Di Angel, Damian Andrade, Jade Argua, Megan Jason K are Alexander Armenta, Allison Babacer, Jocelyn Areola, Josiah Johnson, Giovani Bessa, Chase Ortega, Caleb Bernardo, Kenneth Rasberry, Ryder Bun, Tori Sanchez, Zed Burr, Zalia Sullivan, Sopia Camarina, Perez, Israel Caro Lopez, Michaela Kelani Ayala, Michael Castro, Julian Beltran, Audrey Dawson, Thomas Buck, Andrew, Jordan Burr, Austin Chin, Jaden Burton, Nathan Collins, Ethan K, Kayla Daniels, Cassandra Castana, Danica, Ilana, Deos, Cash, Kato, Denanisha, Dias, Rihanna Chavez, >> Arland Derkian, Isaiah Coleman, Isaiah Diaz, Arvante Cook, Nathan Dominguez, Devin Davis. I can't do that. Alis, Elisa, Josephina, Spinosa, Vincent Delgado. Leila Estrada, Gabriel Diaz, Darian Fernandez, Jacob Beran, Matthew Fitz, Justin Aan Rain Domingo, Ameliano Garcia, Jayla Easter.
029Johnny Zabala, Samson Escala, Mark Garcia, Valer Esl, Ryan All guy Valerie Fernandez Torres Javier Gaitan Haley Andrea Ferrer Joseph Gonzalez Avalar, Deani Fleming, Dalia Sadi Gonzalez, Jason Garcia, Jasmine Gonzalez, Yadith Abu Garcia Hernandez, Sebastian Gera, Shayla G, Ava Hardy, Kira Kevin Henderson Jr. Nancy Gonzalez Pon Alexa Alcantar Mora Demarius Gonzalez, Jacqueline Per, Megan G. Hold on, hold on, Joshua Lopez. Caesar Guerrero Isis OA Hemple. Stephanie Ruiz, Ava Rosallet, Heredia, Lissa Pana, Andy Hernandez, Jacob Smith and Elen Herrera. >> Neo Tolantino. Michaela Higgins, Melanie Hernandez Garcia, Michelle Hill, Nathan Angel Hernandez, Annayiah Hunter, Joshua Hicks, Devin James, Hill, >> Joan Johnson. The second Jaden Hitana Cook Riley Josh want Jacobo Kingston Come here, Bazel Jimenez. Vermont, Laura Landis, Kaitlyn Johnson, Donovan Levi, Max Kell, Natalie Lasa, Jason Kio, Alexander Lopez, Julian La, Mario Alberto Luna, Devin
030Lewis, D E man, Haley Lazar, Devin Martinez, Robert Law, Daniel Magana Gonzalez Meeks Jr. Jacob Martinez Sean Michelle, Lenise Martinez, Valencia, Justin Merantes, Oriana Medina, Christopher Miranda, Stelina Menddees, Michelle Mutum, London Miller, Amanda Navalo, Angel Miranda, Ephra and Yang. Kai Munoz, Isaac Oera, Mason Nado, Jaden Bos Radia on Alena Perez. Brian Manuel Ordaz Sanchez, Ivy Feras, Kiara Owens, Josh Rice, Alo Perez, Jaden Reed, Ronan Perez, Daniel Alexander Reyes, Pauliano, Isaac Rias, Jackie Kirate, Destiny Rosas, Chavez, Aguila, Stephanie Reeria, Mileen Ruiz Gonzalez, Joey Reyes, Brianna Ashley Salto, Joshua Romero, Sanchez Gonzalez, Andrew Rosas, Journey Schumate, Travis Sean Ryan, Joshua Silva. Is it David Sanel So Ryan Sigura Taylor Joy Stevens Joseph Silva, Sean S, Michael Smith, Mason Taming, Ryan Sodto, Jayland Thompson, Jose Suarez, Emma to Fernando Tamayo, Jezebel Anastasia Torres, Logan, handsome trust Pepe, Kayen
031Tinsdale, Isaiah Vera, Anthony Torres, Jake Wilderberg, Ailen Valdez, Redley Wolf, Donna, via Gutierrez, Maria, Zanipa, Norga, Romani, Williams, Copeland, William Torres, Savannah Wilson, Kaylee Ibara Journey Marie Hartley. And last but not least, Lennox Tanoui Scott. Thank you. At this time, I would like to invite ASB President Lennox Scott and senior class president Journey Hartley to the podium to assist with the final turning another tackle. >> At this time, I would like to ask all members of the class of 2026 to please stand. Graduates, it is now time to move our tassels from the right side of our graduation caps to the left, symbolizing our successful completion of this important milestone and our transitions from students to graduates. Congratulations. One, two, three. >> Let's go. No, >> it was we were supposed to do the water.
032The fireworks are supposed to be at the end. >> So, they start students. Let's do it one more time. That's This now concludes the Mayfair High School commencement ceremony for the class of 2026. Please for your graduates to exit through the gate to the right before meeting up with them in the parking lot. Thank you for joining us and celebrating this special occasion. Congratulations to the class of 2026. Great job. Great job.