001Good morning. If everyone can find their seats, the graduates are lining up to begin their walk down. Thank you. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat up [music] here. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> My [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. always You >> sorry you disappear. Heat. Perfect. Yeah, I don't know. Now our graduates have digital building. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] Oh, [music] heat, heat. >> [cheering] [cheering] >> Heat up here. Oh, [music] [music] heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] >> Good morning. You all may take your seat. My name is Amy Hope and I am honored to serve as the principal of RAS Success Academy. It is my privilege to welcome you to
002the class of 2026 commencement ceremony. Today is more than a celebration of achievement. It is a celebration of perseverance, growth, and second chances. Our graduates have shown what it means to rise, to keep going, and to succeed no matter the obstacles placed in their path. To our families, thank you. Thank you for trusting us, for partnering with us, and for sharing your students with us. The pride you feel today is built on years of love, support, and sacrifice. We are grateful to have been a part of that journey. We want to thank our superintendent, our school board, and our cabinet for their unwavering support and belief in the work that we do. Because VSA is not just a campus. It is an opportunity. An opportunity for students to discover themselves and to take control of
003their high school timeline. Now, the truth is a lot of people don't know about Grass Success Academy. Some of you here today may not have known about it until your student began attending our high school. And that's okay because what happens here is not something easily captured in a brochure or a label. For many, it's a second chance, a chance to refocus, to refuel, and to regain not only lost credits, but also their sense of self, their connection to others, and their belief in what is possible. You may hear us described as a credit recovery campus, a dropout recovery campus, or a school of choice. Those are all true, but they don't quite tell the whole story. I'm an Aggie, and there's a saying I never thought I would use outside of describing my time
004at Texas A&M. But it fits BSA perfectly. From the outside looking in, you can't fully understand it. And from the inside looking out, you can't fully explain it. From the outside looking in, people may see Brass Success Academy as simply a credit recovery campus, an alternative school, or a place for students who struggled somewhere else. They may only see the surface, students working on Chromebooks, flexible schedules, second chances, or teenagers who do not fit the traditional mold. To some, it can be difficult to understand why students and staff become so fiercely connected to a place that looks so different than a traditional high school experience. But from that inside looking out, BSA is something entirely different. Inside those walls are stories of students who were told they would never graduate. And yet here they are.
005Students who walked in carrying failure, embarrassment, anger, grief, or hopelessness and young people who refuse to give up on it. It is a place where staff members celebrate small victories that most people would overlook because they understand how hard those victories are earned. It is a school built on relationships, resilience, accountability and believe in students who sometimes struggle to believe in themselves. For the people inside VSA, it becomes more than a campus. It becomes a family. It becomes a place where grace and grit coexist. Where students are known by name, not by mistakes. Where success is measured not only by credits earned, but by confidence rebuilt, trust restored, and futures reclaimed. And that's why it's so hard to explain. Because if you've never watched a student cross the graduation stage after nearly giving up, if
006you've never seen staff members stay late, make impossible phone calls, celebrate one finished course like a state championship, or love students through their hardest seasons, then it is difficult to fully understand what makes PSA so special. And if you have lived it, it becomes almost impossible to put into words. This is a place where futures are not just imagined. They're built piece by piece, choice by choice. BSA may be a hidden gem in BSD. But for these graduates, it has been a place of transformation, resilience, and purpose. The students you will hear speak today, the graduate graduates who will walk across the stage, they've changed, not because who they were before wasn't enough, because they were. They absolutely were, but because they were given the space and work to grow into who they are today
007and realize that everything that they needed they already had. To the class of 2026, you are the embodiment of the phoenix. You have risen, you have persevered, and today you soar. Thank you for being here to celebrate this incredible group of students. Before we begin, we ask your help with a few simple reminders to ensure respectful and meaningful ceremony for all. Please silence or turn off your cell phones and electronic devices to avoid disruptions. We also ask that you remain seated throughout the ceremony, especially during the calling of names so every graduate can be recognized and heard. Each student's moment matters. Families are here to hear their graduate's name called. So, we appreciate your help in maintaining a quiet and respectful ceremony. The ceremony is being recorded and live streamed and each graduate would be
008professionally photographed as they cross the stage. Because of this, there's no need to come forward for pictures. If you need to step out, please do so quietly at an appropriate break in the program. Your cooperation helps us honor every graduate with recognition they deserve. Thank you for your support of the class of 2026. We're excited to celebrate this day with you. At this time, please stand and remove your hats as Evan Vilma delivers the invitation. I'm very thankful that today help us celebrate this graduation. I ask God to bow your head as I do this prayer for you. Dear heavenly father, as we come to you in this prayer, I ask that you bless every graduate here today with hope, opportunity, and happiness in a future filled with peace and prayers. I am grateful for
009my friends, teachers, administrators, and my counselors for helping me on this journey to graduation. Many, many of us had huge obstacles that we had to overcome to get to this point. And dear Lord, we are so full of gratitude that you brought us to this school so that we could make our way to our future. And bless this ceremony with joy, peace, pride, and as we honor all that has been accomplished today. May the future ahead be filled with success, purpose, and happiness. I pray that all of us stay safe and have a and have good health as we leave the ceremony and celebrate our graduates as we close this chapter to start a new beginning. Bless the class of 2026 with success, happiness, and purpose in every path we choose. In in Jesus name
010I pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Evan. >> Would everyone please remain standing and remove your hats while Liliana Estrada leads us in the pledges and a moment of silence followed by the singing of the national anthem by Delila Cox. I pledge algiance 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. And now for the Texas pledge. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas. One state under God, one and indivisible. Thank you. Please remain standing for for the singing of the national anthem by Elila Cox. Say can you see [singing] it early so proud [singing] we at the twilight lasting brush ring. and bright stars [singing] through all the [singing]
011we were so gallently [singing] streaming and the rockets we were in proof through the [singing] night that our flag was still there. [singing] Oh, say that stars spangled. [singing] For the land of the free and the home of the bra. [applause] >> [crying] >> That's really hard to do. Let's give her another round of applause. [applause and cheering] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Lily and Delada. Everybody, you may be seated. I would like to honor some distinguished guests. So, I'm going to kind of move out of their way real quick so they can stand for you. We have Mr. Mason Howard, our school board president. Mr. Mr. Scott Shorner, Vice President, Mr. Barry Atkins, board secretary, [applause] Mr. Chris Dunn, board member, Miss Lizar, board member, and Mr. Kenneth Schulty, board member. [applause] We also
012have um Mr. Massie, our superintendent of schools. [applause] Jay Mhead, Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services, [applause] Mr. Brian Cole, de Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, Miss Rita Kundiff, Deputy Superintendent of Elementary Academics, and Mr. Ron Ridden, assistant superintendent of compliance and data equality. [applause] And then the real superstars besides the kids on the stage, but the the people that are are in the classrooms with your kiddos every single day working really hard. Um, I'm going to introduce our Braza Success Academy staff and faculty. So we have Miss Joey Bryson, counselor, [applause] Miss Regina Bishop, Miss Kristen S Brown, Miss Will Charles, [applause] Miss Tasa Dabney, Miss Kate Helman, Miss Betty Edwards, >> [applause] >> Miss Carolyn Edwards, Mr. Kirby Hennis, Miss Jamie Hernandez, [applause] [cheering] Mr. Laura Lawrence, Miss Laura Nichols is our nurse.
013Miss Nikki Morris, [applause] Miss Amanda Py, Miss Darnell Sydney, [applause] Miss Holly Spear, Mr. John Thomas, Miss Stacy White, Miss Kristen, [applause] and Officer Maria Rardo. [applause] At this time, I would like to invite Dr. Tori Ammonson, director of dual enrollment and achievement from Riseport College to present the Catalyst Ignite Scholarship. >> Good morning. >> This is an exciting time. One of my favorite ceremonies to attend. So, I'm excited to be here. Um, the Catalyst Ignite Scholarship is for workforced driven students at Brassport College. Selected students will receive a $2,000 scholarship to receive their basic certificate in one of 10 high wage in demand pathways at Brazport College. The scholarship supports all tuition fees, books, and supplies um so that they receive this certificate completely debtree. The first student we are awarding is going to
014be studying process operations and that's Braden Scoggin. [applause] >> [applause] >> The next student who could not attend but will be studying instrumentation technology is Ezra Vo. [applause] Thank you Dr. Anderson and Brazesport College. Next we have Miss April Fall from True to Life Ministries Youth and Young. She's the youth and young adult specialist and she's going to present the level up summer intern scholarships. [applause] >> Good morning. >> My name is April Fall and I'm the youth and young adult services lead at True Life Ministries in downtown Lake Jackson. Every year we invite a select group of graduates into our level of summer internship program. This in 8week paid internship is designed to be lifechanging. We focus on job readiness, core life skills and career exploration through local business visits and expert guest speakers.
015In July, we feature hands-on job shadowing tailored to each intern's specific career goals. Combined with personalized mentorship, this experience sets these young adults on a clear track for long-term success, whether they are heading to college, trade school, or straight into the workforce. Today, I'm honored to recognize six 2026 BSA graduates chosen for the program. So, when I call your name, please come and get your certificate. Let's stay and take a picture. First we have Marsha Hul, [applause] >> Mattaline Pitman, [cheering and applause] Jasine Quintterra, [applause] Kayla Rios, [applause] Tracy Rivera. [applause] And finally, also Ezra Lejo is in here. And I promise we do have boys in the program, but I just got all the girls in here. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Miss Fall and True to Life Ministries for your partnership. Mrs.
016Dora Bonner will be our next presenter for the Brassesport Rotary Scholarship. Good morning. >> Morning >> family and friends. I'm proud for you. For the graduates of 2026, the grades academy. [applause] We're here on behalf of Brazport Rotary. We as a service organization, we have a shrimp ball for our only fundraiser. I'm sure y'all know about it. So, we have uh decided that part of the funds that we raised, we will give back to the community. Matter of fact, all of them for the students in Brazesport Independent School District as well as private entities um home schools. We gave this year $40,000. [applause] We have a very special uh scholarship for a very special person. I want to encourage the teachers and the counselors. There was only one person out of 89 graduates that took
017the time to apply to Brazport Rotary. It's money that we want to give, but you have to do your part. you're finished here at the house, but if you move off to college, take the opportunity to apply. So, we're going to leave a cash right now for Miss Marsha Hall. [applause] Heat. Heat. [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Miss Ry. Finally, we have Miss Angel Condo, Brassport ISD deputy superintendent of elementary academics is here to present the state seals of bi literacy performance acknowledgement. [applause] >> Good morning. It is with great honor that I am here to recognize two students who have earned the performance acknowledgement that is given out by the state of Texas. The seal of bi literacy is a performance acknowledgement given by the state of Texas in recognition of students
018who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages. In order to qualify, students must have received a grade point average of 80 or above in their four years of English and have successfully completed more than two levels in another language. In BISD, we are proud of our students that have chosen to be bilingual and biiterate. and we would like to recognize you with this medal of achievement to be worn today on your wellearned graduation. Congratulations to Tracy Grietta. [applause] >> [applause] >> Although not present, we would also like to recognize Ezra BO who also earned this performance acknowledgement. Congratulations. [applause] Thank you. Congratulations to all the students who were recognized. We know you will do great things. Again, thank you to our partners for your contributions this morning. Your partnerships make a difference
019in the lives of our students. At this time, we are honored to welcome several exceptional members of the class of 2026 to the stage. Each of these student speakers represents the heart of Russ Success Academy, the resilient, determined, and hopeful for a future ahead. Today, they will share their personal journeys, experiences, and reflections on what this milestone and what the school has meant to them. Please joining me in welcoming our student speakers as they share their voices. First, we welcome Martin Ramirez. [applause] >> Hello guys, my name is Marz and I'm going to do my speech. And so basically, I remember when I first found out I was from USA and I was overreacting like crazy. And so my first day after at BSA, I was kind of it was kind of hard because previously
020before they assigned me to BSA, I was an alternative student. So I wasn't used to good behavior. So I wouldn't be getting in trouble and I got into so much trouble one day that they sent me back to alternative school two and a half credits. I did my time at LLC and I and it straightened me out. So when I came back, I was given back to my credit and classes. At first I thought BSA was going to be like an ordinary school, but I realized that they give that they are giving you an opportunity to graduate early. I went from giving or I went from being an alternative student with two and a half credits that didn't get any work to hardwork all the way to graduation. If it wasn't for BSA, all that
021helpful and all the helpful staff, I wouldn't have had the motivation to try to graduate. The staff at BSA actually help me genuinely leading and I couldn't thank Miss Ba for all the product. Thank you. And next time [applause] thank you Martin or Martin as we call him. Next I'm honored to introduce Miss Savannah. >> [applause] >> Two years ago, I was lost. 16 years old and scared to go to school. Afraid to be silly, worried about what people thought of me. Looking up ways to graduate, about how to go to school, no hope for being able to have a genuine high school experience. Once my mom thought, I was weary. I told myself that I told myself that it would be like every other high school, that I'd be gone after a few months,
022that this is that going to this school wouldn't get me anywhere near graduation. But I was so wrong. In just a couple weeks at BSA, I made friends. I made connections with the teachers. I was encouraged constantly to work hard in my courses and never give up no matter what. After going to BSA as a freshman with four credits, that same year, I left as a junior 16. I regained my confidence. I wasn't afraid to go to school anymore. School was no longer a burden. It was a mission. A mission to prove that with the support and amazing environment BSA provided me with, anything really was possible. At home, on the same computer, I would search what age it would be okay to drop out at. I now able to search for colleges. And I'm
023finally able to envision the future I wish for so badly. With the support of the amazing principal, the amazing counselor, and the amazing teachers of BSA, I was able to graduate on time and walk the stage in front of my family, who supported me through my hard journey. So, to end off, I wanted to thank all of the wonderful staff of BSA who supported me even when it was hard. And my amazing mom and dad who picked me up every time I found out. None of this would have been possible without you. And to my fellow graduates, as Miss Bryson would say, the world is your oyster. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Savannah. She did amazing and she's an amazing kid. Now, I'd like to call Bradton Spockets to the stage. [applause] >> Good morning,
024everyone. Today I want to share a little bit about my time at BSA and how it became a turning point in my life during one of the hardest seasons I have ever faced. When I first came to BSA, it wasn't under the best circumstances. Life had hit me fast and hard. I had just lost my dad and that kind of loss changes you in ways you can't put into words. Around the same time, I found out I had a baby on the way. And on top of all that, my attendance test school was already a problem. I was trying to carry grief, responsibility, stress, and confusion all at once. If I'm being honest, I didn't really know what direction my life was going in or if I was capable of getting it back on track.
025Coming to PSA wasn't just switching schools for me. It felt like getting a second chance. What I found here wasn't just teachers in classrooms. It was people who genuinely cared about me as a person. people who saw more in me than my mistakes and more in me than my situation. For the first time in a while, I wasn't being defined by everything that had gone wrong in my life. BSA gave me something. Lost my spot. My bad. BSA gave me something I didn't realize I needed so badly. Stability. When everything in my personal life are out of control, BSA gave me structure and accountability. Just showing up every day it started means something. Finishing assignments felt like small wins. Being present mentally and physically became something I had to learn. The support here was different.
026The teachers didn't just teach lessons from a book. They invested in me. They were patient when I struggled. They listened when I needed someone to talk to. And they pushed me when I needed to be pushed. They didn't let me settle for less than what I was capable of, even when I wanted to. One thing that really stands out to me when I think about BSA is the way the staff showed they cared in a very real way. On days when I would try to skip school or was running late, my phone would ring. >> Give me a second. It would be the principal or the counselor asking where I was and telling me to get to school. And I want to be very clear, that was never annoying me. At my last school, it
027honestly felt like no one had noticed when I wasn't there. No teachers, no principles, no one. I felt invisible. But at BSA, those phone calls meant everything to me. They showed me that someone saw me. Someone cared if I showed up. Every time my phone rang, it would actually bring a smile to my face and sometimes even make me laugh. And after that call, I'd always head straight to school. That kind of care and accountability changed me. Being surrounded by encouragement and positive influences helped me start thinking differently about my life and how I could get it back on track. I started to understand that my circumstances didn't have to define my future. That even after loss, mistakes, and setbacks, I still had a path forward if I was willing to take it. Through my
028time at BSA, I learned responsibility in a whole new way. Not just because I had a child on the way, but because I started realizing that my future was in my hands and my hands only. The choices I made every day mattered. Showing up mattered. Effort mattered. Believing in myself that mattered. ESA helped me grow up in a way that prepared me for real life. Looking toward the future now. I have goals that I didn't have before. I'm excited to be a great father. I want to build a stable life for my family. I want to work as hard as I can. save discipline and keep becoming the best version of myself every day. I want to take these lessons I've learned then here about responsibility, perseverance, and accountability and carry them with me wherever
029I go. I know life will still have its challenges, I know there will always be hard days, but because of my time at BSA, I feel more prepared to handle them. I've learned that setbacks don't have to be the end of the story. They can be the start of a new chapter if you let it. BSA didn't just help me finish school. They helped me rebuild my life during a time when I needed it most. And for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Braden. And he was good about answering the phone. and people would stop me and say, "Hope Braden wants you to know that he's here and make sure Miss Bryson knows because one of us would call." So, next I have a wonderful young lady that came
030to us and she was not with us very long cuz she came in and she buckled down and really hard, but she's an amazing kid. Jasine [applause] Hi, welcome again. My name is Josyn Pandett and I'm honored to be a part of the Brazil Success Academy graduating class of 2026. [applause] Every graduate that you see before you today has a different story that led to this stage. I know there were times when several of us doubted we would make it here. Yet here we are. My own high school experience was far from traditional. It was spread across six long years, three physical campuses and one online program. But today, I proudly stand before you as a first generation high school graduate. [applause] Thank you so much. [applause] Thank you. Over the past years, I've learned
031so much, but the most valuable lessons that I've learned were about family, legacy, and pride. To me, earning my high school diploma means making my family proud and setting an example for my younger siblings and for future generations. It means proving to myself that I could rise above the challenges that once stood in the way of my goals. As we sit here today reflecting on the past that brought us to this moment and the future that waits, I encourage every graduate with me to truly recognize how important this milestone is. Whether you had support every step of the way or had to carry yourself through every moment, your story matters and so does being here today. I want to say thank you to the teachers and staff at FRA Success Academy for not only helping
032make my dreams come true, but also giving my family the opportunity to watch their baby girl walk across the stage. [applause] To the class of 2026, may we continue to chase our dreams and inspire people around us and after us to do the same. Thank you so much. [applause] >> Thank you, Savannah, Martin, Braden, Jasine, y'all, and all may take your seats with your classmates as I address address the president. I get to read those speeches before, but they still get me. Graduates, as you sit here today preparing to walk across this stage, I want you to take a moment and truly reflect on how far you've come. For many of you, standing in front of a crowd like this once felt impossible. Some of you came to Brass Success Academy carrying doubt, fear, disappointment,
033or uncertainty about your future. There were times when it may have felt easier to give up, to disappear into the background, or to believe you were not capable of reaching this moment. But you kept going. Little by little, step by step, you began to grow in confidence and believe in yourselves again. You found your voice, your strength, your resilience, and today you sit here not as students who gave up, but as graduates who persevered. Your journey has not been traditional, and neither is the strength it took to get here. Many of you have balanced responsibilities and challenges far beyond the classroom while continuing to show up every single day. When life pushed you against you, you kept moving forward. When doubt told you that you could not do it, you kept trying. And when the
034road became difficult, you refused to quit. That's what makes this moment so meaningful. You are the embodiment of the phoenix, not simply as a mascot, but as a reflection of your journey. You rose above setbacks, struggles, fears, and circumstances that could have defined your future. But you refused to stay down. You got back up. You asked for help. You tried again. And because of that, you transform. Today, the diploma you are about to receive represents far more than credits earned or requirements are completed. It represents courage, growth, and determination. It is proof that your past does not determine your future. As you walk across the stage today, do it with pride. Hold your head high knowing you accomplished something extraordinary. On behalf of the staff, families, and everyone who has supported you along the way,
035thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Watching you grow into individuals you are today has been one of our greatest privileges. Graduates, this is not the end of your story. This is the beginning. So, walk across with confidence, with courage, walk with purpose. Congratulations, Brass Success Academy of 2026. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. >> [applause] >> Now for the important part. I would like to now continue this morning with the certification of candidates for graduations. RASport Independent School District Board of Trustees. Mr. Massie, as principal of Rise and Success Academy, I hereby certify to you that these candidates have met all the requirements for participation in this graduation ceremony as established by the state of Texas and the Rouseesport Independent School District [applause] Independent School
036District Board of Trustees. As the superintendent of schools, I hereby certify to you that these candidates have met all of the requirements for participation in this graduation ceremony as established by the state of Texas in Nebraska Independent School District. [applause] This officer Maria Wardo would come and introduce the 2026 seniors who received their diplomas. [applause] Honored guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is my pleasure to introduce the BSA graduating class of 2026. Board members will hand the diploma cover to the student. Mr. Nancy will move the tassel and Miss Pope will shake your hand. Miss Bryson will hand them their bell and y'all can have your photograph taken. Your 2026 graduates, [applause] >> Jaden Alvarez, >> Armstrong, [applause] Aaliyah Arerodando, [applause and cheering] >> Robert Bernal, [cheering] [applause] >> Nelson Bionz, Taylor, [applause] >> Armani Gio,
037[cheering] >> Deon Michelle Castillo, >> Kenya Saline, >> Savannah Cornet, Delilah Cox, [applause] >> Jaylen Creedmore, >> Mario Cruz, >> [applause] >> Alyssa Non, >> Ray Dobson, [applause] Lacy Dunah, >> Damelith Entrea, [applause] >> Lynette Esuela, [screaming] Serena F. Estrada Estra, >> Kayla Garcia >> [applause] >> Jordan, [cheering] >> trans. Silence. [applause] >> NICHOLAS, >> Gabrielle Gorge. Marsha Paul, [cheering] >> Evan Hatfield Shy Hernandez, [applause] >> Carol I [applause] Serena Jackson, [applause] >> Bryant Himenez, Kenzie CL, >> Kiana Lewis, [cheering] >> Nia Lewis, [screaming] James Love Lace, [cheering] >> Chveras M. [cheering] Nintendo Martinez, >> Elijah Martinez, >> Kayla Matthews, Alexis Mayfield, >> Gabriel McBth Shaw, Jayen Mangasa, >> Ava Middleton, >> Michelle Moreno. Maline Morris, Jasmine Alia Garcia, Max Pñena, [cheering] Maline Pitman, >> Jasine Dell [applause and cheering] Martin Ramirez, Maroon, Kayla Rios,
038[applause] >> Alice Rihanna, >> [applause] >> ISN'T RIHANNA >> Tracy Mina Eden Sanchez, [cheering] >> Jose Sancho >> [cheering] >> Brandon Scott. [cheering] [applause] JOURNEY SPURLOCK [cheering] STEVENS, >> Julian Sina Elijah, >> Nathan Vasquez, Aaron, >> Serenity Wiseman, Janobi Westco, >> Angelina West, [screaming] >> Bonnie Widner. [applause] CHAD >> [cheering] >> TURN AWAY. [cheering] HEAT. HEAT. HEAT. [applause] HEAT. NOTHING. It's been a year. >> I have had to call parents to tell them their students should graduate. I should look at y'all because you know who I'm talking about. They should have graduated in December, but it was February. I had conversations with some of you that we loved you, but that you have been staying with us forever. I have had many more times than I've ever been to and sent in chats to tell
039me to get to work. But I always had to log in from somebody else. I know y'all say, "Yeah, yeah, that was me." At this point, I'm convinced that a voter firm like Jackson has received most of my paycheck because they see me on the higher the most suication [applause] more than ever because I was trying to track somebody down because I had to go to work and so does school. Now my church will just laugh. Unless he said that's not right. And for some reason you thought I had the answers and say call and ask. Although it can be great to have that will lean down. I'm not that powerful. But I had a front row seat to something pretty incredible. I have seen so many of you walk through the doors most people
040have never seen. anger, frustration, doubt. Some of you were just plainly tired of everything. And as a principle, that's hard because as you can see, what you couldn't see in yourself. But then some of the worship was not always loud or dramatic. Well, as you see for some of you, if it was a sad and dramatic, but sometimes it was quite a decision, a small man, a day where you showed up differently and then suddenly that spark turned into momentum and then I finally came back and when it did worked. We saw it every assignment, every every time you decided not to. Yes, I was just checking. Probably more than you wanted. Think of me like I got back out of Denver. Well, maybe you're too close. A lot of that. You taught us though.
041Sometimes ways you expected and sometimes way definitely did not. You expanded on our vocabulary whether we asked or not. You showed us what locked in really live. You demonstrated cooking and under pressure. And while I may return phrases like twin, bet, fam, bro, crash out. I will admit that you may. But by this line of worries, you're here to tell what matters. You prove that your starting point does not decide your ending. You've been reminded that that you've proven that that setbacks are not full stops. They are promise. You've proven that that growth is not always worth it. And most importantly, you prove that when someone refuses to give up on you long enough, eventually you'll stop giving up on yourself. As you leave this day, life is not suddenly going to get easy, will
042not stand here and pretend it will be. But but you're walking out here with something far more valuable than anything. You're walking out of here with resilience, with perspective, with the knowledge that you can rebuild, restart, and rise again because you already have. So wherever you go next, remember this. You're not behind. You are not defined by our past. And you are absolutely capable of more than anything. We are proud of you. Not just for his achievement, but for the courage, determination, and character to discover within yourself. Now, let's see if now stay locked in when it matters. And don't crash out every time officer your way. And to all my brother Rose, my twins, fam, chat, or whatever you surround yourself with people who pushes you better, work harder, and keep moving forward. Congratulations,
043class of 2026. [cheering] accomplishes. You're going to tell them if it starts from that we plan from that land. That's right. [cheering] All right, everybody. I'd like to especially team also our ladies in Dr. Thank you each for joining this morning. If you'll listen in the effort to complete our celebration standing and remaining overseas, our students are going to do their session back to the foyer and you can meet them there. Thank you so much. Heat. Heat. Heat. [cheering and applause] Wait, that's