001Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Beautiful. [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Woo! [music] Oh no! [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Oh my god. [music] [music] Oh my god. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Oh, [music] heat, heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Wow. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Amen. [music] Thank you. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Wow. [music] Woo. Oh, [music] [music] heat, heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music and bell] [music] Heat. Yeah. [music] Heat. [cheering]
002[music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] It's [music] [music] [music] heat. >> [music] [music] [cheering] >> audience. graduates, please stand for the playing of the national anthem by our EHS band under the direction of Mr. Warren Murray. [music] Heat [music] up here. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Please be seated. It is my pleasure to welcome you on behalf of all faculty and staff at Ellensburg High School to the senior graduation assembly for the class of 2026. Before we get to the senior recognition, I would like to recognize four teachers that are retiring at the conclusion of this year. Marcy, Jeff, Tiffany, and Kim, please join me up front. They didn't know I was going to do this. Marcy Matthews has been
003teaching for 38 years. She has been a pillar in the business and marketing department at EHS for generations. In her time, she has been a coach, an adviser, and a beloved colleague. Marcy, we wish you the best in your next chapter with Jack and your family. [cheering] [applause] Jeff Hashimoto has been a teacher for 17 years. He is quite possibly the smartest person in any room he enters and has been a Hall of Fame level coach as well. Jeff, you have left quite an impression on so many students and athletes. Thank you for your dedication and inspiration to chase our dreams. We wish you the best in whatever you dream up next. [screaming] [cheering] >> Tiffany Price, who isn't with us today, has been a teacher for 15 years and was a pioneer at EHS
004in our computer science department. Tiffany brought years of industry experience into the classroom and created a niche for for her courses and her clubs. Tiffany, thank you for always being a student advocate and for pioneering this program for our community. We wish you the best in your travels and adventures. Kim Clark has been teaching for 25 years and is chasing her dream and moving to France. Kim brought a French program to EHS and work diligently to make that happen. We will miss your spunk, your quick wit, and your humor. We wish you the best in your new adventures. >> [cheering] >> Now another round of applause for Mr. Matthews, Mr. Hashimoto, Mr. Price, and M. [cheering] [applause] Before we get to your awards, I want to say a brief message, but we're going to do
005a quick activity. I'm going to say great to be alive and all the Bulldog graduates are going to respond. It's great to be a bulldog because it truly is great to be here today. It's great to be alive. And it is great to be a bulldog. So, I'm going to try it one time graduates and then we're going to do it later at the end. It's great to be alive. >> It's great to be alive. >> You can do better than that. I've heard you louder in the lunchroom. It's great to be alive. >> It's great to be alive. >> All right, class of 26. What an adventure you have had. From kindergarten to the pandemic, you made it here today. On your last day in this building, I'm going to leave you with five
006brief things connected to dogs our afternoon. Dedication. You have all been dedicated enough to get here today. This is a big deal. Getting here required you to do things you didn't want to do on someone else's schedule, but you were dedicated to get here. Acceptance. This is an area we can always continue to grow. But look around. Look at your friends. Look at your family. You have people in your life and you will meet others. Be accepting of differences and willing to grow as you leave EHS. Work ethic. Congratulations. You've worked hard enough, long enough to get here. Many of you have excellent work ethic. Some are still growing in this area. But take this with you. Only you can control how hard you work at anything. Not your parents, not your friends, and certainly
007not your principal. Grit. Some of you hear this word and wrinkle your face like, "What are you talking about, Stone?" Many of you have had a straight line laid out for you to get to this day. But what did you do when you ran into adversity? You persevered. You had grit. Others took the road less traveled to get here and have had a path full of challenges and turns. You also show grit to persevere each and every step along the way. Scholarship. This group knows what this one is. If you were at scholarship night on Tuesday, please stand up. unity. Now, the challenge is to pursue excellence wherever you go next. Whether that's the workforce, a university, a trade school, community college, military, or wherever you choose, choose excellence. Seniors, one last time before we
008start your awards, it's great to be alive. >> It's great to be alive. >> Class of 2026, we are proud of you. We love you. Congratulations. Now, it's your turn. Let's get to your awards. [applause] It is my pleasure to be starting student recognition today with the Washington State Scholars. These students represent the top 10% academically in the state of Washington. Students, when your name is called, please stand. And audience, if you can hold your applause till the very end while they remain standing. Shaye Beer, Chelsea Cross, Jenny Hawk, Mystic Hammond, Grace Lester, Uton, Leanne, Swassan, Nataraja, Elizabeth Panatoni, Hadley Ryan, Lydia Simmons, Sophie Simson, Finian Thorne, Jackson Wade, Skyler Wlock, Anakin Young. These are your Washington State scholars. [cheering] Next, we will recognize our Ellensburg elite scholars. This group represents the top 10% academically
009of the class and includes an adjusted GPA for those taking AP, college or high school or running start courses. These students have maintained above an adjusted 3.92 GPA and represent hundreds of courses with the most demanding rigor. Students, please stand when your name is called and will remain standing until the list is read. Kathy Armento, Evelyn Appleton, Grace Lester, Sophie Simson, Finineian Thorne, Anakah Younren, Ryder Smith, Swathan, Nataraja, Yong Leang, Shaylee Beecher, Hadley Ryan, June Nero, James Hall, Jenny Hop, Chelsea Cross, Lydia Simmons, Lauren Kennedy, Elizabeth Panatoni, Lillian Zabansky, Sarah Stickle, Kenzie Tate, Mystic Hammond, Kayen Hansen, Veronica Matson, Jackson Wade, Liam Euan, Skyler Widlock, Sarah Johnson, Piper Dwight, Presley Gibson, Brendan Weber, Mariana Crosby, >> Eden Teasley, James Rowley, Yeria Mclofflin, Lindseay Mau, Daniel Sullivan, Andy Hussard, Dominic Scapini, Melissa Sergeant, Kevin Wyn, Rose
010Gayen, Paige Woody, Jack Kennedy, Juno Martin and Ethan Figen, your Ellburg elite scholars [cheering] scholars. Now it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Neil Muser, EHS assistant princip assistant principal. Good morning, seniors. It's my pleasure to introduce and recognize the senior character awards for 2026. The first one is the Frank Hartman Memorial Award. This award is given to a senior male based on character alone. Frank Hartman was a member of class of 1928 and was accidentally killed in 1927 on rodeo weekend while working at a rodeo concession when a helium tank exploded. He was an outstanding and popular Ellensburg High School student who excelled in track, baseball, and music. He planned to attend medical school to become a physician. His family has honored his memory by engraving a plaque to recognize a deserving senior male
011who exemplifies outstanding character, high goals, and school involvement. This year's Frank Hartman Memorial Award winner is Mystic Hannah. [applause] Next is the Donna Nlander Award. The Donna Nlander Award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding character in the arts. Donna wrote dozens of original stories and plays for the Ellensburg Children's Musical Theater, which she and other creative friends founded in 1976. She was honored to be recognized as an Ellensburg arts treasure in 2001. Donna shared a positive view of life that was generous and contagious. Many people in Ellensburg have their own story of how she touched their lives. Donna cared deeply about the young people who found her home in theater, fine art, music, dance, writing, or other forms of creative expression. She encouraged them to grow in their creativity, curiosity, kindness, and
012respect. This year's Donna Mander Memorial Award winner is Britney Weber. Next is the Marian Cloverisher Award. This award is given to a senior female based on character alone. Marian Cloverer served as a long-standing teacher at Ellensburg High School and was well respected and fondly remembered by her students and colleagues for making an impact. For years, she taught senior English and was known for encouraging and helping students to live their best lives. This year's Marian Clover Award winner is Utah Le. [cheering] Next is the John Jacob Sprouse Memorial Memorial Award. John Jacob Sprouse was an active supporter of athletics at Ellensburg High School and had two children that are graduates of Ellensburg High School. This award is given to an outstanding female athlete based on leadership, sportsmanship, and high moral integrity. This year's John Jacob Sprouse
013Memorial Award winner is Utah Leanne. And finally, the Lauren Rhodess Memorial Award. The Lauren Rhodess Memorial Award is presented annually to the graduating male student who most nearly exemplifies the fine qualities of Lauren Drew Rhodess of the class of 1959. Lauren was a student athlete. He possessed the personal qualities of warmth, generosity, kindness, and a great capacity to enjoy life and people which endeared him to all who knew him. This year's Lower Rose Memorial Award winner is Mystic Hammond. [cheering] Next to introduce the English awards, Miss Lauren. Sorry. Good morning and congratulations to all of you. I know not everyone here will receive an award today just sitting there but I am proud of every one of you. You all made it. And on behalf of the English department, I'm presenting two awards. I had
014the pleasure of having the first recipient in my AP class and she started out kind of quietly, but when she started sharing her thoughts, class discussions became a lot more interesting. Her comments are thoughtful and clever and often delivered with just the right amount of sarcasm. She has always been a talented writer, but she has still worked hard to continue both as a writer and artist. I have a list of her Skylerisms in my notes from class that will continue to entertain me for years. Her voice is one worth listening to and I hope she continues writing so many more people will have the opportunity to hear that voice in the years ahead. The first recipient is Skyler >> [screaming] >> The next recipient is a reader, a writer, and a thinker. He has always
015approached literature with curiosity, insight, and an appreciation for the power of language. His analytical mind allows him to see layers of meaning while his creative spirit gives him the ability to create meaningful work of his own. Whether writing, discussing literature, bringing stories to life on screen, he demonstrates both talent and dedication. Writing, directing, and co-starring in a short film is just example of the artistic vision he brings to everything he does. Beneath his thoughtful analysis is a poetic heart and I have no doubt that his creativity will continue to shape his future path. Next year is her department. [applause] And next up is Eric Wire with the Social Studies Awards. Good morning everyone. Um today I'll recognize two recipients for excellence in social studies awards. Uh these two students uh come from a pool of
01627 who uh chose academic rigor in uh my college and the high school political science class where we tackled one of the most contentious political divides in our history uh and in our sociology class where we investigated some of the most relevant social issues of our era. Uh it was a challenge this year because uh although combating the idea of grade inflation about half of the students in this class achieved A's or A minuses. So uh the two that I want to recognize today were not just hardworking social science minds but they're kids who knew no days off. uh they knew uh no missing work, no late assignments, uh no classroom disengagement and were great uh contributors to discussion and are just solid social science minds in a rigorous environment. I'd like to have them
017invite the two of them down right now and I'll say a word or two about each. Please help me congratulate May Luke and Audrey Yel. [cheering] I get to torture them one more time by having them stand up here while I say a few words. So, uh, May was with me for two years in, uh, first year last year in US history and was just a top student. Um, and her work both years uh was often the model that I would compare uh or use actually to inspire other people to rise up to. Uh great test scores, high project uh achievement and a great contributor to class discussion. So, thanks May. Uh if you guys want to know what my classes are like or who I am, uh sit down with me and have a
018conversation. Audrey uh was brave to join us this year at Ellensburg for her first uh her first year, her senior year, which is a really difficult move to make. And she embraced a challenging, rigorous schedule uh and often rivaled May on uh essay exams for the top score and the model for uh the best essay. So, I'd like to thank and congratulate both of these individuals. Uh please give one more round of applause. Next, I would like to introduce the senior performance of a song called The Road Home. Please help me welcome Utah Leang, Colin Maguire, Lachland Heftlin, Natalie Johnson, and Brimley Weber. [cheering] >> [music] >> All these tears I have will [music] know. There's a road that [music] will lead me home. [music] after [music] the dark is done. As I wake [music]
019from [singing] a dream in the [music] air from [music] [singing] there's a voice I can [music] hear that will Lead me home. [music] [singing] [music] Follow me. is the [singing] call with the love in your heart as the [singing] song. There is no [singing] such beauty as you belong. [singing] [music] Follow me. I will you. >> [music] [screaming] [cheering] >> Good morning. I am here to announce the recipient of the excellence in mathematics award. This is a student who has taken four years of math at EHS, including AP calculus this year. This year's recipient actually had to be convinced that taking calculus was a good idea. But once she came to her senses, she dedicated many hours to studying, practicing, and making sure she understood the material at a high level. It has been my
020pleasure to have taught her for the past three years. Please help me congratulate Sophie Simson. Now, please welcome Mrs. Rub. Good morning everyone. It is a privilege to present this year's MLL senior award for outstanding achievement. Over the past four years, I've had the unique opportunity to work with this student as a parent educator and now as a ML teacher. During that time, we face multiple academic and language challenges together. Learning a second language while keeping up with the demands of a high school is not an easy task. As a student, he has been incredible. There were times at home when challenges seems overwhelming. But each time he encounters an obstacle, he found a way to keep him moving forward. I am deeply grateful that I had the opportunity to guide and support him throughout
021his high school journey. I admire the perseverance has demonstrated over these four years. He has grown to be remarkable and I have no doubt that he will continue to impress not only me but everyone whose life he touches. The future ahead of you is bright and I'm excited to see all that you will accomplish. Congratulations to Alexander. Next, I'd like to invite Mrs. Weber to introduce the inspiration award. You shouldn't put me after the song and looking at all of your faces. This is this is special for me. The inspiration and character award is bestowed upon an EHS student who has inspired her peers and teachers by demonstrating a positive attitude and a hard work ethic all while achieving personal success. This year's recipient is a student who has consistently demonstrated exceptional character, integrity, and
022maturity throughout his high school career. He is always honest in his interactions with both peers and adults, earning the trust and respect of those around him. This student always treats others with respect and kindness, never putting others down. Whether in the classroom, hallways, or extracurricular activities, he quietly does the right thing without seeking recognition or reward. Once you have a relationship with this student, you discover an individual who navigates challenges with grace. Despite frequent disruptions to his sleep due to circumstances outside his control. This student consistently shows up ready to put his best effort in. In addition to his ability to face challenges with grace, you also discovered an individual who goes allin with subjects that captivate his attention. For example, when reading The Crucible as part of junior literature, the student became curious about
023the main characters and where they came from. When he returned to class the next day, he demonstrated his research by speaking with the appropriate accent for each character. As this student graduates, he leaves behind a legacy of humility, responsibility, and genuine care for others. Qualities that will undoubtedly continue to guide his future success. I am proud to announce that this year's recipient of the inspiration of character award is Josh Lopez. [applause] >> [applause] >> And now Sharon Penetone will be presenting the excellence in CTV awards. Good morning. I have the pleasure today to present the department awards for our career and technical education programs. My first award is for our agriculture education department. The excellence in agriculture award recognizes individuals who embody the mission of the national FFA organization and those who excel in the
024agriculture education pathway. This year's recipient is celebrated for his commitment for the past four years showcasing exceptional leadership, innovation, dedication to advancing agricultural education and fostering the next generation of a agricultural leaders. Congratulations to Jack Casease. For our media studies courses, we have two awards. The first award is the journalism award. This year's journalism award goes to a committed and well-rounded staff writer and editor, Marley Martinezo. Marley's hard work on the senior section in the yearbook and her four semester commitment are outstanding demonstrations of vision and perseverance. >> [applause] >> The second award is the Clean Award. The Clehan Award for journalism goes to the top performing journalists at at EHS. Over the past three years, Ashley Hernandez Cordova has demonstrated a keen instinct for yearbook production. She has also put in the time and
025energy to support our support other journalists and maintained an independent vibrant yearbook at EHS. Ashley Hernandez Cordova for our family and consumer science education department. We have two recipients. The first excellence in family and consumer science awards goes to a student for her exceptional dedication, consistent achievement, and longstanding commitment to the program. She has taken family and consumer science classes all four years of high school, excelling in each course and continually demonstrating a strong work ethic, responsibility, and passion for learning. She is an active member of FCCLA, where she is currently competing in Say Yes to FCS and proudly advocating for the value and impact of family consumer science education. Her decision to pursue a career in SCS reflects her deep commitment to the field. And she is she consistently uses her leadership, positivity, and
026dedication to inspire others to explore similar pathways. Her growth, involvement, and excellence make her a standout student and a deserving recipient of this recognition. Congratulations to Isabelle Baltista. The second excellence of family consumer science award goes to an individual based on his character, leadership, and work ethic that he has consistently demonstrated throughout his time at EHS. One quality that especially distinguished him was the compassion and patience he showed toward a fellow student. without being asked. He regularly assisted her in class by helping her tie her apron, guiding her through kitchen tasks, and working alongside her one-on-one to ensure they were both successful in the lab environment. His kindness, leadership, and ability to support others created a positive atmosphere in the classroom and reflected a level of maturity beyond his years. Over the last four years,
027he has grown tremendously both personally and professionally. He has become a mature, reliable, and hardworking young man who leads by example and positively impacts those around him. Congratulations to Kevin Jones for our skilled and technical science department. The excellence in skilled in technical science goes to a student who has been in construction and woodshot classes for two years. In that time, he has shown extensive growth with his hands-on ability and critical problem solving skills. He is eager to learn, kind, humble, and always looking to improve. The excellence in skilled in technical science award goes to Seth Rankin for our industry certification scholars. An industry recognized credential is verification of individual knowledge. qualifications and or competence in a specific skill set that leads to a state or nationally recognized certification necessary for preferential hiring, employment, or
028job advancement in that field. Will the following industry certification scholars please stand and remain standing as we recognize your accomplishments? Jack Case, Jack Sisi, Matthew Dick, David Hammy, Uton Le, Ethan Orvick, James Rowley, Wyatt Cushi, and Sterling Woods. Please give them a round of applause. Now presenting for the foreign language department, Miss Kim Tharp and Mrs. Deb. [applause] >> Good morning. It is our privilege to announce the excellence in world language arts and the Spanish department is pleased to present an award to a very deserving senior who on day demonstrated what it means to be a student of language and culture. Focused, fearless, and always willing to engage with the class and put in the hard work it takes to truly learn a language. Please congratulate this honor for excellence in Spanish, Helen Milligan. [cheering]
029The next award is for the French department I used to call it. Um I didn't speech because I just w it the way I am. Uh this student started the French program at the same time that I did and it don't at the end of first year would have ever imagined taking three years of Spanish. But he got to the point where he was the one helping students um with their work and also reading my mind when he became my TA and I didn't know what I was doing and what I was looking for. He just help with what I was looking for. So the students for French is Shaden. It is also our privilege to announce the following seniors who are being recognized for earning a seal of literacy in either Spanish or you'll
030be wearing silver cords for tonight's graduation ceremony. When we call your name, please stand and stay standing. Audience, please hold your applause until all names have been called. Alexander Annaya Alexo David Ashley Mariana Proa Escalante Ashley Misha Mari Martinez Lindsay Ma and Mendoza Mano Helen Milikin, Swassen Ronald, Carlos Patino, Skyler Welsa, Slaniel Sullivan, Julie Torres, Gabriella Torres, Sheridan Torres, Lily, Anukica Young, Christopher Savala. Thank you. And now I introduce Mr. Jeff Hashimoto [applause] and also Mrs. Deer and Mr. Ar. uh we're going to present the excellence in science awards and as a science department we look at individuals who've taken more than four years of science and excelled in those science classes. So the first recipient uh demonstrated curiosity and superior problem solving JJ Rally and a passion for biology and ecology and he coined
031the phrase aroreal and arthropods. Jack Kennedy uh enthusiasm, drive and thoughtfulness uh and personified by Uton Leang. [cheering] These are your 2020 class of 2026 excellence in science award winners. Seated I'd like to introduce a senior performance by Natalie Johnson and Mr. Hammond my life by the Beatles. There are places [music] [music] for >> [music] >> All these [singing] places have [music] some summer [music] [music] of all [singing] [music] [singing] When I think of something [singing] I know [music] affection [music] about I [music] love [music] I know [music] what I'm affection [music] >> [music] >> I love you. I love you more. >> [cheering] [applause] >> That was amazing. Thank you. Good morning. My name is Carissa Wilson and I'll be doing the virtual education award. The physical education award recognizes a senior who has
032fully embraced the values of health, fitness, perseverance, and long lifelong physical activity. This year's recipients exemplify all of those qualities. Over the last four years, this young man has distinguished himself through his commitment to physical education and athletics. In class, he's been able to squat an incredible 505 pounds and bench 315. Whether in the weight room or on the field, he consistently demonstrates dedication, discipline, and a relentless drive to improve. Next year, he will continue his athletic career as a defensive blind man at Eastern Washington University, where he plans to continue and pursue his degree in theology, combining his passion for sports and medicine. He has shown what it means to Excellent mind, body, and inspiring others through his hard work, positive attitude. We are excited to see what you will accomplish in future. Please
033join me in congratulating [cheering] Our next >> I need the next recipient of the VHS fitness award has also set the standard for her commitment to fitness, leadership, character, her ability to motivate and inspire others. This student has been very involved in school clubs and activities. A highlight of her career was her four years she spent at the varsity cheerleader where she was recognized as an all-American nominee and selected to perform at the NCA varsity spirited Disney World Magic Kingdom. Her positive attitude was magnified in my unified heat class where she demonstrated leadership, kindness, and character. She is known for lifting others up, bringing energy to her team and inspiring confidence in her peers. Her kindness and ability to lead by example make her a standout in every situation. It is my honor to present
034this award to the outstanding leader, athlete, and role model. [cheering] And now Jamie Henry with the orchestra awards. >> Good morning. Um, this is my first year teaching here at DHS and I just wanted to say thank you to the people who have helped make my first year make me feel really welcome. So, thanks to the seven or seniors. I appreciate all of you. Um, this year's orchestra director award will go to Mr. Bane. Come on up. Um, um, here are some things that I've noticed about you. You come to class early. You help set up your section. You tune, you warm up, and you do this all with humility, and your kindness and curiosity has helped shape a better culture in our orchestra. and I wish you the best of luck. Thank you. [applause]
035Next up, Mr. Toriel. >> Good morning. Congratulations. Uh, I'm here to present the Outstanding Choir Musician of the Year Award. That's kind of a funny word, musician. I don't think you ever know when you actually are a musician. And most people when they think of the word musician, they think of pitches and rhythms, which is certainly where it starts. But if you do it right, in the end, music becomes a community, a community of artists who are coming together to touch the world with their song. And like any community, music needs leaders. The winner of this year's awards is one of those leaders. And I just want to say a word or two about their leadership. They truly understand that being a leader means lifting the people you are leading up, supporting them in their
036success. No matter what's going on, no matter what you may be struggling with yourself, which this person did with exceptional courage and resolve, this person was always there for their friends, the fellow members and the chamber singers. Always there to encourage the group when they were feeling not so prepared. Always there to congratulate the group on any performance and their overall success. I am really very very pleased and honored to present this year's outstanding musician award for choir to a person of exceptional character, Miss Natalie Johnson. [cheering] [applause] And now it is my great pleasure to introduce the great, the one, the only Mr. Warren Barry. [applause] >> You kind of dressed up more than I did. I hate him to say that compliment. Congratulations, seniors. So, it is my pleasure um to be the
037band director here at Ellburg uh and to work with an outstanding group of seniors. Uh I have two awards to present but before I do uh I would like to acknowledge um our band senior class. Um these are students who have dedicated and committed a minimum of six years um to the art form u of band music. um giving oodles and oodles of time, u sweat, tears, um just dedication and character, friendship, leadership, um talent, the list goes on and on. Uh to help mentor uh the other students, to help with whatever needs to be done to make a band program successful, uh to support uh the student body and the community of Elsburg. and it has just been an absolute joy to work with these people. Um, I'm going to read your names. Please
038stand and then once we're done the names, please uh give them a large round of applause. Uh, these are your band seniors. Nuronica, Emma Fox, Warren, John Michael Grief, Mr. Cam, Natalie Johnson, Luca Mushio, Elizabeth Panaton, Brenley Weber. Thank you all. The the award that I'm going to present uh is a national band award called the John Philips Souza Award. John Philips Souza uh was one of the directors of the president's own United States Marine Band and is uh known as the godfather of the modern march. Anytime you hear a march tune is probably written by Souza. Uh absolutely uh revolutionary in our our world. And the SUA award uh we are allowed to give to two students in the program uh who have dedicated a minimum of four years and who represent character, leadership,
039integrity, musicianship, u stewardship, service, uh every quality you can think of that defines a leader. Um and this first recipient is someone who has been like like both of them. He's been here all four years. um is a multi-instrumentalist uh which is not an easy thing to do and has been uh has been a certain leader in the program um zero period jazz band, pep band, wind ensemble, marching band, you name it, he's been there for every every group uh leading by example uh leading in in every every way possible with musicianship with character. and he sets a wonderful example and will be sorely missed. The first recipient of the John Philips Award is Mr. Mr. Hammond. [cheering] The second recipient of the John Phillips Susan Award is another individual who has led by example
040the entire time and has dedicated themselves uh to every ensemble. um being there, being one of the student conductors of the group. Um leading leading by example, leading by mentorship, by leadership, uh a phenomenal musician, um spreading themselves as far and wide as they can in the program to uh to better the program, better everyone around them, uh and to just be a superb human being, musician, and leader. And the second recipient for this award is Mr. Luca Such. Thank you all seniors for your dedication. You will be dearly missed and we're very excited for your next chapter in life. And now it is my pleasure to announce Mr. Cole Canyon. Thanks for being here everybody. I get the pleasure today to discuss our lifetime Bulldog award. And these students choose to spend a year
041studying abroad. It's a courageous decision they make. It means leaving behind family, friends, and loved ones. And they get to share their cultures, perspectives, traditions, and their friendships with us. So, we get to send them off one final time with the Lifetime Bulldog Award. I need your help because we need to bring some juice and send them off in style. So, the universal excitement is the stomp stomp clap of We Will Rock You. So, please join me with the stomp stop clap. Are we ready? Here we go. Ready? The first lifetime bulldog award we get to present today Charlotte Stellzer. The next full time award we present today Mr. Casper Matson. Let's give them all big round of applause. Come on down and grab your lifetime award. Let's hear it for our exchange shoot. Now
042round of applause. Here we go. Let's hear from [cheering] Charlotte. Are you here for your lifetime love award? All right. Well, hey, your rhythm is fantastic. I'm not a music teacher, but I think our music teachers would agree. You did a fantastic job. And man, oh man, it's now my pleasure to introduce an outstanding young lady in Utah. Come on down. Good morning. How are we all feeling? [cheering] >> All right. Throughout our time at Ellenburg High School, we have been guided, challenged, and supported by an incredible group of educators. But every year, there is one teacher who leaves a truly unforgettable mark on the graduating class. The Leon Singler Distinguished Teacher Award is one of the most meaningful honors given at our school because it is entirely chosen by students. The seniors voted for
043the educator who went above and beyond. The one who didn't just teach the curriculum. The one who truly invested in our lives, our character, and our future. It is my absolute honor to present this year's Leon Singler Distinguished Teacher Award to Mrs. Liz Zender. [cheering] [applause] And now I am introducing Shannon Canaton and Jesse Hullman back to the stage. Greetings seniors and congratulations again. Um it is my pleasure um to introduce this year's Bulldog Awards. So the way the Bulldog Awards work is they are nominated by our teachers and then they are voted on by you guys. So, our first Ellenburg High School Bulldog Award goes to Utah Leang. And our second Ellensburg High School Bulldog Award is Miss Hannon. Congratulations. And now it is time for your senior slideshow. Take a moment to get
044this thing set up. Give us just a moment. I can't see him. Yes. That was nice. >> [laughter] [music] >> I had a dream so big and loud. I jump so high I touch the clouds. Woah oh oh oh. [music] >> I stretch my hands out to the sky. We dance with monsters through the night. Woah oh oh. [music] >> I'm never going to look back. Wo. I'm never going to give it up. No. Please don't wake me now. 1 2 3 4 [music] This is going to be the best day of my life. [music] >> [music] >> I howled at the moon with friends and then the sun came crashing in. Woah oh oh oh. But all the possibilities, no limits, just oh, [music] I'm never going to look back. Wo. I'm never going
045to give it up. No. Just don't [music] wake me now. This is going to be the best day of my life. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Something make a legacy manifest. Back in the days we wanted everything. [music] Wanted everything. Rewrite your history. [music] Light up your dreams. You victories every day. We wanted everything. Wanted everything. Don't give up. It's a little complicated. [music] All tied up. No more love. And I'd hate to see you waiting. Had to have [music] a killing time. I always had a vision. Always [music] had always a feeling. [music] >> [music] >> to the ones that we [music] got. Cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not. Cuz the drinks bring back all the memories of everything [music
046and singing] we've been through. to the ones that [music] we lost on the way. Cuz the drinks bring back all the memories. And the memories bring back memories. [music and singing] Bring back your There's a time that I remember when I did not know no pain. [music] When I believed in forever and everything will stay the same. Now my heart feel like December when somebody say I can't reach out to call you. But I know I will one [music and singing] day. Everybody hurts sometimes. Everybody hurts [music] someday. But everything going to be all right. Memories that say [singing] to the ones [music] that we got. Cheers to the wishing we're here. But you're not. Cuz the dreams bring back [music] all the memories of everything we've been through. Toast to the ones [singing] today.
047Toes [music] to the ones that we lost on the way. Cuz the drinks bring back [singing] all the memories. And the memories bring [music] back memories bring back your [singing] [music] memories bring back memories bring Not too fast. Officer, can you turn the lights on, please? class of 2026. It's been an honor and we know there are many amazing things ahead for each of you ahead of you. Now, the staff of Ellensburg High School would like to send you out one last time to the EHS fight song. Mr. Murray, whenever you're ready, sir. [music] Heat [music] up here. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat Heat [music] up here. [music] Heat up >> [music] [music] >> here. [music] Heat >> [music] >> up here. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat [music] up here. [music] [cheering] [music] >>
048[music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [cheering] [music] Heat. [cheering]