Monache High School 2026 senior class graduates were nervous and joyous as they walked onto the Jacob Rankin Stadium track looking for family and friends in the crowd, as Pomp and Circumstance played on Wednesday night
Monache Principal Shondra Walker announced the Presentation of the Colors by Porterville Military Academy Cadet Corps, when everyone put hands over hearts, while the Monache Chamber Choir and Choir seniors sang "The Star Spangled Banner."
She welcomed everyone to the 2026 graduation ceremony.
"We are so honored to have you with us, celebrating the accomplishments of this incredible graduating class." She introduced Porterville Unified School District Board members, and Superintendents, Dr. Nate Nelson, Dr. Martha Stuemky, Dr. Brad Rohrbach, and retired Superintendent John Snavely, and his wife Kay.
"Tonight, we're gathering to celebrate an extraordinary class. Graduates, you have shown perseverance, marked achievement, leadership, service, creativity, and pride. You have raised the bar on campus for years to come. You have won championships, and demonstrated excellence throughout our community, region, and state. 101 students have Golden State Seal of Merit Awards. 62 of you are State Seal Holders. AVID seniors were accepted into 127 colleges. Our indoor percussion program became three time champions, earning the title of Grand Champion. Our marching band brought home the Selma Marching Band Festival Championship.
"Our choir program had record success, with the highest number of students auditioning and being accepted into honored choirs. And for the first time, our chamber choir was accepted to perform at a CMEA State Choral Festival. An MCTA student is competing at nationals."
Walker spoke about numerous athletic accomplishments. "On the field, courts, track, diamonds, and in the pool, this class has continued the proud athletic tradition, with multiple championships across all sports. You have represented Monache with Pride."
Additionally, 35 students earned a 4.0 or higher GPA during their four years of studying. She continued speaking about all the awards and achievements of the students.
She next welcomed the eight valedictorians, Juan Rodriguez, Julian Azar, Jocelyn Carranza, Emilee Luna, Benico Mendoza, Ruben Ramirez, D.J. Shimer, and Noah Sutherland.
ASB President Shelley Andrade gave the graduation welcome speech, which was translated into Spanish by Danika Sanchez
MHS Valedictorian Juan Rodriguez said the eight valedictorians would share a common message, that high school is more than a diploma.
He said a diploma represents hard work and achievement, but it can't fully capture the lessons learned, the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, "or the people who helped shape us."
Each valedictorian shared a lesson, reminders that what they leave with matters just as much as what they learned. They also thanked family, friends, school administrators, staff, and loved ones.
Rodriguez learned that education and school is a privilege.
"Not everyone gets to sit in a classroom and learn from teachers. Someone invested in us. Whether that be our families, teachers, staff, or community, our education is proof that we were given opportunity."
Writing daily essays taught him how to think and express himself. And he started to understand how education is truly a privilege. He said, "Don't take education for granted. Use education to help others, use it to speak up, create opportunities.
"Graduation is proof of privilege, and education helps mold us into better people."
Jocelyn Carranza learned "you get to choose who you become."
"Every day we are given opportunities to learn, grow, and are defined by the choices we make.
"Graduates, choose to be yourself and the path that reflects your values, your passions, and your goals. Choose to be kind, resilient. Choose to work hard. Choose to keep learning. And, choose to become someone who makes a positive difference in the lives of others. The people around us shape our future."
She thanked her Dad, for pushing her to do more and her Mom, for being her biggest supporter.
Emilee Luna spoke about success and learning to balance hard work while also living in the moment.
High school taught her lessons about responsibility and balance. The balance of learning how to work towards goals while making time for people who made the journey meaningful. "We remember the time that made us feel connected to one another and the people who stood beside us through it all."
Luna thanked her family, and her friends for being there saying, "Somehow, between the pressure and the fun, we grew up."
Benicio Mendoza said some of the smallest lessons end up having the most value.
"High school teaches lessons that stay with you long after graduation. Success starts with showing up consistently. And kindness, something so simple, makes people truly memorable.
"As we grow older, we realize memories become meaningful much sooner than we expect. Moments that seemed ordinary often turn into ones we cherish most."
Mendoza said the lesson he carries, is being respected matters more than being noticed.
"Attention is temporary. Respect is different. Respect is earned through choices made every day. It comes from being dependable when people count on you, honest when it would be easier not to be, and hardworking even when nobody is watching.
"Long after people forget the awards, followers or attention, they will remember your character and how you treated others. The people who have had the greatest impact on my life lead with integrity, kindness, and respect. I hope we all strive to be that kind of person. No matter where life takes us, I hope we continue to choose respect over attention, kindness over pride, and growth over comfort."
The lesson Ruben Ramirez learned is "none of us got here alone, and it's important to recognize the people who helped us graduate. We’ve all met people who have shaped our lives in some way. Some became our closest friends. Some were teachers who challenged us to grow and believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves, and some were family members who supported us through success and setbacks.
"The impact we have on one another lasts far longer than any grade, award, or accomplishment. Years from now, we will remember people who made us laugh on difficult days, encouraged us, or challenged us to grow. These meaningful connections help us discover our purpose and bring lasting happiness to our lives."
Ramirez thanked his family for their constant love and support and his teachers for their patience and guidance.
"I hope we continue to value the people around us and never underestimate the impact a simple act of kindness or support can have."
Shimer said the lesson he learned isn't to take the little things for granted. When he was injured during football season, tearing his ACL, it was one of the hardest times of his life. He couldn't play the sport he loved and had dedicated so much time to, and "that changed his life."
He couldn’t play, practice, be with his teammates, and missed walking without pain, and simple normal things he took for granted.
That experience taught him the ability to move freely, spend time with friends, and enjoy everyday experiences, are what matter most.
Shimer thanked his family, friends, coaches, and teachers for all their support through his difficulties, especially his parents and Coach Aaron Berry who reminded him there are still reasons to be grateful.
"I hope we remember that not everything in life lasts forever. Tell people how much they mean to us. Make the most of the time you have, work hard toward what matters most, and cherish the moments with your loved ones. Appreciate the moments and people, while they’re still here."
Noah Sutherland said the lesson he learned is “the people you meet in your education make a great difference in your life.
"The connections made at Monache have changed the trajectory of our futures. Our teachers, coaches and staff have greatly contributed. Spending hours beyond the classroom, field, and campus, preparing in ways that often go unnoticed. They have gone above and beyond to lead us to success."
"The relationships we've made in our education have shaped us as people, giving us important outlets to express ourselves emotionally, creatively and socially. I would not be here today without the support from the people around me. Thank you to all my friends for being there for me. And finally thank you to my family for pushing me to do my best. Dad, thank you so much for everything, all of these experiences made me into the person I am, and I am forever grateful to have you in my life.
"Know that every person can make a difference in your life and can create new opportunities you never thought possible. Tonight, we shared the lessons we’re taking with us. Different lessons, different voices, one shared journey. These years have given us more than diplomas, they have given us resilience, friendship, and hope. Those are the things we will carry forward. These four years have been more than just a diploma."
Before the diplomas were awarded to the more than 400 Monache seniors, MHS Marauder Band Director Justin Adams and the band played "Phantom of the Opera."