Porterville High School valedictorians during the 2026 graduation ceremony on Thursday night at Rankin Stadium made sure to speak to their families, friends, faculty, teachers and classmates, and loved ones, and congratulated the PHS Class of 2026.
Christina Miranda greeted everyone and spoke about graduation being a pivotal moment in the students lives, commending them for their hard work and dedication.
The PHS graduation theme was; “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Miranda said everyone must "pave their own journey, and write their own life, and go their own way. Writing their own stories. We have the power to make an impression on the world." She encouraged graduates to move forward with purpose, facing uncertainty with courage.
She thanked her Filipino parents, who inspired her with their courage coming to a brand-new country filled with aspirations. She said their sacrifices and bravery instilled in her the importance of taking risks, knowing it would pay off in the end.
Mireya Cortez said she never would have imagined speaking as a valedictorian on one of the most important nights of their lives. She thanked her parents, siblings, and grandparents who motivated her, and her teachers and counselors who supported her tremendously.
She wanted a perfect experience in high school, to do as much as she could, the best she could. But she realized over time perfection is a perception. Everyone has flaws, has made mistakes, and struggled.
"As we sit beside one another today, we may forget that everyone has their own story. Some of us made lifelong friendships, others found strength within themselves. Some have a plan for the future, while others are still figuring things out, and that is OK. Each story is special, and each led us to graduation. Not having all the answers can be scary, but remember to be grateful and hopeful for whatever comes next."
Destiny Hernandez spoke about how quickly high school went by, with everyone in caps and gowns, ready for their new lives.
"Everyone has grown and accomplished much during their time at PHS, but not without adversity. Some, maybe all, have faced failure, doubts, hardships, and obstacles.
"Don't let those failures define us. In life, we go through all kinds of things our own way, but we must learn from them and continue to grow. Creating our own path isn't always easy, sometimes we fall, but what really matters is our ability to get back up and push forward."
Hernandez thanked her family for their sacrifices and unwavering support, and the people closest to her for their encouragement.
Wilber Limones Lopez said high school wasn’t just about grades or deadlines these past four years.
"During high school we learned what we were capable of, and after graduation we make our own decisions. I encourage you to be yourself, step out of your comfort zone and be the person who makes change, or even become someone you didn’t expect to be. In the end, the sacrifices you make, the goals you chase, the dreams you turn into reality will not only inspire others but will open the door to a future you create for yourself.
"Thank you to my teachers, friends for being part of this journey."
Manuel Leyva said "Wow, I can’t believe I’m really up here. I’m so grateful to be graduating with you all. I had lots of help along the way, thank you to all who contributed. Class of 2026, this is the beginning. Like our theme tonight, don’t follow the path of others.
"We don’t have to live up to the expectations of people around us. Just because we’re from this small town doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish great things. Let’s go and pursue our passions, and success will come along the way as long as we give it our all. What we put in, we’ll get out. Remember that if you do something you hate, you’ll be miserable. If you do something you enjoy, you’ll be happy.
"Congratulations, Class of 2026!"
Hector Garcia said he and his classmates learned a lot and faced many challenges together. He said they've become resilient and determined, pushing through experiences, creating their own futures. He thanked his parents, family, friends, teachers, and AERO for helping him graduate, saying, "As we graduate today, we start a new beginning. Our future is here, and it’s up to us to determine what’s next and what path we will create. Although it may feel intimidating, remember our goals, ambitions, and why we have made it this far. Today is a new day moving forward. Congratulations Class of 2026!"
Delilah Maldonado said growing up isn’t just about facing the future, it’s learning to leave the past behind. Every ending leaves a trail, and every trail is proof something meaningful was once there. "Maybe that’s what graduation really is.
One day, we’ll forget exam dates, assignments, and deadlines, but I don’t think we’ll ever forget the feeling of being here together, laughing until we cried in the hallway. For years, this place felt ordinary, and maybe that’s the saddest part of growing up. It’s never fully appreciated until it’s over. To my friends, thank you for growing up beside me, for the laughter that made boring days unforgettable, and for the memories and inside jokes I’ll carry forever.
"Finally, my sister, you’re my rock, and I hope you do everything you told me you wanted to do, I love you."
Viridiana Ruiz Valle spoke in Spanish. She spoke of reflection, gratitude, and beginning new paths and opportunities. The class has faced challenges, changes, and difficult moments, but has created lasting memories, friendships and unforgettable experiences," Valle said.
"Every moment will stay with us for the rest of our lives as lessons learned. This would not have been possible without the support of our families, teachers, and loved ones, who were always motivating us to keep moving forward. I owe my gratitude to my parents, siblings, grandparents, and everyone who never stopped supporting me at every moment.
"Graduation is the beginning of new futures, never forget the world is in your hands, and you should never stop fighting for the life you imagine. Do not be afraid to pursue happiness or to follow your dreams, and never stop working toward your goals and leaving a positive mark on those around you. Tonight, I leave you with the words of composer Joan Sebastian: 'Each person has their own story in this life, my dear life, each person their own story, their own role.'”
Fatima Castro Vargas also spoke in Spanish, saying, "I owe special gratitude to my parents for their great sacrifices and excellent advice. My achievements are as much theirs as they are mine." She thanked her siblings for their kindness and support, and the rest of her family and friends for companionship. She told the class, "Each of us will have our own path to follow; whether it be higher education, employment, or military service. No two paths will be identical, and that is what makes it so exciting. Let us continue striving toward our goals, supporting one another, always remembering where we come from. Once a Panther, always a Panther.
PHS Principal Jose Valdez spoke to the 2026 senior class with immense pride in their accomplishments.
He thanked families, grandparents, teachers and counselors for helping students achieve success and graduation.
He congratulated the 9 valedictorians and acknowledged their successes.
And he specifically recognized two students Antionio Baez Torres and Mia Nava, whose journeys fighting against cancer during high school, reminded everyone what true strength, resilience, and determination really look like.
"They graduated with their class, after successfully balancing classes, assignments, athletics, activities, friendships, and all the challenges being a teenager, and refused to give us, showing us, with perseverance and courage," Valdez said.
Torres will attend Porterville College taking Agricultural Business, and Nava hopes to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse.
"I have no doubt Antonio and Mia will accomplish their dreams. More importantly, I know they will continue to inspire all of us to be stronger, kinder, and better each and every day."
This class has 45 students with a 4.0 GPA or above. "You have brought success every day," Valdez said. "There were 140 Biliteracy Seals, the most in the district by a large margin. 53 percent of the senior class met 4-year college requirements, a PHS all-time high. Congratulations seniors! The class also had 80 students qualifying for CSF (California Scholarship Federation). Graduates were accepted into too many prestigious 4-year colleges nationwide to count. The class earned 3,337 combined college units, with 33 seniors earning more college units, leaving PHS with over a year of completed college.
"And over half of this Senior class leave with some college credit. This class has seven students who already earned their AA from Porterville College and graduated two weeks ago."
Valdez acknowledged: Fatima Castro Vargas, Dale Collins, David Corona, Krisenda Rose Guzman, Manuel Leyva, Brooklyn Moreno, and Ivan Verdugo, saying, "You are amazing."
"We also have 12 students who self-reported, and signed with a branch of the military. Congratulations and thank you in advance for your service," Valdez said.
There were many more accolades for the 2026 Class, the Panther band, class athletes, and more.
"Go Panthers!," cheered Valdez.
After which the students received their diplomas from Porterville Unified School District Board Members Donna Berry, Pete Lara, Jr., Rudy Ruiz and Tom Velasquez.
And turned their tassels from right to left at the direction, with many congratulations from Valdez.