A group of Cordova High School seniors celebrates during the 61st commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on May 29 in Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – Cordova High School’s Class of 2026 crossed into a new chapter on the evening of May 29, marking the school’s 61st commencement ceremony with celebration, reflection and emotion.

The ceremony began at 7 p.m. at the Cordova High School Stadium, where hundreds gathered to watch graduates walk the stage, turn their tassels and close out four years of high school shaped by academics, activities and personal growth.

Principal Amy Strawn opened the ceremony by acknowledging the atmosphere in the stands.

“Looking out I cannot help but be filled with gratitude,” Strawn said. “Look at how much love there is in this stadium. Lancers are rooted in teamwork.”

AFJROTC presents the colors at the start of Cordova High School’s 61st commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026, May 29 in Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

During her remarks, Strawn recognized student achievement across academics, programs and pathways. She noted that 12 students earned a cumulative 4.0 GPA or higher, while 131 students earned a silver cord for maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.

Eleven students received International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas, and 51 students earned royal blue cords for completing three or more IB courses. Forty-three students completed the IB Career-related Program, and 51 completed the IB Middle Years personal project.

Additional recognitions included seven students completing AVID, eight California Scholarship Federation lifetime members and 40 students earning the California State Seal of Merit diploma. Strawn also noted 173 students earned the State Seal of Civic Engagement and 96 earned the State Seal of Biliteracy.

Technical education pathways were also highlighted, including students completing programs in agriculture, business, construction, culinary arts, engineering, Junior ROTC and video production. Strawn recognized graduates pursuing four-year colleges, community colleges, workforce entry, military service and transition programs.

Cordova High School seniors enter the stadium for the 61st commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on May 29 in Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

“As you look over our graduates you will notice a wealth of adornments signifying personal accomplishments,” Strawn said. “Tonight marks more than the end of high school. It marks the beginning of what comes next.”

She emphasized perseverance and growth as defining traits of the Class of 2026.

“We have challenged you because we believe in you,” she said. “You have proven that you can.”

Student Body President Carla Pimentel and Senior Class President Juan Sanchez Rivera welcomed classmates to the ceremony, each reflecting on the meaning of the moment and the years that led to it.

“I have come to realize that I am a mosaic shaped by my experience both good and bad and by the people I have met along the way in high school,” Pimentel said. “Today this speech is dedicated to every single piece of my puzzle.”

She thanked her parents and reflected on growth, saying, “Even through hardship we are being shaped into who we are meant to become.”

A Cordova High School graduate embraces family members at the 61st commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on May 29. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Pimentel encouraged classmates to embrace change as they move forward.

“As we move on from these past four years, leaving behind the memories we have created is inevitable but that doesn’t mean they are gone,” she said. “It means life is making room for new people, new memories and new versions of ourselves.”

Rivera told graduates their responsibilities are just beginning.

“Just because you close this chapter of your life does not mean you stop turning the pages,” Rivera said. “You control your destiny.”

Graduates moved across the stage one by one, met with applause from families, teachers and friends. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

He urged classmates to pursue their passions and make intentional choices about their future.

“There is a door waiting for you at the end of this ceremony and it is up to you if you walk through it or let it close,” Rivera said.

The ceremony’s co-valedictorians, Camilla Perez Mercado and Violet Freeburn, delivered a joint address focused on resilience, gratitude and perspective.

Mercado reflected on overcoming challenges as a first-generation student and the influence of her family’s sacrifices.

“These years have been awkward, stress inducing, and sometimes embarrassing,” Mercado said, “but the silver lining is in the fact that we have done it all and we will continue to do it.”

Freeburn encouraged classmates to reframe difficult moments.

“The worst moments of your life as you experience them have a good chance of turning into one of the best things to ever happen to you,” Freeburn said.

She added, “Sometimes it’s hard to see the good in what’s happening today, but we always find a way to pick ourselves back up.”

Together, they emphasized that growth often comes through struggle and change.

“We are not defined by our failures or our weaknesses,” Mercado said. “We will make equally bright memories.”

Graduates from Cordova High School’s Class of 2026 hold up their caps and commemorative plaques during the 61st commencement ceremony on May 29 in Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Freeburn added, “These years have been amazing and leaving them is definitely something to mourn, but what’s going to happen to us next will be even better.”

Strawn said her message to the Class of 2026 centered on community and belief in students.

“My hope for the Class of 2026 is that they carry forward the curiosity, integrity and compassion they demonstrated throughout their time at Cordova High,” she said. “Graduation is a celebration not only of academic achievement, but of growth, perseverance, and the relationships that helped make this moment possible. This day represents years of hard work, sacrifice, support, and belief in one another. It is a reminder that when a community comes together around young people, incredible things can happen.”

Graduates moved across the stage one by one, met with applause from families, teachers and friends. In a final shared gesture, they turned their tassels from one side of their caps to the other, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Cordova High’s newest alumni.