Templeton High celebrates Class of 2026
By Camille DeVaul · Thu Jun 11 2026
A night of celebration, reflection, and inspiration marks commencement as 186 seniors graduate and prepare for their next chapter
TEMPLETON — Under clear evening skies on June 4, Templeton High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 with a commencement ceremony filled with gratitude, reflection, and optimism for the future.
Families, friends, educators, and community members packed the school grounds as 186 graduates marked the culmination of their high school careers. Leading the evening was Principal Jessica Lloyd, who served as master of ceremonies and reflected on her four years alongside the graduating class.
“Thank you, thank you, Templeton High School concert band. Way to start the show,” Lloyd said as the ceremony began, acknowledging both the student musicians and a special flyover by the Estrella Warbirds. “Good evening and welcome to the commencement ceremony for the Templeton High School Class of 2026. I am Jessica Lloyd, and it is my honor and privilege to stand before you tonight as the principal of this graduating class.”
Lloyd opened her remarks by recognizing the many individuals and organizations that contribute to student success. She thanked Templeton Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Edd Bond, School Board President Ted Debost, and Trustees Matt Allison, Janel Armet, Jennifer Grinager, and Cheryl Parks for their leadership and support.
She also praised the broader Templeton community for its commitment to students through internships, scholarships, mentorships, booster programs, and partnerships that help prepare young people for life beyond the classroom.
“You bridge the classroom and the real world, and our students are better for it,” Lloyd said.
Turning her attention to parents and families, Lloyd acknowledged the countless hours of support that helped bring graduates to this milestone.
“Tonight we also celebrate you,” she said. “The years of encouragement, the rides to practice, the late nights, the patience, the sacrifice. It has all led to here.”
Lloyd reflected on the special relationship she shared with the Class of 2026, noting that both she and the students were new to Templeton High School four years earlier.
“I stood before you, and I told you I was also new at Templeton High School, and I was a little nervous too,” she recalled.
Over the years, Lloyd said she watched students grow into confident young adults. Some she had known since childhood through local sports, performances, and community activities. Others she came to know through the classroom and campus life.
“I hope that each one of you felt seen and connected,” she told the graduates.
She also praised the faculty and staff for creating a culture built on professionalism, teamwork, kindness, and mutual respect.
“We have challenged one another. We have learned to trust one another, and we have definitely never settled,” Lloyd said.
In one of the evening’s most memorable messages, Lloyd encouraged graduates to lead lives grounded in integrity.
“It will cost you sometimes,” she said. “Your integrity is the one thing that is entirely yours. Guard it. It will define how you are remembered far more than any award, title, or achievement ever will.”
Senior Class President Andi Shorrock followed with the presentation of the Class of 2026 gift, a new sound system for the Templeton High School gymnasium. The project was completed in partnership with the school’s athletic boosters.
“One of the many things that has connected the 2026 seniors has been sound,” Shorrock said. “We have shared some of our most memorable moments in the gym.”
The upgraded sound system is intended to improve future rallies, sporting events, assemblies, and school celebrations for generations of students to come.
The ceremony also recognized Templeton High School’s foreign exchange students, honoring the international perspectives they brought to campus. Counselor Jose Vibaldo Torres introduced the students from Norway and Germany during a traditional flag exchange ceremony. Torres praised the students for embracing a new culture, language, and educational experience while enriching the lives of their classmates.
Salutatorian William Wallace, who graduated with a 4.66 GPA and plans to attend UC Berkeley to study industrial engineering, delivered an inspiring speech that drew on lessons from movies, sports, and music to emphasize the importance of teamwork, gratitude, and supporting others along life's journey.
“None of us could be where we are today without the teams that we have behind us,” Wallace said. “So make sure that you take the time to read the credits.”
Wallace encouraged his classmates to learn from those who have gone before them, support those traveling alongside them, and inspire those who will follow. He highlighted examples of classmates who invested in younger students through mentorship, athletics, and the arts.
“Lift your eyes to the people far ahead of you,” Wallace said. “Push the people near you. And share with all your heart with the people behind you.”
Valedictorian Annabelle Borgos, who graduated with a 4.78 GPA and plans to attend UCLA to study business economics, delivered a heartfelt and concise address focused on resilience and adaptability. She reflected on the close-knit nature of the Class of 2026, noting that many classmates had shared experiences dating back to preschool and elementary school.
Along the way, she noted, the students navigated staff changes, remote learning, and personal challenges that tested their perseverance.
“This ability to adapt is what gives me so much confidence in everyone as we leave high school,” Borgos said.
Quoting Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn, she reminded her classmates to embrace their futures with confidence.
“It is with passion, courage of conviction, and a strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world,” she said.
Before diplomas were awarded, Trustee Janel Armet formally certified that the members of the Class of 2026 had successfully completed all graduation requirements. Armet’s remarks carried special significance, as she is also the parent of a graduating senior.
The school’s counseling team — Jose Torres, Bre Goetz, Kaitlin McFarland, and Alexxa Craton — joined Dean of Students Kaitlyn Zak in presenting graduates and announcing names as students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
One of the evening’s highest honors came with the presentation of the 2026 Eagle of the Year Award to Ambrose Galaviz IV. Selected by faculty and staff, the award recognizes a student who exemplifies the values, spirit, and character of Templeton High School.
As Eagle of the Year, Galaviz was given the honor of leading the class in the traditional tassel-turning ceremony.
“It is with great pleasure, honor, and excitement that I now present to you, the Templeton High School Class of 2026,” Lloyd announced. “Congratulations.”
Photos by Derek Luff/PRP
