Rice High School graduate Emily Schneider waves to her family in the crowd before the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium. All photos by The Citizen | Allison Drinnon
Framed by the setting sun, 97 graduates of Rice High School joyfully looked up at family and friends as they received their diplomas, switched their tassels and tossed brilliant blue caps into the night sky.
The school’s band performed the processional and national anthem. Breelyn Freeman was the salutatorian, and Ava Frazier was the valedictorian. Victor Flores gave closing remarks; Erron Mahone led the turning of the tassel; and Ty Rodgers led the cap toss.
Rice High School graduate Isaiah Castillo walks to join fellow graduates near the end of the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium.Rice High School graduates, led by Ty Rodgers (front), toss their caps at the end of the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at
The Class of 2026 selected their motto by Chef Gusteau from the movie Ratatouille: “If you focus on what you left behind, then how can you see what lies ahead?” The class color was pink, and the class flower was the lily. The hotly contested class song was “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.
Class officers included president Gracyn Center, vice president Victor Flores, secretary Catalina Cariman and reporter Joe Morales.
RIGHT: Rice High School graduates switch over their tassels during the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium. Pictured, from left, are Isaiah Castillo, Celena Juarez, Ridge Schneider, Raelee Nelson, Easton Center and Victor Flores.Rice High School graduate Avan Woolridge (center) accepts his diploma from board president Jason Pausewang (left) and superintendent Kendall Center during the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium.Rice High School graduate Leandro Rodriguez kisses a girl after the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium.ABOVE: Rice High School graduates Breelyn Freman, Taft Rodgers and Ava Frazier hug after the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium. LEFT: Rice High School graduates pray at the start of the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium. Pictured, from left, are Celena Juarez, Ridge Schneider, Raelee Nelson, Easton Center and Victor Flores.Rice High School graduate Julia Tovar takes a photo with her accolades after the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium.Rice High School graduates watch celebratory fireworks at the end of the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, Thursday, May 28, at Rice Memorial Stadium. All photos by The Citizen | Allison Drinnon
.jpg)
