'Resist the urge to always be useful': Walla Walla Class of 2026 celebrates graduation

"I put off writing this speech until about two days ago," Kellen Van Slyke said. "Actually, if you count procrastination I've been writing it for some time."

During golden hour, hundreds of families and friends gathered in the green space next to the Wa-Hi Commons for graduation on Friday, June 5.

Van Slyke was one of the Walla Walla High School class of 2026 valedictorians, an honor also held by Theodore Gryler, Ingrid Iverson, Reilly Lemma, Eva Maxwell, Evie Sarley and Teegan Timmons. The 2026 salutatorian was Cate Eronemo.

Van Slyke gave an example of a lazy senior school day: coming late to first period, speaking too loud in math class and falling into a post-lunch stupor in choir. He said that "this typical day doesn't portray me as a remarkable student."

But for Van Slyke, it is these moments between working hard and studying that keep him grounded and help him "resist the urge to always be useful."

"I believe that being open to and cherishing the spontaneous moments that nourish the soul are central to leading a fulfilling life," Van Slyke said.

He left with these parting words.

"Success shouldn't come at the cost of your authenticity," Van Slyke said. "Success comes from tethering your curiosity to something you care about."

Wa-Hi celebrated 368 students graduating in the class of 2026.

Before students walked across the stage, Principal John Schumacher took time to remember and hold a moment of silence for Zaley Blocklinger, a Walla Walla High School student who passed away in 2022 and would have been a graduate this year.

One graduate, Leslie Ramirez, received credits after completing a criminal justice course through SEATech. She plans to attend community college and then transfer to Gonzaga University to work towards becoming a lawyer.

"I'm going to miss my teachers who brought me out of my shell," Ramirez said. "But I'm excited to meet new people and go on with life."

Ramirez's mother Anna Bruno said she is proud to see the improvements her daughter has made since freshman year, and the responsibilities she has taken on.

Another graduate, Dannika Stilson, said that she is excited to live somewhere warm after graduation. Stilson will be attending Arizona State University through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. But before taking off, she plans to spend the summer with friends, go skydiving with her family, watch Mariners games and go on road trips.

"I'm ready to see what the future holds," Stilson said.

After getting bear hugged by family members and friends, William España-Garcia said he's proud of achieving the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy. As part of the Running Start program, España-Garcia will graduate with an Associate of Arts degree next year where he will then transfer to Washington State University and pursue biology to go into medicine.

"I feel good, I'm ending a chapter of my life and beginning something new," he said.

España-Garcia's mother Josefina Garcia said she is not only proud of how hard her son works, but also the rest of his classmates.

"It's a wonderful experience seeing so many students graduate," she said. "Their effort with their teachers, that demonstrates when everything falls to place anything is possible."

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