With people packed in to the stands on both sides of Engel Field, the Escalon High Band ushered in the graduating class of 2026 with the traditional Pomp and Circumstance processional. Then, Escalon High School Principal Jason Furtado welcomed the crowd to the Friday evening, May 29 ceremony once all students were seated.

The National Anthem was sung by senior choir students, taking the stage, with the crowd also joining in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Senior Class President Ben Ferreira took the microphone to share some thoughts on the special occasion.

“Congratulations to all of us,” Ferreira told his classmates. “My hope for all of us in our futures is that we do whatever makes us feel inspired. I don’t want us to take action on the desire to feel accomplished, but the desire to do what we love, regardless of money, status or recognition.”

He said many have felt the need to hurry and grow up, to leave their small town, while he knows others will be back – every Friday night in the fall – comparing their football team to the one on the field.

All kidding aside, he said the graduating class is a special one.

“I look upon my Class of 2026 with truly nothing but pride,” Ferreira said. “I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this wonderful class, rooted in memories, community and love.”

EHS Assistant Principal Daniel Taylor noted the various scholarships and student recognition, with over $125,000 in scholarships and awards presented during the Senior Awards Night on May 20.

Furtado then told the crowd that, for the first time in many years, the class had co-Valedictorians; Ayana Cocio and Marissa Terry.

Cocio offered her commencement address first, and noted several teachers who have made a huge impact in her life and those of her classmates.

“On a personal note, I would like to thank my family for their unwavering love and support, I would like to especially thank my mom for being the woman who I have long looked up to as a little girl and who I continue to aspire to be like,” Cocio added. “Most importantly, I would like to thank God for blessing me with my life and everything it has encompassed.”

To her classmates, she said while they may be overwhelmed by sentiments of excitement, anxiety and nostalgia as they prepare to move from high school and on in to adulthood, she reminded them that they didn’t get where they are by themselves.

“This moment belongs not only to ourselves, but also to the countless individuals who have supported us along the way,” said Cocio.

Taking her turn at the microphone, co-Valedictorian Marissa Terry started by offering thanks to her parents for the opportunities they provided for her, educators for their support, friends for pushing her to be her best and the volleyball team for becoming her second family.

“The concept of living life to the fullest has been reinforced in us since we were young,” she said, focusing on her dual topic of ‘Carpe Diem’ (Seize the Day) and ‘YOLO – You Only Live Once.’

“For a long time, I thought being alive meant being perfect, studying harder, taking more AP classes, building a résumé,” Terry admitted. “I was so focused on succeeding academically that I completely set aside enjoying high school while I was living it.”

She admitted that she was “so locked in” she was missing the present.

“Thankfully, along the way, things changed. Last year I started going out more with friends, going to football games, dance, and bonfires … I started making memories rather than just deadlines,” explained Terry.

She then was overcome with emotion in speaking about the friendships she has gained, and “all the little moments we don’t realize matter until they become memories.”

And while sharing that school, ambition and the work you put in matter, Terry said achievement alone does not define life.

“As we leave EHS and move into the next phase of our lives I hope we remember that it’s okay to slow down, to appreciate where we are in the moment and spend time with the people we love,” Terry said. “Learn how to experience life instead of just prepare for it.”

With the class then asked to stand and sing the Alma Mater, the students were presented as meeting the requirements for graduation, and the diplomas were given out on stage by members of the Escalon Unified School District board, including President Kate Powell, Vice President Martha Coelho, Clerk Sal Reyes and board members Nick Cton and Travis Cardoza.

After the last diploma was presented and all students were back in their seats, Principal Furtado asked them to stand, move their tassels from the right to the left, and be celebrated as EHS graduates, many tossing the caps skyward.

It was then time for family and friends attending to greet their graduate on Engel Field, with a lengthy time set aside for photos, presentation of balloons, flowers, gifts and more.

In the June 10 issue, we will feature more graduation photos and a story including comments from many of the graduates, ranging from their plans for the future to their thoughts on the time spent as Escalon High School Cougars.