Waitsburg HS Honor Graduate Speakers: Tyler Coulston and

Tyler Coulston's 2026 Valedictorian Speech

When I think about how far we've come, it's honestly hard to believe. It feels like just yesterday we were little kids playing with toy cars, and now we're driving real cars into the high school parking lot every morning. Somewhere between those little kid days and today, we grew up.

The person I was at four years old, walking into preschool for the first time, is completely different from the person standing here now. And a huge part of that change came from the people I've spent my life with: my classmates, my teachers, and this small-town community that helped raise us.

For many of us, these faces are the only school faces we've ever really known. We didn't move through crowded hallways filled with strangers. We grew up surrounded by the same people year after year, learning each other's personalities, strengths, quirks, and habits probably a little too well.

And along the way, there were so many people who shaped who we are today. Teacher Cara, Mrs. Beasley, Mrs. Lindsay, Mrs. Parr, Mrs. Henderson, my mom - Mrs. Coulston, Miss Carlson, Miss Ball, Mr. Elder, Mrs. Groom, Mrs. Leid, and all of our high school teachers. Not to mention our lunch ladies, coaches, bus drivers, office staff, custodians, and everyone else who poured time, patience, and care into us over the years.

I know I'm not the only one here who benefitted from the kindness and effort these people gave us every single day.And honestly, some of the memories they gave us are unforgettable.

Remember Mrs. Henderson and her one-bite cupcakes? Mr. Nechodom and Stumble Guys? Miss Ball and her constant references to "The Office?"

Or the day I walked into class missing my two front teeth after crashing my bike trying to hit a jump? Middle school was already awkward enough without that.

And of course, who could forget Mr. Elder and his love of coffee?

These moments may seem small someday, but they're the moments that built our story together. Because the truth is, we didn't just go to school together. We grew up together.

We learned how to read together. We learned multiplication tables together. We learned how to survive middle school together, which honestly may be one of our greatest accomplishments. We experienced wins, losses, awkward phases, school dances, sporting events, spirit weeks, tests we forgot to study for, and all the little moments in between.

This school wasn't just a building we showed up to every day. It became part of who we are.

And now, somehow, we're here at the end of it.

That's a strange thing to think about. For most of our lives, graduation felt so far away. And now it's here, and life is about to look very different. Some of us are leaving Waitsburg. Some are staying close to home. Some already know exactly what they want to do, and others are still figuring it out.

But no matter where life takes us, this town and the people in it will always be part of us. Growing up in a small town means being surrounded by people who notice when you succeed, encourage you when you struggle, and support you, whether you realize it or not. We have been given a foundation built on hard work, community, resilience, and relationships. Those things matter, and they will continue to matter long after tonight.

And honestly, I think we're ready.

Ready to leave what's comfortable. Ready to take risks. Ready to build lives of our own.

I believe every person sitting here today is capable of doing great things. Not because life will always be easy, but because we've already learned how to work hard, adapt, and keep going when things get difficult.

We all have people in our lives who love us, support us, and helped guide us to this moment. Teachers, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, these are the people who helped shape us into who we are today.

So, as we move forward into whatever comes next, I hope we remember where we came from. I hope we carry the lessons, memories, and relationships from this place with us. And I hope that years from now, when we look back on this chapter of our lives, we remember not just the classes or grades, but the people.

Because at the end of the day, that's what made this journey special.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We made it.

Logan Seal Salutatorian Speech 2026

Good evening, everyone, families, friends, teachers, staff, and the graduating class of 2026 from Waitsburg School District. My name is Logan Seal, and I am honored to stand before you today as your salutatorian.

It feels crazy to think that this journey started all the way back in kindergarten. For many of us, Waitsburg has been more than just a school - it has been a second home. We grew up together, learned together, and created memories that we will carry for the rest of our lives.

When I think about my favorite memories, I immediately think about basketball. The practices, road trips, locker room jokes, tough losses, big wins, and the friendships built through the game are moments I will never forget. Basketball taught me discipline, teamwork, and how important it is to push yourself and the people around you to be better every day. More importantly, it gave me some of the best memories of my life with teammates who became like family. I also want to take a moment to thank our teachers.

Throughout the years, you have done so much more than just teach lessons from a textbook. You encouraged us when we doubted ourselves, challenged us to work harder, and helped shape us into the people we are today. Thank you for your patience, support, and dedication to every student sitting here tonight. Most importantly, I want to thank my parents and family. None of this would have been possible without your constant support, encouragement, and sacrifices throughout the years.

Thank you for believing in me even during the times I did not believe in myself. Everything I have accomplished is because of the love and guidance you gave me.

To the class of 2026, we made it. No matter where life takes us next, I hope we remember where we came from and the people who helped us get here. We may be leaving this chapter behind, but the memories and friendships we made in Waitsburg will always stay with us.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Thank you.