Waitsburg's Class of 2026 Graduation

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg High School's one hundred and thirtieth annual commencement took place on Friday, June 5, in the WHS gymnasium.  The Class of 2026 chose "The only impossible journey is the one you never begin," by Tony Robbins, as their motto. 

Class marshals Cody Coulston and Ellie Teal opened the ceremony by presenting flags. Music Director Elizabeth Jagelski led band members Rozalynn Harvey, Ellie Teal, Andrew Gillum, Cheri Mathews, Olivia Duncan, and Yaneli Flores in the processional and "The Star-Spangled Banner."

After the musical performance, Principal Mr. Joe Wirtzberger delivered the welcome message and introduced the honored speakers, Salutatorian Logan Seal and Valedictorian Tyler Coulston.

Continuing the program, Wirtzberger recognized the class honor students, the graduating FFA members, and Karissa Potts, who has enlisted in the United States Navy. Family and friends then enjoyed a slideshow of the Class of 2026.

Superintendent Monty Sabin presented the graduating class, and School Board Member Julie Karl handed out the diplomas while Class Vice President Hope Adkins read the names aloud. 

Class President Isaias Reyes led the class in moving the tassels from the right to the left side of their caps before they threw their caps into the air. The graduates celebrated with family and friends, sharing well-wishes, pictures, and cake.

Class of 2026:

Hope Adkins, Blake Benevides, Mattilynn Carter, Tyler Coulston, Addison Crenshaw, Sarah Daves, Shylee Elmore, Koyen Fortune, Connor Goulette, Tucker Hamilton, Jarod Hankins, Emma Hays, Beatrix Karl, Teegan "Paco" Kenney, Kyle Lindsey, Karissa Potts, Isaias Reyes, Logan Seal, Brenton Segraves, Graycen Teal, Martin Vasquez, Victor Whitmore, and Sara Wilson.

Scholarships: 

Beatrix Karl received a Waitsburg High School Alumni Association Scholarship of $ 1,000, the AAUW Women in Trades Scholarship of $3,000, and the Melvin & Marian Page Endowment Scholarship of $1,000. Beatrix will attend Victoria's Academy of Cosmetology.

Hope Adkins received the Dayton Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship for $1,200, an American Legion Post 35 Gift Scholarship for $1,000, the Waitsburg Lions Club, Tom & Anita Baker Memorial Scholarship of $1,000, a Waitsburg High School Alumni Association Scholarship of $1,000, Keith P. & Helen C. Fenner Scholarship of $800, and the Melvin & Marian Page Endowment Scholarship of $1,000. Hope will attend Walla Walla Community College.

Isaias Reyes received the Wait-Hi Joe McCown Scholarship of $1,000. Isaias will attend Walla Walla Community College.

Martin Vasquez received the Dayton Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship of $1,200, the Rotary Club of Walla Walla Award Scholarship of $ 2,000, the Hevel Waitsburg Scholarship of $1,000, and the Roberta Bell Kraemer Scholarship of $1,500. Martin will attend Walla Walla Community College.

Mattilynn Carter received an American Legion Post 35 Gift Scholarship of $1,000, Waitsburg Lions Club Jack McCaw Memorial Scholarship of $1,000, Karen Huwe Mohney Memorial Scholarship of $750, Charlotte Mikkelsen Scholarship of $950, Jerry Baker Memorial Scholarship of $ 1,500, and American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship of $500. Mattilynn will attend Boise State University.

Sara Wilson received a Waitsburg Lions Club, Town Hall Association Scholarship of $1000, Glenn & Sally Chase Baker Continuing Education Scholarship for $2,000, a Waitsburg High School Alumni Association Scholarship for $650, and Frank Reser Memorial Scholarship of $1,000. She was also awarded a Waitsburg Firemen Scholarship of $500, the P.E.O. Citizenship Award Scholarship of $2,000, the Danforth Farms Waitsburg FFA Scholarship of $ 2,000, the Kenneth Beasley Memorial Scholarship of $1,500, and the Pamela J. Conover Memorial Scholarship $2,500. Sara will attend the University of Idaho.

Sarah Daves received the Dayton Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship for $1,200, a Waitsburg Lions Club, Town Hall Association Scholarship for $1,000, and a Waitsburg High School Alumni Association Scholarship for $ 1,000, Wait-Hi Joe McCown Scholarship of $1,000, Kenneth Beasley Memorial Scholarship for $1,500, Washington State University Top Scholars Award of $1,000, and Washington State University Regents Scholar Award of $4,000 (renewable for 4 years). Sarah will attend Washington State University.

Tucker Hamilton received a DeNova Club Scholarship of $1,000, Columbia REA Jeff Meredith Memorial Scholarship of $3,000, Waitsburg Lions Club Jack Roberts Family Scholarship of $1,000,  a Meredith Huwe Memorial Scholarship of $500, and a Wait-Hi Joe McCown Scholarship of $1,000. Tucker will attend The Northwest Lineman College.