The Pilot Point High School Class of 2026 marked the end of their high school career together at the University of North Texas Coliseum on Sunday afternoon.
Principal Marzia Infante welcomed the graduates and their supporters at the start of the ceremony.
'Seniors, each of you arrived here with your own story,' she said. 'Along the way, you faced challenges, overcame obstacles, learned lessons and discovered strengths you may not have known you possessed. Some victories were celebrated loudly, while others were quiet battles won through determination and grit. No matter the path, every one of you earned your place here today.'
She also recognized a couple of different groups of graduates: those who had been in Pilot Point ISD from kindergarten and those who have signed to go into the military.
'Graduates, as you prepare to take your next steps—whether that is college, career, military service or another path— remember this: Success is not defined solely by titles, awards or accomplishments,' she said. 'Success is found in character.'
Emmaleigh Blazer came to the stage to sing the national anthem, followed by Fernando Marmolejo leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Student Council Vice President Ava Smith then came to the podium to give the invocation.
'Lord, [today] is both joyful and bittersweet,' she said. 'While we are excited for the future ahead, it is hard knowing that this chapter of our lives is coming to an end. The halls we walked through each day, the teammates and classmates beside us, the teachers who guided us and the memories we created together will forever hold a special place in our hearts.'
She also asked for the class to be able to 'walk forward with grateful hearts, kindness toward others and hope for the future ahead.'
Class President Adisyn Johnson spoke next, sharing her thoughts on the milestone of graduation and 'all the little moments we did not realize would someday become memories we would miss.'
'One of the biggest lessons high school teaches you is that success does not always look perfect,' Johnson said. 'Sometimes success is making it through the week. Sometimes success is trying again after failing. Sometimes success is simply showing up when life feels overwhelming. And honestly, I think resilience matters a whole lot more than perfection ever will.'
When Salutatorian Rylee LeMarr took the podium, she shared an unusual twist on an inspirational graduation speech centered on telling her fellow graduates, 'You're not special.'
'According to [Chat-GPT], roughly 25 high schools use the UNT [Super] Pit for their graduation ceremonies,' she said. 'Over 10,000 students sit in these chairs. Over 10,000 students walk this stage. And over 10,000 students look absolutely ridiculous in these outfits. And, if you're still not impressed, around 27,000 high schools across this nation will graduate students this year. That's an estimated 3.5 million graduates in the Class of 2026.'
It's not the accomplishment of graduating high school or being the star athlete or biggest nerd that is important, she explained, but instead the way they grow as they move onto their next phase of life.
'Being special is accomplishing your dreams, because in reality, most people never even attempt theirs,' she said. 'So, Bailey Devine, become an FBI agent. Sorry if I am blowing your cover. Please don't 'Men in Black' me and erase my memory. And if you do, Bri, who wants to go into forensic science, can figure out what happened at the scene of the crime.'
She mentioned more classmates by name, encouraging them to pursue their passions.
'If being a teacher, lawyer, nurse, firefighter, artist or veterinarian is your dream and you accomplish it, then you are special,' Le-Marr said. 'High school is not your moment. Not yet. Your moment is waiting for you outside those doors, past the pictures and the celebrations.'
Valedictorian Makenzie Neal spoke next, sharing how the work the class put into high school helped train them for their next steps.
'Waking up for practice will become waking up for work or class,' she said. 'Tiger Mart trips will become racing to get food on a lunch break. Struggling to walk through the hallways will become sitting in traffic after work. Hours working towards a diploma will become hours working towards a career. Our current passions will shape our careers, goals and futures. ... Although it may not feel like it right now, we have all the tools we need to move on to the next phases of our lives.'
She also reminded her classmates to thank 'the people who helped us get here.'
That included their family, friends and teachers, with her giving a special nod to her parents.
'Now that we have learned all the skills and thanked all the people, we are finally ready to walk the stage,' Neal said. 'Congratulations, Class of 2026.'
Superintendent Dr. Shannon Fuller took to the microphone to certify the graduates.
The Class of 2026 then made their way across the stage to receive their diploma holders.
Once the Pilot Point High School graduates each crossed the stage, they moved their tassels from right to left.
Student body Vice President Caden David came forward to give the benediction.
'Today we give thanks for this graduating class and for all the hard work, growth and memories that brought them to this moment,' he said. 'As they begin a new chapter, guide them with wisdom, courage and kindness. Help them use their talents to make a positive difference in the world.'
The varsity cheerleaders from the class—Peytyn Goodin, Jacie Chandler, Brena Jezek, Daiyton DeLeon, Chloe Pels, Brooklyn Bailey and Delilah Rodriguez—then came forward to lead the class in the school song.
As they sang out, 'For you, we'll do or die,' the cheerleaders and their classmates tossed their caps into the air before heading out into the next phase of their lives.
