American Canyon High School celebrates the Class of 2026
Howls of cheers echoed across Wolf Den Stadium on Friday night as graduation caps from 425 American High School graduates flew up in the air, alongside doves that were released at the same time.
The graduation celebrated more than just the awarding of diplomas. It honored resilience, growth, and achievement - sentiments shared by Napa Valley Unified School District Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti.
"Tonight, we celebrate more than a diploma. We often say that it takes a village to raise a child. American Canyon is truly a remarkable village," Mucetti said. "Whether your next step is college, career, a gap year, or another pathway, you leave ACHS prepared to make a positive impact on the world around you."
The ceremony kicked off with a performance of "Star Spangled Banner" by The school's Acapella group, Public Display of Acapella. The group later performed "In My Life" by the Beatles.
After Principal Karin Hatton welcomed the graduating class of 2026 along with friends and families, Associated Student Body President Dougie Rennie looked out toward the sea of bedazzled and decorated caps and addressed her class.
"This is one of the last moments we have a guaranteed and easily accessible community, one that has seen every era of ourselves," said Rennie. "As we step into a new and fully transformative chapter of our lives, each of us will carry one thing in common: AC. More specifically, being a part of American Canyon's class."
ASB Vice President Katherine Bit and ASB Secretary Ianna Lobao also shared parting words with their classmates and thanked their loved ones for their unwavering love and support.
"I've never seen a class like our own," said Bit. "As these 12 years together come to a bittersweet end, I want to thank everyone for creating an environment where we could learn, grow, and feel supported."
Lobao said, "I want to take a moment and recognize the foundation and support they provided for us. To all of our family and friends, and those who could not be with us today, thank you for everything. We love you."
As English teacher Amy Beaudine - selected and voted upon by the student body - took to the podium and looked out to the students, she posed two questions: Why do bad things happen to good people, and how can core values shape a person into who they want to be?
"Allow your core values to guide you, and you will find joy. You will find purpose. And you will find gratitude every day," Beaudine said.
For Beaudine, life isn't about finding the right answers. Rather, it is about asking the right questions.
"So, why do good things happen to bad people? It's ironic, really, as educators call it. This question taught me about faith, life, and made me grateful for what I have," she continued. "My challenges brought me to you. This is exactly where I'm supposed to be. This moment is proof that really good things happen to good people."
While the distribution of diplomas unfolded, graduates were met with applause, excited screams, and the occasional ringing of cowbells from cheering families sitting at the bleachers.
As they crossed the stage, some marked the occasion by making the Sign of the Cross -a gesture commonly associated with Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions -and pointed up at the sky. Others wiped away tears or waved to friends and family in the crowd. Graduate Samuel Enrique Escobar Montoya celebrated by tossing real dollar bills into the air for his classmates to catch.
"It feels so surreal to graduate," said Jazara Hughes, gesturing to the medals draped over her graduation robe from her years as a wrestler. "There are a lot of mixed emotions. But I'm so happy and excited.
The ceremony closed with parting words from Senior Class President Ayja Querubin as students prepared to turn their tassels over their caps.
"When things go according to plan, let your light shine through gratitude. When things don't, let it shine through your resilience," Querubin said with teary eyes and a smile. "The world will always give us another achievement to chase, another milestone to work for. But don't become so focused on what's next that you miss what's in front of you. Be here. Be intentional. And be present to those who appreciate and support you."
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