As the Riverbank High School Class of 2026 graduates entered Angelo Novi Field with their maroon gowns billowing in the breeze, their brightly adorned caps, some with flowers, some with glitter and paint, others with special messages, they honored their journey at RHS through their artistic and spirited expressions one last time. As Ed Vaca, Principal of RHS commented, “These students are athletes, artists and scholars and they have demonstrated the discipline and teamwork that will help them succeed in life.”
Vaca elaborated on some of the ways in which the graduating class of 2026 has already started preparing for the future.
“Each of you found your own way to succeed and whether you go to college, vocational school or begin a different career and I know that some of you are already working, you are ready to face any challenges that might come your way,” Vaca told the seniors.
From the 90 students that received high honors including various scholarships and awards, it was clear that this class worked diligently to achieve their goals. With several students receiving the Golden State Seal of Merit, State Seal of Biliteracy and CSF Life Memberships, there were a lot of shining stars in the class. Multiple students received individual memorial scholarships including the Ray Fauria Memorial Scholarship, Kristina Martinez Memorial Scholarship and the Laura C.C. Peterson Scholarship while many also received Athletic Boosters Scholarships as well as Bright Family Foundation Scholarships.
As Valedictorian Peyton Shrider took the stage, she shared that she had been working toward this goal since she was 14 years old.
“When my dad and I met with my teacher Mr. Gardner in elementary school and we told him that I wasn’t being challenged enough, he lit up. Mr. Gardner believed that I had what it took to become a valedictorian and that is what I dreamed about from then on,” she said.
Shrider shared how becoming valedictorian was her ultimate goal and now that she finally achieved it, she had some thoughts to share with her fellow graduates.
“My 14-year-old brain believed that I had to be the pinnacle of perfection to become valedictorian. I now realize that nearly failing a couple of calculus quizzes and just barely making it through Spanish is okay,” said Shrider with a smile.
She reiterated that though it is important to be successful academically, there are so many other things in life that matter just as much. Through perseverance and learning how to truly be human and enjoy the journey, Shrider is focusing on many aspects of life now instead of just academics. She reminded her classmates to enjoy every moment, even the challenging ones, and take time to savor every experience as they head out into the world.
Salutatorian Lilly Hurtado, who shared that her mom had told her that she would be Salutatorian one day, thanked her family and friends and reminded everyone that there will be tough times and obstacles to face on the path forward.
“The key is not letting your mistakes define you,” said Hurtado as she reminded her class that everyone makes mistakes and that learning from them and then moving forward are essential to growth.
As the graduates stepped forward to receive their diplomas, some shared laughs and smiles, some shed a few tears and each of them carried their diplomas with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Fireworks burst into the sky as the graduates filed out to reunite with their families and friends, sharing warm embraces, heartfelt poses for photographs and dreams for an incredible future.
