Valedictorian, Teegan Rodeffer's Speech

Hello, my name is Teegan Rodeffer and I am your Class of 2026 Valedictorian. Don’t worry I procrastinated on this too, so it won’t be very long. 

This is the part of the program where I’m supposed to stand up here and list all of our accomplishments, impart some sort of lesson, and then wish us luck at the next stage wherever that takes us. 

However, I know that really, years down the road, what I say here- none of us will remember. 

Instead we will remember the memories that led us here, like walking into school the first day, our last home game, and simply sitting in these chairs waiting for the moment that we turn our tassels and we officially become high school graduates. 

So, I want to take this moment to remind everyone to soak in the moment. Look around. Take in the faces sitting around you and in the bleachers. Because after today, we won’t see these people every day. 

We won’t walk down these halls, sit in these classrooms, or follow this routine that we have established and practiced for the last twelve years. After today, we decide and define what our lives look like. 

We are closing one chapter of our lives and starting a new one. We have worked hard and enjoyed most of the moments that have led us here, now it's up to us to finish the rest of our story. 

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We did it.

WCHS Salutatorian, Delaney Endress's Speech

Good afternoon, I would like to thank our families, teachers, district staff, and community members for being here today. 

Your support throughout the years has made an incredible impact on our lives and has helped shape the people we have become. And to my classmates — we finally made it. 

Having known many of my classmates since before kindergarten, being strangers never lasted very long. 

Somewhere along the way, we became teammates, lab partners, best friends, and, at times, the people who know a little too much about one another. 

In a small community like ours, news tends to travel quickly — in some cases, even faster than the school Wi-Fi. 

For years, graduation felt so far away. It is strange how badly we once wanted to grow up, yet now wish we could hold onto these moments just a little longer. 

As we close this chapter, we are able to reflect on how fortunate we truly are — fortunate to have grown up in a community where people always showed up for one another, where support was constant, and where we were surrounded by individuals who encouraged us to become the best version of ourselves. 

Years from now, we may not remember every assignment or every test we stressed over, but we will remember the teachers who continuously encouraged and supported us along the way — even the English teacher who abandoned us sophomore year (you know who you are). 

To all of our teachers and staff, on behalf of the Class of 2026, thank you not only for educating us, but for caring for us and treating us like family. Your patience, guidance, and dedication have left a lasting impact on each of us. 

I would also like to personally thank my family for their unwavering love and support throughout every stage of my life. To my parents, thank you for always encouraging me and believing in me.

To my siblings — Kami, thank you for being a mentor to me and for letting me tag along all those years, even when I was the annoying little sister.

And Jax, thank you for being my best friend, for always having my back, and for never failing to make me laugh. It will be strange not seeing you in the halls next year. 

Finally, to my classmates, thank you for making these years unforgettable. Although our paths may lead us in different directions, the memories we have shared and the bonds we have formed will always connect us. It has been an honor to grow alongside all of you. 

Congratulations, Class of 2026, and best wishes to each of you in all of your future endeavors.