By Nadia Castro, News Mirror Reporter

Across the stands, bouquets of flowers, balloons and signs featuring graduates’ faces filled the crowd. Before the ceremony began, a video played on the large screen featuring seniors responding to various questions. Many took the opportunity to thank their parents, family members and teachers for their support throughout their high school years.

The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a performance of “God Bless America” by the school choir. Excitement grew as the graduates prepared to enter the stadium. Cheers erupted from the stands as family members and friends searched for their graduates among the sea of caps and gowns.

Principal Daniel Gevais welcomed the graduating class and reflected on watching many students grow throughout their time at Yucaipa High School. Students responded with cheers and applause as he recognized members of the senior class during his remarks.

“Seniors, the Class of 2026 holds a special place in my heart because whether you know it or not, our stories have been intertwined for the last seven years,” Gevais said. “The 2019–2020 school year marked the beginning of your journey as sixth graders, but it also marked the beginning of my journey as a principal. I guess you could say we all started middle school together.”

Faculty speaker Jeff Pitcher shared a personal story about failure and redemption, using it to encourage graduates as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. His remarks focused on the reality that not every plan works out as expected and that determination often matters more than immediate success. Students responded with applause as he reflected on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Following his speech, a video highlighted the plans of several graduating seniors. Students spoke about joining the Marines, attending two-year and four-year colleges and universities, entering the workforce, and pursuing other goals after graduation.

Senior Class President Brianna Elgan then took the stage and thanked the parents, teachers and supporters who helped the Class of 2026 reach graduation. She reflected on memories shared with classmates over the years, drawing smiles and laughter from graduates seated on the field.

“In these last few days, it has become real that there will be no more lunches with your friends. No more passing classmates in the halls or meeting up for nutrition at that one spot on campus,” Elgan said. “No more waiting for the day you turned 18 to sign yourself out of school anytime you wanted. With the exception of me, still 17, never getting to do that, shout out to Mrs. Mulvihill and Mrs. Johnson always with our passes. No more Friday night lights here in the Thunderdome, with our student section put on by Thunder Squad and In-N-Out waiting for us down the street right after.”

Elgan concluded her speech by reflecting on how she and her classmates had prepared for this moment, drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd. Following her remarks, faculty members recognized the top 40 academic seniors and invited them to stand in front of the stage. The top academic juniors from the Class of 2027 were then called forward to participate in a symbolic passing of the torch, during which the seniors placed their cords around the juniors’ necks. The tradition served as both a recognition of academic achievement and a gesture of encouragement to the next graduating class.

Class speaker Tyler Esquer followed with a message that echoed many of the emotions shared throughout the evening. He acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with entering a new chapter of life, while encouraging his classmates to appreciate the present and not let important moments pass them by.

“And for a lot of us, this might be one of our last times on this campus. Which is kind of funny because we spent years counting down to leave, and now part of us is thinking, well maybe just one more week wouldn’t hurt,” Esquer said.

As graduates crossed the stage one by one to receive their diplomas, cheers from family members and friends filled the stadium. The celebration concluded with a fireworks display lighting up the night sky as the Class of 2026 marked the end of its high school journey. Though their time at Yucaipa High School had come to a close, the message of the evening remained clear: once a Thunderbird, always a Thunderbird.