Caps fly through the wind as MLHS Class of 2026 graduates

MOSES LAKE — Wind whipped across Lions Field on the evening of June 9 as 337 seniors from Moses Lake High School crossed the field and officially became graduates, closing one chapter and stepping into the next. 

Despite gusty conditions that tugged at gowns, papers and decorations, the Class of 2026 embraced the moment with energy, reflection and a sense of unity shaped by shared experiences. 

Principal Sheila Kries opened the ceremony by recognizing the class as “trailblazers, pathfinders, and pioneers,” noting they were the first cohort to spend all four years as Mavericks. 

“The most powerful force you have is in your connections to one another,” Kries said. “Your superpower resides in your ability to engage, collaborate, and communicate with each other.” 

Kries encouraged graduates to lean on those connections moving forward, reminding them that courage often comes from relationships. 

“Whenever your life, your job, your school, or the universe pushes back on you, connect and engage with those around you,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to find somebody or something to be brave for.” 

Senior honor speaker Jaycie Blodgett reflected on the uncertainty and opportunity awaiting her classmates, emphasizing that success is not defined by having all the answers, but by how people choose to treat one another. 

“If you strive to be kind, you strive to be a true, proud, and accomplished Maverick,” Blodgett said.  

Blodgett acknowledged that while graduates may face challenges – from financial struggles to life changes – they will also experience growth and achievement. Through it all, she urged her peers to “keep on going with your silly dreams,” even when they feel uncertain or out of reach. 

Later in the ceremony, staff speaker Brett Jay, selected by the graduating class, celebrated students’ accomplishments both in and out of the classroom, highlighting their contributions to school culture and athletics. 

“Your work created your legacy that will forever be etched in our minds,” Jay said. “Thank you for giving us moments to cheer about.” 

Jay encouraged graduates to pursue continuous growth while staying grounded in humility and resilience. 

“Progress is happiness, be in search of that 1 percent – getting 1 percent better that day,” he said. “Avoid at all costs comparing your journey to somebody else’s, because comparison is the thief of all joy.” 

He also reminded students to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. 

“Setbacks create comebacks,” Jay said. “No matter what road you’re on in life, know you’re a winner.” 

Senior speaker Joaquin “JJ” Oronia closed out student remarks with a message centered on relationships and shared experiences, recalling the class’s journey from pandemic-era middle school through high school transitions. 

“We have been through everything together,” Oronia said. “The one thing we all have in common is the fact that we can build relationships… relationships here that will last.” 

Oronia urged classmates to take risks and support one another as they move forward. 

“If you’re scared to jump, that is exactly where you need to jump,” he said. “Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in the same place your whole life.” 

As names were called and diplomas presented, families filled the stands with applause.  

When the tassels were turned, celebration overtook the field. Beach balls bounced through the crowd; balloons and confetti filled the air, and in a long-awaited tradition, graduates tossed their caps skyward beneath the windy Columbia Basin sky. 

    Grad caps, balloons, beach balls and confetti fill the air at Lions Field Tuesday after the 337 turned their tassels.
  

    Graduating Jazz Choir members sing “Back Home” by Andy Grammer during the 2026 Moses Lake High School graduation Tuesday.
  

    A Moses Lake High School graduate shows the crowd his new diploma cover, the diplomas are available to graduates Thursday at the high school.
  

    Two Moses Lake High School graduates hold hands and yell as they exit the field Tuesday.