Winslow High School celebrated the Class of 2026 with a commencement ceremony that brought graduates, families, friends and school staff together to mark the milestone. The ceremony honored the work that carried students to graduation, from years of classes and activities to the final walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. The class’s top academic honorees included valedictorians Tatum Ann Henling, Gino Gilbert Quinones, Anne Marie Breeze, Sophia Grace Haydukovich, Zachary Paul DeSpain and Aaliyah Nizhonii Nichols, and salutatorians Owen Thomas Hendricks, Brody Glenn Knight and Aayden D’Wayne Roland. As the final names were called, graduates rose from their seats in celebration, closing the evening with cheers, applause and fireworks over the Class of 2026.
After commencement, graduates were invited to continue the celebration at the annual Because We Care party, an all-night event organized as a safe and memorable graduation-night alternative for seniors. Because We Care parents raised more than $26,000 throughout the school year to provide free food, activities and prizes for the Class of 2026, with 81 seniors attending this year’s event. Every student who attended went home with prizes, and Mariah Hernandez won the grand prize, a 2013 Nissan Altima donated by Rey Rey Auto Sales. Organizers thanked the senior parents, local businesses and Winslow community members whose donations, volunteer work and support helped make the farewell celebration possible.
